Youth Camping

For youth organizations across Maryland seeking a dedicated and enriching outdoor experience, "Youth Camping" at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, MD, offers an exceptional opportunity. It's crucial to understand that this is not a public campground open to individual families or RVs. Instead, Kinder Farm Park provides a specialized youth campsite exclusively for organized youth groups, such as scout troops, church groups, or other recognized youth associations. This unique focus ensures a tailored environment designed for educational and recreational programming, all within the expansive and activity-rich Kinder Farm Park. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this specific camping offering, detailing its location, the services and rules tailored for youth groups, its key features, and how local Maryland organizations can utilize this valuable resource.

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park represents a vital resource for fostering outdoor skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature among young Marylanders. Being part of the larger Kinder Farm Park, campers benefit from access to a wide array of park amenities and educational programs, making each camping trip a holistic experience. For leaders of youth groups, understanding the specific guidelines and benefits of this site is essential for planning a successful and impactful outdoor adventure for their members. This detailed guide will help you discover why this dedicated youth camping area is an ideal choice for your next group outing in Anne Arundel County.

Youth Camping is located within the expansive Kinder Farm Park at 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA. This address places it centrally in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, making it highly accessible for youth groups from across the state. Millersville's location offers a convenient balance: it's far enough from major urban centers to provide a genuine outdoor experience, yet close enough to be easily reached by groups traveling from Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington D.C., and surrounding communities.

Kinder Farm Park itself is a 288-acre oasis amidst residential neighborhoods, providing a rich natural and recreational environment. Access to the park is well-defined, with clear signage and a main entrance that leads to various facilities, including the youth campsite. The park's well-maintained roads and ample parking (for vehicles attending the park generally) ensure smooth arrival and departure for youth groups. This prime location minimizes travel time, allowing more time for activities and learning, which is a significant advantage for youth organizations planning tightly scheduled outings. The park is easily reachable from major Maryland routes, ensuring that your journey to a memorable youth camping experience is straightforward and hassle-free.

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park provides specific services tailored to organized youth groups, focusing on basic camping needs within a supportive park environment. It is essential for group leaders to be aware of these offerings and the accompanying regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant camping experience.

• Tent Camping Only: The site is designated exclusively for tent camping. Pop-up trailers or RVs are not permitted.
• Water Access: A frost-free hydrant is available for treated water, providing a reliable source for drinking and other needs.
• Picnic Tables: A limited number of picnic tables are provided at the campsite for meal preparation and group gatherings.
• Designated Fire Rings: Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, ensuring safety and compliance with park regulations. Collection of firewood within the park is prohibited.
• Porta-Potty Restrooms: While the main park has public restrooms (e.g., at the Visitor Center and near the playground), the youth campsite area is equipped with porta-potty restrooms. It's important to note that the use of public restrooms for washing dishes or persons is prohibited, emphasizing the rustic nature of the campsite.
• Park Ranger Inspection: Upon arrival, groups are required to check in at the Park Office, and a park ranger will inspect the campsite and review specific regulations relevant to the outing. A post-departure inspection also occurs.
• Trash Disposal: Groups are responsible for cleaning their campsite and porta-potty before leaving, and all trash must be taken to the designated dumpster.
• Quiet Hours: Quiet must be maintained from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Permit System: Groups must be sponsored by a recognized organization, and the adult in charge will register the group and receive a camping permit, which must be displayed at the campsite.
• Maximum Group Size: The youth campsite has a maximum capacity of 30 campers per night.

It is crucial that groups adhere to these rules, including the adult-to-youth ratio (one adult age 21+ to ten youths age 17 and under), to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and to maintain eligibility for future permits.

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park offers unique features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for organized youth groups in Maryland. These attributes extend beyond the campsite itself, encompassing the broader park's resources and the experience it provides for young campers.

• Dedicated Youth-Only Campsite: The most significant highlight is that the campsite is exclusively for organized youth groups. This ensures an environment tailored to their needs, promoting group cohesion and a sense of shared adventure without interference from general public camping.
• Part of Kinder Farm Park: Campers benefit from being situated within a 288-acre park offering a diverse range of activities. This includes a working farm with animals (cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, geese), providing educational opportunities about agriculture and animal care.
• Extensive Trails: The park features a 2.4-mile paved perimeter trail and several miles of natural trails, perfect for walking, biking, and exploring nature. These trails offer opportunities for physical activity and nature observation.
• Educational Programs & History: Kinder Farm Park is rich in agricultural history, with a Farmhouse Museum, Tobacco Barn Museum, and demonstrations by the Chesapeake Forge Blacksmith Guild and Sawmill Club. This offers valuable learning experiences for youth groups.
• Recreational Amenities: Beyond camping, the park offers a large playground and tot-lot, picnic areas with grills, athletic fields, disc golf, and pavilion rentals. These amenities provide ample opportunities for group activities and free play.
• Supervised Environment: The requirement for mature adult supervision (age 21 and over) at a ratio of 1 adult to 10 youths, along with park ranger oversight, ensures a safe and structured environment for young campers.
• Affordable Fee: The youth group camping fee is a reasonable $40.00 per night, making it an accessible option for many organizations.
• Nature Immersion: Despite being near residential areas, the park provides an "open space oasis" with a mix of mature forest, meadows, ponds, and streams, offering opportunities for bird watching and connecting with nature.

For youth group leaders interested in reserving the Youth Camping site at Kinder Farm Park or inquiring about its specific guidelines and availability, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA

Phone: (410) 222-6115

Mobile Phone: +1 410-222-6115

It is essential to contact the Kinder Farm Park office directly to make reservations for the youth campsite. They can provide the most current information on availability, specific rules and regulations for youth group camping, and the process for obtaining the necessary permits. Given the specialized nature of this camping opportunity, direct communication is vital to ensure your group meets all requirements and has a successful and enjoyable outdoor experience.

For Maryland-based youth organizations, "Youth Camping" at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville represents an exceptional and highly suitable resource for outdoor education and group bonding. Its dedicated youth-only campsite, nestled within the expansive and amenity-rich Kinder Farm Park, offers a unique blend of nature immersion, educational opportunities, and a structured, safe environment specifically designed for young people. You don't need to travel far to find a place that actively supports the development of outdoor skills and teamwork among the youth of Maryland.

The park's diverse features, from its working farm and extensive trail system to its historical exhibits and recreational amenities, provide endless possibilities for enriching group activities. The clear rules and required adult supervision ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience for all participants. By utilizing this local resource, youth groups can provide their members with valuable outdoor experiences, foster a deeper connection to nature, and create lasting memories, all conveniently located in the heart of Anne Arundel County. Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park is truly an invaluable asset for nurturing the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and community leaders in Maryland.

Youth Camping

1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA