This is a free event and suitable for all ages. Enjoy camp activities of your choosing while exploring and commemorating the historically significant events that took place at Cosby Woods.

Sixty years ago on the 4th of July holiday in 1961, six African-American children and their chaperone were denied entry to the "whites only" Miller Park swimming pool. Rather than integrate its swimming pools, the City of Lynchburg chose to shut down all three of its municipal pools - the two "whites only" pools at Miller Park & Riverside Park, and the "blacks only" pool at Jefferson park.

Later that same day on July 4, 1961, in a spirit of racial justice, camp director Bev Cosby opened up Camp's newly constructed swimming pools welcoming all to swim, regardless of race, for Lynchburg's first interracial swimming experience.

Lynchburg today is not the City of Lynchburg of 1961 and we are proud of the strides we are making in being a more welcoming and inclusive city for all. These commemorations are not an indictment on Lynchburg in any way, but a time to pause, reflect, and learn from the past so we can continue to become better for the future.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure we have adequate planning and supplies. Attendees may also register at the door.

One adult in each party must sign health, safety, liability, and public image release waivers for everyone in that group prior to entry.

Attendees may bring a picnic meal along with their swim gear, lawn chairs, drinking water, and fishing gear.

This is an outdoor event. To help protect our youngest community members (children under age 12), we strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask when part of a larger, extended group at this event when social distancing may not be possible. However, masks may be removed when you are exploring with your own party on the premises.

Children must be supervised at all times by an adult guardian.

Parking at Camp KBY at 4415 Boonsboro Road is available for those with ADA constraints only. All others, please plan to park in the parking lot of Peakland United Methodist Church across the street from Camp at 4434 Boonsboro Road, and then carefully cross the street to make the short walk to KBY.

Certain activities such as the three different Ziplines might be very popular with children and adults; please be patient as we work to give everyone a chance to zip through!

To complete pre-registration online, please click the link to the form below.