Summer Nature Camp

2026 Summer Nature Camp

Summer Nature Camps provides children with exciting hands-on experiences designed around a diverse array of educational subjects. Each week of summer camp focuses on a different nature-based theme, and combines playful explorations of the garden with art, science, and cooking activities. Providing exciting opportunities for children to learn and explore at their own pace while forming meaningful peer relationships, our program aims to inspire children to foster a connection with nature through unforgettable, joyful experiences.

SOLD OUT!

If spaces become available in sold out weeks, they will be opened on the website for public registration on a first come first served basis. We do not maintain a waitlist. Please monitor the website for any spaces released. 

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DATES: June 15 through August 14
AGES: 5-10 years old
COST PER WEEK: $425 members; $450 non-members
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
COHORTS: Our summer camp program consists of two separate cohorts of 24 children. Friend groupings are not guaranteed.
THEMES: Though some themes are identical to previous years, projects will be different.
Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.
Read our camp Code of Conduct HERE.

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING
Applications available here March 1st!

Camp spaces are available on a first come first served basis. We do not maintain a wait list for sold out summer camp weeks. If spaces become available in sold out weeks, they will be opened on the website for public registration. Please monitor the website for any spaces released.

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*For more information, please contact Brooke Applegate at brooke.applegate@arboretum.org or (626) 821-5897.

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Notice: Baldwin Lake Restoration Project

Please be advised that the Arboretum is undergoing an essential restoration of Baldwin Lake this summer. While the vast majority of the garden will remain accessible and camp will run as usual, please note the following:

Access & Noise: Certain areas near the lake will be closed, and there may be increased noise and construction traffic in designated zones.
Safety: The project is strictly fenced off, and we have implemented full safety measures to ensure a secure environment for all campers.
Program Continuity: Our curriculum and daily activities will remain unchanged, utilizing the many unaffected acres of our beautiful grounds.

Please consider these conditions before registering. By proceeding, you acknowledge your understanding of these site conditions and the ongoing renovation project.

REFUND POLICY

PLEASE NOTE THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING:

Summer Nature Camp is a highly sought-after program. Space is limited and demand far exceeds availability. Please do not register unless you are confident you can commit to your chosen dates.

THE FOLLOWING PENALTY FEES APPLY TO ALL CANCELATIONS WITHOUT EXCEPTION:

-All camp cancelations are subject to a $100 penalty fee per child per week regardless of when they are requested.

– In order to qualify for a partial refund, all camp cancellations must be requested no later than two weeks (14 days) in advance of the first day of the camp week start date. Partial refunds are registration fees minus the $100 penalty fee per child per week.

-Cancelations requested less than two weeks (14 days) in advance of the first day of the camp week start date will not qualify for a refund of any kind. 

-Your registration denotes your understanding and acceptance of this policy.