E. Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center
Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Participant spots available: 20
This forested nature center offers outdoor enrichment and education for children, including a locally loved and long-established summer camp. It received three grants from VLCF in the Parks and Open Space category in 2019, 2020, and 2021 for a partial purchase of an open-space easement held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Join Camp KBY staff to tour the nature center and learn about their successful programming and recent capital campaign to revitalize and expand amenities. VOF staff will also be on hand to discuss the VLCF grants and easement development process for this urban, public-access project. After the tour, there will be time to explore the 1.25-mile walking trail through the property on your own or participate in a service activity. Limited slots may even be available to try out the zipline. The Camp is hosting a stop on Lynchburg’s annual Garden Tour the following day, so expect to see some lovely flowers!
Distance from Virginian: 6 minute drive / 2 miles
Parking: Please drive all the way into the camp property (you will pass buildings on the adjacent property owned by the Church of the Covenant first) until you reach the bus drop-off loop in front of the camp office. There are parking spots around the loop. If you would like a ride from The Virginian hotel, please email the trip leaders in advance and we can coordinate a carpool.
Meeting time: 1:00 PM at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center (4415 Boonsboro Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503); 12:45 for carpooling from The Virginian.
Duration: 3 hours. The first hour will include a tour and talk with the Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center staff. Afterward, there will be time to walk more of the trails through the property and/or assist with a service project for the Camp.
Accessibility: The Camp office building is ADA accessible. The walking trails are in good condition but there is some elevation change and uneven terrain.
You will need to bring: Comfortable shoes, Sufficient water, Rain and sun protection, Snacks
Leaders: Amy Bonnette, Executive Director of Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center
Contact for questions: Martha Beard, Virginia Outdoors Foundation – mbeard@vof.org and Ruth Babylon, Virginia Outdoors Foundation – rbabylon@vof.org