Summer Nature Camp

About This Event

In our increasingly technological society, many children have never been more starved for meaningful contact with nature. By integrating playful exploration of our gardens with nature-themed arts and science lessons, our Summer Nature Camp unlocks entirely new avenues for kids to learn.

Whether for your own children or grandchildren, or for the children of your friends or family, our Nature Camp program can motivate, engage, and inspire any of the kids in your life.

Register here:

Session 1: June 03-07: Roots, Shoots, Flowers, and Fruits

Session 2: June 10-14: Life Cycle Exploration

Session 3: June 17-21: Myths and Fairytales of the Forest

Session 4: June 24-28: Birds of a Feather

HOLIDAY BREAK: July 01-05

Session 5: July 08-12: International Week, Celebrating Diversity
Join us as we explore the human-nature relationship around the world! We will learn about the ways in which humans have used and interacted with nature throughout time and across cultures to create shelter, tools, art, medicine, calendars, food, instruments, and much more. We will also “travel the world” by exploring the international garden microcosms throughout the Arboretum grounds!

Session 6: July 15-19: From Land to Sea, it’s all Connected
The world is full of interconnected systems! In this camp, we will discover the ways in which land, air, and aquatic creatures all play a part in their shared and separate ecosystems, and the ways in which seemingly unconnected elements all influence each other. While exploring the concepts of biomes, watersheds, and feedback loops, we will learn about waste awareness and water-wise solutions, and the role we as humans play in the matrix of it all.

Session 7: July 22-26: Marvelous Mammals
What are mammals? When did they first emerge? What makes them unique? Come discover the answer to these questions and more as we explore these amazing creatures from prehistoric times to present day! While learning about food chains, adaptations, and the specific mammals of the Arboretum, we will examine the various ways in which humans have been fascinated with and dependent upon their fellow mammals throughout time.

Session 8: July 29- August 02: The Earth, Our Friend
As many as 8.7 million different forms of life call planet earth home, including us! Join us as we explore the different inhabitants of our planet, learn about its evolution through time, and gain a deeper appreciation for all this very special home provides us with. We will learn about the importance of trees, discover the wonder of soil, worms, and pollinators, and prepare a meal together from food provided to us by the earth. While creating upcycled art and examining everything from the earth’s core to its place in the universe, we will finish this week of camp with a deeper understanding of how to care for our friend, the earth.

Session 9: August 05-09: From Storybooks to Real Life
Have you ever had tea with the Mad Hatter, or tried to give a pig a pancake? In this camp, you can! We will read a number of classic, inspiring children’s stories, and step inside their worlds to explore the art, science, and revelry found within each book’s pages.

Time: 9:00-3:30
Location: Ayres Hall Gate
Ages: 5-11