Summer Nature Camp

About Summer Nature Camp

COVID-19 UPDATE

The Arboretum is committed to the safety of our community.  We have received approval from the LA County Department of Public Health to host modified onsite summer camps this year.  Per State and County guidelines, we will have a maximum of 11 socially-distanced campers per week, and several safety protocols will be in place.  All of our weekly camp spaces are currently spoken for, however if you are interested in joining the wait list for a specific camp, please email Brooke Applegate, Youth Education Manager, at brooke.applegate@arboretum.org, and include a) the camps you are interested in, b) your children’s names, c) your children’s ages, and d) the best phone number to reach you at.  If free spaces become available, they will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Please note that we currently have several people on each week’s wait list.  For additional information, please call (626) 821-5897.   

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 bizarre botany 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!

Please see Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more!

SUMMER 2020 CAMP THEMES:

REGISTRATION  -WAIT LIST ONLY 

Session 3: June 22-June 26 – Critter Camp
Session 4: July 6-July 10 – Magical Gardens Camp
Session 5: July 13-July 17 – Superplants Camp
Session 6: July 20-July 24 – Nature Detectives Camp
Session 7: July 27-July 31 – Garden Chefs Camp
Session 8: August 3-August 7 – Honey I Shrunk the Camp!
Session 9: August 10-August 14 – Budding Artists

Ages:
5-10

Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Cost per Week: 
Member: $360
Non-members: $400
*10% sibling discount available. Please contact Brooke Applegate (brooke.applegate@arboretum.org) after you register to receive the discount.

For questions, please call 626.821.4623.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What does a normal day of camp look like?
Arboretum Nature Camps combine guided, counselor-facilitated activities with free-choice group explorations of the gardens, allowing for both structured and unstructured fun.  We provide engaging, hands-on, themed experiences aimed at inspiring wonder and appreciation for nature while also naturally encouraging social-emotional learning through peer interaction.  Camper drop-off takes place between 8:45am and 9am, followed by 30 minutes of free-choice learning and play, after which we begin our counselor-facilitated activities.  Outdoor explorations of the gardens come next, followed by lunch. We have our next round of counselor-facilitated activities after lunch, followed by outdoor explorations of the gardens, and we end with 30 minutes of free-choice learning and play, during which campers have time to experiment with the various items they created throughout the day. Camp activities include such things as STEAM projects, crafts, science experiments, storytelling, and more.

Do you offer a complimentary snack?
No, we do not offer snacks for campers because of the growing concern for food allergies.  We recommend packing a snack for your camper.  We have a snack time at around 11am and 3:30pm.

Can we buy lunch?
Yes!  You can purchase lunch from the Peacock Café.  It is $5 per day.  We MUST receive all lunch order forms by noon on the Friday before your camp week.

What is the maximum number of campers per day at camp?
We can enroll up to 40 children in Spring Nature Camp.

Do you allow 4 year olds at camp?
4 year olds may register for camp if they will by 5 by the time they attend.

Do you allow 11 year olds at camp?
Because our program is specifically designed for the ages and stages of 4 to 10 year olds, we do not allow children 11 and over to enroll in camp. 

Do you offer refunds?
We will offer a refund two weeks before camp; however, there is a $25 processing fee.  If it is less than two week before camp, there are no refunds offered.

What kind of membership allows me to get the member discount?
Individuals holding memberships at the Family level and above receive a member discount for children within their household.  Individual, Senior, and Teacher/Student membership levels do not qualify for a camp discount.

Can I purchase camp for my friend’s children under my Family membership?
No- If you have a Family membership, the camp discount only applies to children within your household.

Can I get the 10% sibling discount if I purchase camp for my children and my nieces and nephews?
No- The 10% discount is only available to siblings within your household, not nieces, nephews, or other children.

What if my membership expires before the week of camp my child is registered for?
So long as your membership is active at the time of purchase, you will receive the member discount.

What if my child is sick?
If your child is sick, please call in and we will give you a credit for the day or days of camp your child misses.  There are no monetary refunds.

Do you offer extended care hours?
We will not be offering extended care outside of the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Do you offer half day, single day, or hourly options?
We do not.  Arboretum Nature Camp is only available for full-day session.

Are children always under supervision?
Of course! Your child is always being supervised at Nature Camp, including during free-choice play and outdoor garden explorations.

Do you ever leave the Arboretum grounds?
No, we always stay within the Arboretum’s grounds.

Can my friend pick up my child from camp?
Yes, only if you have notified us beforehand.  We must have this information prior to pick up. We will not release your child to someone who is not on your alternate pickup list.

*For more information, please contact Brooke Applegate (brooke.applegate@arboretum.org or 626.821.5897).