About This Event

SUMMER NATURE CAMP 2021

Embark on a new adventure at Arboretum Summer Nature Camp!  Designed to provide children with exciting hands-on experiences, our summer camp features a different theme each week that is sure to inspire children from all walks of life. By integrating playful exploration of our gardens with nature-themed science and art activities, Arboretum Nature Camp unlocks entirely new avenues for children to learn and explore at their own pace while fostering meaningful relationships with peers. From science experiments and cooking adventures to cultural discoveries and insect explorations, Arboretum Nature Camp offers something for everyone. One of the most affordable camps in the area, Arboretum Nature Camp helps to foster a connection with nature through unforgettable, joyful experiences. Come explore with us! For more information, please contact Brooke Applegate at brooke.applegate@arboretum.org or (626) 821-5897.

COST: Members- $400; Non-Members: $430

AGE REQUIREMENTS: Campers must fall between the ages of 5 and 10.

SCHEDULE:  Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm

COHORTS: Our summer camp program consists of two different cohorts of 12 children max. Siblings are ensured to be in the same cohort. While we take requests into consideration when assigning cohorts, we cannot guarantee friends will be grouped together.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Arboretum Nature Camp follows strict COVID-19 safety protocol.  All campers and camp families are required to adhere to this protocol. Please review these requirements HERE before registering.

*If your chosen week is sold out, please check back throughout the week. Spaces are released if/when families cancel, and will be available for registration on the website on a first-come, first-serve basis.

REGISTER HERE

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WEEKLY THEMES

Week 1- UNEARTHED:  June 7 – 11 

What mysteries lie beneath the surface of the earth? In this camp, we will explore the worlds of geology, paleontology, and archaeology, and discover what treasures and knowledge the earth provides if we just dig a little deeper.

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Week 2- NATURE LORE:  June 14 – June 18

Why is bamboo considered lucky? Why are butterflies seen as magical? Why are oak trees viewed as sacred? In this camp, we will explore the symbolism of these and more nature lore, and learn about the legends that inspire these beliefs.

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Week 3- BIO BLUEPRINTS:  June 21 – June 25

What do Velcro, airplanes, and swim suits have in common?  They are all examples of biomimicry!  In this camp, we will explore the amazing ways in which nature has inspired world-changing inventions, and do a little bioengineering of our own.

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Week 4- GARDEN CHEFS:  June 28 – July 2

Calling all little chefs!  It’s time to cook up a feast using the bounty of the earth.  In this camp, we will create delicious culinary masterpieces while learning about fruits, vegetables, spices, and more earthen edibles! (*Includes a $40 materials fee)                           

–SOLD OUT!

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Week 5- NATURE BUILDERS:  July 12 – July 16

Let’s build! In this camp, we will explore the architecture of nature and learn about the critters that design them, from beaver dams and bird nests to habitats made of mud and poop! We will also build some masterpieces of our own.

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Week 6- BUDDING ARTISTS:  July 19 – July 23

Let your inner artist bloom!  With the beautiful gardens as our inspiration, we will create daily masterpieces using natural materials and explore different mediums of art, from pottery and painting to flower crowns and living jewelry.

–SOLD OUT!

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Week 7- WATER WONDERS:  July 26 – July 30

Let’s get wet! In this camp, we will explore the wonderful world of water, from microscopic pond life and weird deep sea facts to conservation techniques and wacky science experiments.

–SOLD OUT!

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Week 8- CAMPER CURATED:  August 2 – August 6

For the first time ever, we are offering a camp personally curated by Arboretum campers. From making our own botanic “spa products” to learning wilderness survival skills, we will explore fun with hodgepodge of activities and lessons specifically requested by previous Arboretum campers.

REGISTER HERE

*CAMP REFUND POLICY: Participant cancellations made up to two weeks in advance of session start dates will qualify for a full refund. Cancellations made less than two weeks in advance will only qualify for a refund if the space can be filled by someone on the wait list. The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment or other circumstances which would make the class non-viable. If the Arboretum cancels a class, registrants will be offered a full refund. In the event any weeks are required to close due to public health concerns or mandates, refunds will be provided for the canceled dates.