Summer Nature Camp

Program Details

Camp spaces are available on a first come first served basis. We do not maintain a wait list for sold out camps. 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.

SUMMER NATURE CAMP

AGES: 5-10 years old

COST PER WEEK: $400 members; $430 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.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

All volunteer opportunities have been filled for this year.

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WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- AMAZING ADAPTATIONS: June 3-7 –SOLD OUT!
What do stick insects, orchids, and poop-eating flowers have in common? They’ve all adjusted to their environments in amazing ways to improve their chances of survival! In this camp, we will explore the fascinating ways plants and animals have evolved while discovering some incredible plant adaptations right here in the garden.

Week 2- ONCE UPON A GARDEN: June 10-14 –SOLD OUT!
Have you ever discovered a secret garden, fed a hungry caterpillar, or found where the wild things are? In this camp, you can! We will read a number of nature-inspired children’s stories together each day and step inside their worlds to explore the art, science, food, and general revelry found within their pages. (*Reading skills not required, staff will read stories to campers.)

Week 3- FEATHERED FRIENDS: June 17-21 –SOLD OUT!
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to Arboretum camp! In this fun and silly camp, we will take a gander at the egg-citing world of birds and discover why these feathered friends are so important. While doing so, we will quack up with daily bird jokes and themed music …and of course, learn the chicken dance! Each day will leave your camper raven about the bird kingdom.

Week 4- BUDDING ARTISTS: June 24-28 –SOLD OUT!
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 paintings to wearable and edible art, get ready to create!

SCHOLARSHIP WEEK- WEIRD & WILD: July 1-5 –WAITLIST AVAILABLE!
We offer a limited number of scholarships to campers who would not be able to participate in camp without financial assistance. Applications will remain open until all spaces are filled. Scholarships are awarded to qualifying families on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process HERE.

Week 5- GARDEN CHEFS: July 8-12 –SOLD OUT!
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 of earth’s treats! (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

 Week 6- CRITTER CONNECTIONS: July 15-19 –SOLD OUT!
A bird perching on the teeth of a crocodile may look like a scary scene, but chances are these two unlikely companions are enjoying a mutually beneficial experience! In this camp, we will learn about symbiosis in the animal kingdom while discovering the seemingly unusual animal relationships that demonstrate this fascinating phenomena.

Week 7- THE MAGIC GARDEN: July 22-26 –SOLD OUT!
A magical world awaits! From fairytales and mythology to medicine and holidays, nature has inspired magical thinking throughout human history. While embarking on quests throughout the mystical gardens of the Arboretum, we will explore the folk beliefs and magical traditions sparked by nature across different cultures and develop our own nature-wizard traditions as well!

Week 8- TROPICAL TREASURES: July 29-August 2– SOLD OUT!
Come step inside the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world! In this camp, we will pull back the jungle vines to discover the spectacular treasures that live in earth’s tropical regions. From electric eels to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

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

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REFUND POLICY

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE REGISTERING:

Arboretum Nature Camp is a highly popular program. Space is limited and demand tends to far exceed availability. We ask that families please not register unless they are confident they can commit to their 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.

 – All camp cancelations must be requested no later than two weeks (14 days) in advance of the first day of the camp week start date in order to qualify for a partial refund. 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 of this policy.