Weekly Interpretive Programming

Friday, July 19
12:30 PM – LIFE OF THE EARLY APPALACHIAN – Back before this area was known as the Breaks Interstate Park, early Appalachian families lived a very different life than we do in today’s day and age. Meet at the Counts Cabin right behind the Visitor’s Center to discover how early settlers used to survive in the Appalachian Mountains, including typical cabin life, early farming equipment, and much more. Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

2:00 PM – BECOME AN ANIMAL DETECTIVE – Animals tracks can be found all throughout the park but we need your help! Meet our Interpretive Staff in the museum inside the Visitor’s Center to put on your detective hat and solve the mystery of who’s been leaving tracks behind. Afterwards, you can make a bandana featuring your favorite animal’s track and take it home! COST IS $3.00 PER PERSON

3:30 PM – BURY THE HATCHET – Native Americans used to use the breaks in the mountains as a prime hunting and foraging location. Meet our Interpretive Staff in the museum inside the Visitor’s Center to discover other tools Native Americans used to live off the land around us! One of those tools was the tomahawk, which was great for close combat. In modern times, tomahawk throwing has become quite the sport. Our staff will teach you the art of tomahawk throwing, and you’ll get the opportunity to see if you can hit the bullseye! Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

 
Saturday, July 20
11:30 AM – LAKE TRAIL HIKE – Meet our Interpretive Staff at the Visitor’s Center to discover how the different trees, flowers, and wildlife that come to life as summer approaches. The hike will take place on the Lake Trail, which is rated easy but does have up- and downhill walking. Please be aware that roots do cover parts of the trail. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

2:30 PM – DOWN UNDER THE MOUNTAIN – Coal miners in Southwestern Virginia faced many challenges during their time down in the Appalachia Coal Mine. Join our Interpretive Staff at the Visitor’s Center museum to jump back in time a couple of decades ago to see what life was like for the average coal miner. Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

4:00 PM – JEOPARDY: THE BREAKS EDITION – How well do you know the Breaks Interstate Park? Come test your knowledge as you join us for a riveting game of Jeopardy! All answers can be found on the park’s website (www.breakspark.com) so go online, check out the information, and see how well you can remember the answers under pressure. Bring your family and friends to compete in a fun-filled educational game! Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

7:30 PM – BRING THE HEAT: A HISTORY OF FIRE CAMPFIRE – The discovery of fire has been important to humans since the dawn of time. Creating a fire has evolved over the last millennia in the same way humans have. Join our Interpretive Stage at the Interpretive Stage next to the basketball court in Campground B to learn the different ways to make a fire starting with rubbing two sticks together and ending with a unique, modern craft that you can make at home! And, of course, there’ll be time to enjoy some s’mores. Our campfires are a great opportunity for guests to be acquainted with the park. Feel free to ask our Interpretive Staff about any other events or activities are available during your stay! Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

 
Sunday, July 21
4:30 PM – TYING IN PATTERNS TO NATURE (CRAFT) – Go on a Scavenger Hunt to
discover all the patterns nature has to offer! We all tend to think that many things happen in nature randomly. Join our Interpretive Staff in the Visitor’s Center to explore the very possibility that patterns are an integral part of nature. Collect some evidence along the way and use your new discovery of natural patterns to create a souvenir bracelet to remember your walk on the wild side! Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – ROAMING RANGER – Our Interpretive Staff will be posted at the Visitor’s Center to be ready and able to give impromptu history or nature-related programs. They can give you a glimpse of the past with interesting history of the Counts Cabin, what life was like for the early Appalachian settler, or can show you around the Visitor’s Center museum and discuss the distinguishing traits of our wildlife neighbors in the park. Children 12 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. FREE ACTIVITY