Hemlock Overlook
 
Name Change
Hemlock Overlook announces its official name, Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education, as approved by GMU Provost Sterns and GMU Dean Gorrell of the College of Education and Human Development.

Center Director, Susan Johnson explains, "The phrase Experiential Education is more in line with the center's mission which is to facilitate, educate and involve individuals and organizations through experiential team building and environmental education while fostering growth and leadership development.

The old name, Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education, was somewhat misleading in that the center does not offer outdoor recreation activities that are commonly associated with outdoor recreation, i.e.: rock climbing, kayaking, and white water rafting. Opportunities offered at the center focus on what is generally known as experiential learning. Internships, practicum assignments, research projects, a team development course, corporate training and student leadership opportunities are examples of what we offer to our clients."
 
Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education is a jointly operated by George Mason University and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

The Center provides an opportunity for people of all ages to participate in Experiential and Outdoor Education activities. Hemlock Overlook is located within 5,000 acres of Regional Park land along the western border of Fairfax County, Virginia (Washington DC Suburbs). The center is rich in regional Civil War history along the banks of Bull Run and offers overnight accommodations and hiking trails in addition to our 42 element Low and High Challenge Course including our newest high element: Total Team Challenge™.

The Center is open six days a week throughout the year to serve public and private groups. Each year more that 25,000 people from public and private schools, religious groups, community groups, sports teams, corporations, and professional organizations, as well as local, state, and federal government and military agencies participate in Hemlock Overlook programs.

Nearby Fountainhead Regional Park includes water-based activities such as boating, angling, and nature study, allowing Hemlock Overlook to expand its educational offerings. In addition, the Marina serves the general public by offering river access for canoes and small watercraft. For more information see http://www.nvrpa.org/fountainhead.html

Mission & Purpose
Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education will facilitate, educate and involve individuals and organizations through experiential team building and environmental education while fostering growth and leadership development.

Vision Statement
Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education will be a leader in the field of experiential education while fostering healthy and rewarding relationships between individuals and their communities.

More Information
For additional information on the programs and facilities at Hemlock Overlook please browse through this site.

Call (703) 993-4354 for information not listed on this website or to book a program.