Join us for our 27th year offering outdoor educational experiences for the whole family! This program is a collaboration between University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Departments of Fish and Wildlife, and Forests, Parks and Recreation.

Outdoor Family Weekend aims to inspire a better understanding of environmental conservation, safety, and fun in the outdoors among the general public.

Families will arrive and make camp on Friday. Classes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday morning. Expert instructors begin each class with the basics, providing hands-on experience and encouraging participants to ask questions. Topics range from outdoor cooking, orienteering, and firecrafting to fishing, archery, canoeing, and basic firearm safety.

Download the 2025 Program Book below for details on the schedule, special activities, and 2025's class listings. And follow us on Facebook! 

2025 Outdoor Family Weekend Program Book (PDF)

Registration will open on June 9, 2025.

Stillwater State Park, Groton State Forest, Groton, Vt.

Stillwater State Park is located on Groton Lake in 28,000-acre Groton State Forest. It has 17 lean-to sites, and 62 tent/trailer sites. There are some excellent sites and lean-tos on the shores of the lake where you can boat right up to your campsite. Stillwater also has a boat launch and a beach, and just down the road is the Forest Nature Center. Close to the campground is the beginning of many of the 22 miles of hiking trails that meander through Groton State Forest.

• Program: Holly Ferris, 802-656-7562 or holly.ferris@uvm.edu
• Registration Questions: : Kirsten Waskuch, (802) 656-7566 or 866-260-5603 (toll-free in Vt.), or Kirsten.Waskuch@uvm.edu