Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024

Happy kids take a break from swinging on the hammock to smile for the camera.

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024

A group gathers in sun spackled forest to learn about mushrooms at Farm Camp at Backbone Farm
So much fun learning at Farm Camp! The mushroom foray with Max is always a favorite.

So much fun!

Kids experience the wonders of nature through farming, fun and artistic expression during our Kids Summer Farm Day Camp

near Deep Creek Lake.

Day Campers can expect to get their hands dirty as they learn what it’s like to be an organic farmer in this 4-day kids summer day camp. They will learn how to grow vegetables, prepare simple, fresh food, learn about sustainable farming methods and the benefits of humane livestock management, go on a mushroom hunt, discover snakes and salamanders and have time to make, create and work as a team to design an interactive, 3D Dream Farm.

Backbone FarmFARM-DAY-CAMP-2023-1 happy pigs in a fieldA group gathers in sun spackled forest to learn about mushrooms at Farm Camp at Backbone Farm

Kids Summer Day Camp 2024

It’s an action packed 4-day kids summer camp on the farm. Kids experience farm life and nature during our fabulous fun learning adventure. Lots of laughs, new adventures and skill development at the same time. Grow, learn, play, explore and more!

Call Carol at 301-746-4083 with any questions.

We are so excited for this year!

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2024
July 8th to 11th

Daily 10am-4:30pm
Ages 5 to 13
Only one session and limited space.

A group of Happy Campers finding and learning about snakes on the farm.
Reptiles-and-Amphibians-with-the-Feral-Nut-All-Earth-Eco-Tours-photo

Check out Mother Earth News Article on Backbone Farm.
“Growing kids, food and skills”

Kids Summer Day Camp 2024 is a collaboration between Backbone Farm and All Earth Eco Tours..

Families also love to visit the Farmers Market in Oakland on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Our Kayak Tours are super fun, relaxing and beautiful. Check them out. https://allearthtours.com/kayaking-tours-deep-creek-lake/

Maybe Birds of Prey are your thing! Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake – All Earth Eco Tours (allearthtours.com)

And just about everyone loves our Sankes and Salamanders program! Reptiles & Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut – All Earth Eco Tours (allearthtours.com)

Savage Rez Kayak Tours

Are you looking for a fun, relaxing, and eco-friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of western Maryland?

If so, you’ll love our Savage Reservoir Kayak Tours! Paddle on a pristine mountain lake with no motorboats and no development, through the clear water while you soak in the views of the forests and mountains. You’ll also encounter wildlife like eagles, turtles, cormorants. deer and sometimes bears. You’ll learn about the ecology and history of the area from our friendly and knowledgeable outdoor guides. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have a kayak tour for you. Book your tour today and discover why we are one of the best outdoor experiences in Garrett County in far western Maryland. 🌲🛶🐾 

Our tour is 5 Star Trip Advisor Rated. PLEASE READ OUR TRIP REVIEWS
  • Western Maryland Kayaking Tours

 

Call us at 301-746-4083

Tours Run every day but Mondays. 10am – 12:30pm

  Savage Rez Kayak Tours near Deep Creek Lake are just a very scenic 30-minute drive from the McHenry area into the heart of the Savage River State Forest and Big Savage Mountain.

Discover a tour where you hear the birds sing, see the eagles soar, and have fun with no worries about boat traffic or crazy wakes. We get you started right and the our Savage Rez Kayak Tours are the perfect way to explore and discover the sport of kayaking surrounded by peaceful scenery and quiet waters. Beginners, first timers and experienced paddlers are welcome.

Kayaking-Tours-near- Deep -Creek- Lake -with- All- Earth- Eco- ToursA beautiful mountain lake with a group of kayakers relaxing in yellow, green and blue boats.
Kayaking Tours near Deep Creek Lake with All Earth Eco Tours are fun, peaceful and oh so beautiful too.

                                                      CALL for RESERVATIONS:

                                                                301-746-4083

$75 Per Person – Kids 12 and under $65 ~there is a 4 person or $300 minimum that must be met to run a tour each day. Smaller groups are often able to join others to make this possible, so call!

Tour Fee Includes: Guides, Kayak (single or double), Paddle, Lifejacket, Snack and a Drink

“Just a Fantastic Adventure…even getting to the launch site is beautiful! Spent a gorgeous summer afternoon kayaking the Savage Reservoir (a very inaccurate description, since the reservoir does not allow motorized boats and I failed to see any anaconda…) with Crede and Hunter guiding my family and I through some beautiful scenery on glass-still water….Their knowledge of the local and surrounding areas is deep and rich, and their easy personalities made the trip that much more enjoyable and memorable. We will return.   Bill Ruffalo – Google Reviews 5 Star

How to Make Reservations to experience a Savage Rez Kayak Tour:

Making reservations is easy. We give you all the information you need and answer any questions you may have. We go over what to wear, what to bring, how to get to the put-in meeting place and we gather all the info we need to make your trip special. We give you directions or email them to you. call 301-746-4083

PLEASE NOTE:  If you don’t have much flexibility on the date of your tour – book early. 

Do we want single or double kayaks?

We have a wide variety of sit-inside single and double kayaks to suit your preferences and comfort. You can choose to paddle a single kayak by yourself or a double kayak with a partner. Both options have their advantages and challenges. Single kayaks are easier for most people because you only have to coordinate with yourself. You can paddle at your own pace and direction. Single kayaks are also more agile and responsive. However, single kayaks require more strength and stamina, especially if you are a beginner or a child. Double kayaks are great for couples, families, or friends who want to share the experience. You can help each other paddle and balance the kayak. Double kayaks are also more stable and spacious. However, double kayaks require good communication and teamwork, as you have to paddle in sync and agree on where to go. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best kayak for you and your group when you call to book your tour and our guides will also provide some gentle coaching on how to paddle effectively to have the best time out there. Whether you choose a single or a double kayak, you will have a fun and memorable adventure on the water.

Active, gung-ho kids can usually handle a single kayak starting at age 9 or 10 years old. A good breakfast and adequate hydration can help everyone. If they tire out, our guides are always there to provide a short tow if necessary. Extra-large individuals may find paddling a double by themselves more stable and comfortable. Our doubles are very easy to paddle on your own and you have no trouble keeping up with the rest of your group. Please let us know if individuals are coming that exceed 275lbs.

IMPORTANT TOUR LINKS

Kayaking Tours near Deep Creek Lake: Photo Gallery

Directions to the Summer Meeting Place

Download The Release Form You may print out and sign the release form and bring it with you. We’ll have forms at check in if needed.

Deep Creek Lake Local Links and Resources including Lodging.

Summer 2023 Trip Format and Pricing – Please Read

  • TRIP PRICING: The Standard Tour Fee is $75 for adults and $65 for kids 12 and under. Trip includes: a guide or guides, all equipment and a cold refreshment and snack after the tour. Minimum tour price is $300.00. If you have 4 people, even if two of them are children, you will still need to meet our meet our minimum tour cost. We are happy to take 1 person if no one else signs up that day, but the trip fee for only 1 person, not booking a private tour is $300, 2 people $150.00 ea., 3 people $100.00 ea. At 5 plus people, it goes back to $75.00 for adults and $65.00 for kids 12 and under.  So... if your small group gets added on to, your rate drops accordingly. Our maximum number of tour participants is 18.  A completely private tour is $1300.00. Tips for guides are always appreciated and are not included in this pricing.

  • WHAT TO WEAR: We suggest bathing suits under quick drying shorts and a rash guard or t-shirt, hats, sunglasses. Suitable footwear such as water shoes or river sandals (sneakers ok, but not your best sparkling clean pair, Flip flops aren’t the greatest for walking on the rocky shoreline.) Dress for the day’s weather which means be prepared. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker and rain gear if rain is in the forecast or if there is a chance of T-storms (our normal summer forecast)
  • TRIPS RUN RAIN OR SHINE. Don’t worry about the weather report.

When kayaking in cooler weather, you want to dress warmly and avoid getting wet. Here are some tips on what to wear for a comfortable and safe kayaking experience:

  • Wear long underwear under your shorts and nylon wind pants. These will keep you warm and dry if you get splashed.
  • Wear a nylon windbreaker or a Gore-Tex jacket if it’s raining. These will protect you from the wind and water.
  • Wear yoga pants under your shorts if you prefer. Some people find them more comfortable and flexible than long underwear.
  • Wear layers on your upper body. A long sleeve polypropylene shirt, a lightweight wool sweater, and a knit hat are good options. A hat will help you keep your head warm, which is important for regulating your body temperature.
  • Avoid cotton clothing. Cotton absorbs water and can make you feel colder and wetter. Choose synthetic or wool fabrics instead.

Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. You’ll be glad to have dry clothes to change into after your kayaking adventure. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s a water sport and most rain is short lived. Drizzly days are THE BEST for spotting wildlife. Bring a change of clothes if wet weather is in the forecast.

  • We expect you to show up at the put in regardless of the weather forecast. Reservoir is 1,000 ft lower in elevation than Deep Creek Lake so weather can be overcast at the reservoir but raining at DCL. Chance of thunderstorms is usually our normal summer weather pattern. Scattered thunderstorm forecast will NOT cancel the tour.
  • Our Kayak Tours meet at 10am and are done by 12:30. It’s about a 30 minute scenic drive from Deep Creek Lake. Early morning, afternoon, evening, special start times and full moon tours may be available for private tours. Fall tour start times are usually delayed to let the day warm up. Be sure you know the start time.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: WE REQUIRE AT A MINIMUM, 24 HOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE OR NOTIFICATION IF YOUR NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS DROPS. If you show up with less than you reserved for your tour or you cancel your trip the day of your tour, you will be charged. We are turning people away on most tours. If you don’t show up for a tour you reserved for whatever reason, you will be charged. BE SURE YOU REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND DIRECTIONS TO THE MEETING PLACE AT THE SAVAGE RIVER RESERVOIR. Getting there on time for your tour is your responsibility.

Guide gratuities are customary on outdoor adventures and our guides work hard to show you a good time, take great care of you, teach you, help you, look out for you and in the cleaning of gear and keeping our trips as safe as possible. Cash tips are great. If you want a gratuity on your credit card just let us know; they are great too.

“If you liked your ride, please tip your guide.”

 

Undeniably, one of everyone’s favorite parts of our tour is that usually you get lucky and see the resident pair of bald eagles and oftentimes their offspring too! It never gets old.

Birds of Prey Programs near Deep Creek Lake

Don’t miss our Birds of Prey Programs near Deep Creek Lake this summer with Master Falconer Deron Meador of Adventures with Raptors in the beautiful town park in Friendsville, Maryland. Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake

Learn about hawks, owls and falcons in this two-hour, fun learning program with Deron and Sherry Meador of Adventures with Raptors.  So many birds, so much fun.

See these amazing Bird of Prey up close, in person and be able to take pictures. A truly fantastic time to share with family and friends. It’s the perfect activity for kids and adults.

BIRDS OF PREY PROGRAM near Deep Creek Lake

  • SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION:
  • Where: Friendsville Town Park – near the stage, beside The Community Center. Turn left just after the Bear Creek Bridge into Parking Area for the Community Center, Community Drive.
  • When: Tuesdays 10:00am until 12:00 noon beginning June 6th.
  • RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED– Please do not make reservations unless you are serious about coming. We usually end up turning folks away who really want to come. Please cancel the day before if you can’t make it. Please arrive early so we can start on time.
  • Cost: $20 per person 
  • Phone 301-746-4083 for more information and reservations
  • Program space is limited.
  • Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful riverside town park after the program. And please remember to Leave No Trace. HTTPs://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
  • If small children get antsy, don’t worry, there’s lots of room to let them run around.
  • This beautiful park offers: a big playground, picnic areas, sand volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball court, fitness trail, paved walking and biking trail, and a ramp for river and beach access.
  • Unsurprisingly, people often wonder just how many different Bird of Prey there are. Here, then is a pretty fun list for you to look at. A List Of Birds Of Prey Or Raptors – WorldAtlas
  • We look forward to seeing you and the birds do too!

 

Riverwalk Wednesdays

Beautiful dogwood flowers blooming along the Youghiougheny River
Riverwalk-Wednesdays dogwoods flowering

Riverwalk Wednesdays are fun and beautiful and relaxing too!

Meet at our office in the beautiful town of Friendsville, an easy and short drive from the lake.  https://goo.gl/maps/44anwdBQoc6ySnR56?coh=178573&entry=tt Explore Maryland’s only Designated Wild and Scenic River Wild River Designation (maryland.gov) We walk for a little over a mile, having fun stopping to smell and learn about the flowers, trees, frogs, birds and any other fascinating things we find along the way. We take breaks to laugh, talk, take pictures and drink water too. It’s truly a fun experience for the whole family. Nature therapy at its finest. Pack a lunch and enjoy it in peaceful serenity at our midway turnaround point.

Think of our Riverwalk Wednesdays as a fun, gentle adventure for the whole family.

A family in the woods, enjoying time together in the beautiful Rhododendrons.
Riverwalk-Wednesdays-family-in-                              rhododendrons

Sometimes, it can seem like a very long country mile, when we are walking upstream (we actually travel about 1.25 miles each way) but once we get to our spot, known as the Great Ledge, without doubt, everyone agrees, it was worth the walk.

A woman sits by the river, soaking up the beauty while she soaks her feet.
Riverwalk-Wednesdays-a-perfect-time-to-get-your-feet-wet

This great little area has a sandy beach for fun in the sun, nice places to sit in the shade, some places where the water is fairly deep and the current can be strong and several shallow areas for wading, and some excellent sound therapy as a bonus.  The rapid here is beautiful. The walk follows the abandoned railroad grade that runs alongside the river. Your guide will point out natural features and tell you about the some of the fascinating history of our area.

This is a wonderful opportunity to take some amazing photos to share with your family and friends and a great chance to relax by the river or play in the water and on the sandy beach.

Mossy log in a beautiful hardwood forest.
Riverwalk-Wednesdays-mossy-log

Don’t miss our Riverwalk Wednesdays! Call and book yours today. 301-746-4083

  • Wednesdays starting June 7th throughout the summer. 
  • weekends in May can be booked, just call to make reservation.
  • Easy Walk~ Tour Lasts 3 hours, with 45 minutes of gentle walking each way.
  • Riverwalk Wednesdays explore the Yough River Wild and Scenic Corridor. Hike departs from Friendsville,
  • All Earth Headquarters 720 Morris Avenue, Friendsville, Maryland.
  • We are happy to help make suggestions about what to bring.
  • A scenic, 20-minute drive from Deep Creek Lake, McHenry Area.
  • Cost: $100 for 1 to 4 people. Each additional person $20.00.
  • Call to schedule a tour today. 301-746-4083 
  • If we are out, please leave a message. We will return your call.
  • This easy relaxing trip is ideal for families and folks of most ages. The trail is even stroller friendly (sort of).
  • What to wear and bring: Dress for walking and bring an extra layer and/or raincoat depending on weather. Sneakers are fine. But…may get wet. SURDY footwear that can and probably will get wet and dirty is highly recommended. Flip flops are not a good idea.
  • Many folks wear bathing suits under clothes. Small daypack suggested. We’ll help you on what to wear when you call.
  •  River sandals or water shoes are great for wading in the river. Pack those!
  • Bring a lunch or snack to enjoy. 
  • Wear baseball hats or hats with wide brims to help keep gnats out of your eyes.
  • Bug juice, sunscreen. Bugs are not usually bad.
  • Cameras and phones for picture taking.
  • Towel
  • Water Bottle

     Private Tours can be booked for additional fees.

Many who love this walk, are enthralled by our Birds of Prey Program. Birds of Prey Programs near Deep Creek Lake
 If you or your kids love snakes and salamanders and all things creepy crawly, like we do, then you can’t miss our Sunday Fundays with The Feral Nut. Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake with the Feral Nut.
 
If you are yearning for a little more downtime, you can easily schedule one of our Yoga to You classes. Let a certified yoga instructor come to your vacation home and you don’t even need to worry about putting shoes on or how to get there.  So great! Deep Creek Lake -Yoga to You

Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake with the Feral Nut.

Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes near Deep Creek Lake with The Feral Nut, are just plain, FUN!

Bring your family, friends or group down to Friendsville for an afternoon of FUN LEARNING and real life encounters with snakes and salamanders.

Pack a picnic and enjoy it before or after our programs at the beautiful Friendsville, Community Park.

If you prefer that someone else does the cooking, then check out The Water Street Cafe or the Friendsville Public House. You may even want to explore the town’s interactive history tour while you’re here. https://friendsville.org/historytour/

And our kayak tours Kayaking Tours near Deep Creek Lake. are always a big hit. Our tours are both an adventure and a wonderful, peaceful experience on a beautiful, undeveloped mountain lake.

Families are stocked that our Birds of Prey program will be back this summer, starting June 6th, every Tuesday through August. Birds of Prey Program near Deep Creek Lake

Additionally, you will also find Mark doing what he loves at our very popular and super fun Farm Camp with our friends out at Backbone Food Farm. The dates of the camp this year are July 17th – 20th. Farm Camp is undeniably one of the most fun things we do all year. Check it out and then send your kids to us and let us help them grow.

Kids Summer Farm Day Camp 2023

In short, a walk with The Feral Nut  is a fantastic experience. A true Maryland snake and amphibian lover, AKA Mark Pankowski’s joy of the natural world and of reptiles and amphibians in particular, is contagious.  Spend 2 1/2 hours exploring and discover what reptilian and amphibian wonders can be found near our rivers, creeks and woods.  If creepy crawlies are there, the Feral Nut will find them. Mark’s knowledge of Maryland reptiles and amphibians is extensive, as can be seen by his 14K plus Instagram followers who can attest to his reptilian expertise and mad skills.

Reptiles &; Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut

An Adventure with the Feral Nut

“You will certainly learn how to find reptiles and amphibians in your own time- from simple methods to conditions and weather to look for, to ideal habitats and beyond. I’m happy to answer any and all questions; you will be inspired!” Mark Pankowski- AKA The Feral Nut

So, don’t miss our Snakes and Salamanders Sunday Funday guided hikes! They are fun, fabulous and a little bit freaky too.

  • Family Wildlife Hike Autumn Glory Weekend, October 11th

 

54th Annual Autumn Glory Festival Weekend – Reptiles & Amphibians Adventure w/ The Feral Nut

Snakes-and- Salamanders -Sunday- Fundays- guided -hikes- near Deep- Creek- Lake Hike leader Mark Pankowski in beautiful Garrett County, holding a very large snake

Adventure with The Feral Nut (Mark Pankowski,Rockville, MD)
This 2 1/2 hour family nature walk and wildlife discovery program features an exploration of the Yougiogheny Wild and Scenic River with snake and reptile guru and All Earth Eco Tours guest instructor, The Feral Nut (14K Instagram Followers).

You will explore with Mark learning about and looking for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians along Marylands’s only Wild and Scenic River Trail, in Friendsville Maryland. You will discover and learn about likely hiding places and the ways and habits of our creepy and crawly animal relatives. Sometimes we go up river and sometimes down.

  • Family Wildlife Hike Autumn Glory Weekend, October 11th

Expect to maybe get a tad dirty and be sure to bring cameras for photos. Mark is an expert at finding creatures both great and small so this promises to be a great time for young and old wildlife fans and nature lovers. Dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear. Program runs rain or shine.

My name is Mark Pankowski, I/m from Rockville, Maryland. I’ve always enjoyed looking for critters out in nature, but I especially got into the “exotic” ones over the last 3 or 4 years. My favorite snake is the Eastern Hognose, named for their upturned snout (used for burrowing!) but known for their ability to play dead & their insane colors! Every animal truly has an incredible story, and I love telling them. Insane evolutionary processes, weird behaviors, crazy interactions with humans over the last few decades. Even if you don’t consider yourself a reptile nerd, you will be intrigued.

Covid 19 safety precautions in full effect – masks required when walking in a single file and when social distancing cannot be maintained.