2007 Park Events

Light Your Fire
Location: Campfire Amphitheater

Event Description: Head to the campfire amphitheater every Tuesday afternoon this summer to test your fire-starting skills using our flint and steel. Children under 15 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.

Date/Hours: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 ( 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Past Times
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: Come by the visitor center to take part in 19th century customs and games.

Date/Hours: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 ( 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Speak to a Suttler
Location: Campground

Event Description: Every Tuesday afternoon, an 1830s settler dressed in period garb visits the campground. Stop him and chat about life as it was in the 19th century.

Date/Hours: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 ( 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Colonial Candles
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: (Held on Wednesdays.) Since the discovery of fire, there’s been a way to light up the night. Learn to make candles as the colonists did. Use a period candle mold to make your own candle to take home. Pre-registration is required at our main fffice. $2 per candle. Fee.

Date/Hours: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - Wednesday, June 27, 2007 ( 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)

Critter Keepers
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: Catch crickets and other dietary delights to feed our visiting critters. Become a part of our Critter Keeper Crew. Help maintain the habitats and chart animal behavior and characteristics. Held Wednesdays from 4 to 4:45 p.m. and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

Date/Hours: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - Friday, August 31, 2007

CSI: Creek Scene Investigation
Location: Campground Overflow Parking Lot

Event Description: Get your feet wet and cool off investigating the vast array of life in a stream. Catch crawdads, salamanders, frogs, etc. We supply the nets, you supply old shoes and an explorers spirit. Pre-registration required at our main office. $2 per person. Held on Thursdays. Fee.

Date/Hours: Thursday, May 31, 2007 - Thursday, August 30, 2007 ( 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

Classic Campfire
Location: Campfire Amphitheater

Event Description: What's a camping trip without a campfire? Join us on Friday evenings, weather permitting, for an hour of relaxing games and an FAQ about the featured "Critter of the Month." This is a great way for the family to unwind after a busy day and, of course, there will be marshmallows to roast. Come early for a hayride. In June and July, it's from 8 to 9 p.m. In September, it's from 7 to 8 p.m., and in October from 6 to 7 p.m.

Date/Hours: Friday, June 1, 2007 - Friday, October 19, 2007

Happenin' Hayride
Location: Campfire Amphitheater

Event Description: Join us on Friday evenings, weather permitting, for a relaxing ride along a wooded trail rarely used by guests. Be sure to stay for the Classic Campfire immediately after. In June and July, from 7 to 8 p.m.; in September from 6 to 7 p.m.; and in October, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Date/Hours: Friday, June 1, 2007 - Friday, October 19, 2007

Beach Kids
Location: Beach Pavilion

Event Description: Enjoy a changing series of nature programs. Come visit with beautiful butterflies, box turtles and the occasional snake.

Date/Hours: Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Saturday, September 1, 2007 ( 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Gyoataku! (Fish Printing)
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: Take home a souvenir of your visit. If you haven’t experienced this centuries-old art firsthand, you’re in for a treat, albeit a messy one. Pre-register at the office. Held on Saturday mornings. Be sure to dress for messy fun! $5 includes a T-shirt to keep. Fee.

Date/Hours: Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Saturday, September 1, 2007 ( 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)

Junior Explorers
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: For children ages 7 and older. This weekly series offers youngsters a chance to explore their natural surroundings much like the colonists of Jamestown did. This summer's programs include Basic Survival, Flint and Steel, Tan Your Hide, Basket Case, Snakes Alive! and more. Come early on Friday morning to register. Snack included. It's all free thanks to the generous sponsorship and volunteers provided by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Date/Hours: Friday, June 15, 2007 - Friday, August 24, 2007 ( 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Treasure Hunt
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: “There’s treasure in them thar hills!” Become an expert explorer as you learn to navigate with nothing more than a compass. Join a park interpreter on the orienteering course near visitor center. Held Tuesdays.

Date/Hours: Tuesday, July 3, 2007 - Tuesday, July 24, 2007 ( 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)

Trash or Treasure?
Location: Visitor Center's Discovery Room

Event Description: You decide what makes the best building material as you build your own nest. Discover the hidden housing hazards facing our feathered friends. Held Wednesdays.

Date/Hours: Wednesday, July 4, 2007 - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 ( 2:30 PM - 3:25 PM)

Snakes Alive!
Location: Visitor Center's Discovery Room

Event Description: Join a park interpreter for an in-depth look into the fascinating lives of some local reptiles. Gain and understanding and qualm fears as we sort fact from fiction and venomous from harmless. Held Tuesdays.

Date/Hours: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 ( 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Critter Tracking
Location: Visitor Center

Event Description: Ever wonder about the tracks you see? Join us to explore animal signs of all kinds and make a plaster track to take home. Pre-registration required; $2 includes a plaster track. (Held every Wednesday within this span.) Fee.

Date/Hours: Wednesday, August 1, 2007 - Wednesday, August 29, 2007 ( 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)