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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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208933 [meta_value] => 2025-06-16 09:00:00 [day] => 16 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 0 ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208939 [meta_value] => 2025-06-17 09:00:00 [day] => 17 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 1 ) [2] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208945 [meta_value] => 2025-06-18 09:00:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 2 ) [3] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 44697 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2021-12-23 09:15:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-12-23 17:15:54 [post_content] =>

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 5:30-6:45pm

Take a break from your busy week and flow into tranquility in the serene setting of the Arboretum. Our mid-week all-levels flow yoga class offers a perfect opportunity to reset, unwind, and reconnect. This gentle yet invigorating session combines breath, movement, and mindful stretches to help release tension, improve flexibility, and restore balance. Whether you're new to yoga or have an established practice, the peaceful surroundings of the Arboretum provide the ideal backdrop for deepening your practice and rejuvenating your body and mind. Let the natural beauty guide you through a calming evening of flow and restoration. *Please bring your own yoga mat! Cancellation/Reschedule/Refund Policy: Cancellations or reschedules must be requested in advance of one week prior to the program start date in order to qualify for a refund or reschedule. Cancellations or reschedules requested within 7 days of the class start date will not qualify for a refund or reschedule. The Arboretum does not offer credit or reschedules for missed classes. If you are unable to cancel within the required refund window, please consider your program fee a donation to the garden. Your registration confirms your understanding of and agreement with this policy.  About the instructor: Stephanie Vosper has been practicing and teaching yoga since 2010.  She has worked in varied settings, from festivals, to private lessons to 24 Hour Fitness, where she worked until gyms closed in 2020.  She is currently thrilled to be part of the yoga team at Stronghold Climb LLC where she has been for the past 2 years.    Stephanie holds a Bachelor degree in Health Science and completed her 200 YRT in 2015 with Live Love Teach. Stephanie is passionate about yoga and will be practicing it until beyond her dying day, because yoga is union with mind, body and spirit and has enhanced her life immeasurably.  Stephanie loves nothing more than to share her knowledge and love of yoga to foster wellbeing amongst all.                     *This class may be taught by a substitute teacher without advance notification to participants should the need arise.  Questions? Please call the Education Department at 626.821.4623 or email at education@arboretum.org. Click here for Morning Yoga dates [post_title] => Yoga in the Garden – Evenings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => yoga-in-the-garden-evenings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-26 10:19:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-26 17:19:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=44697 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3303441 [meta_value] => 2025-06-18 17:30:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 5:30PM [theRow] => 106 ) [4] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 67262 [post_author] => 23 [post_date] => 2025-04-19 18:08:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-20 01:08:02 [post_content] =>

Final Twilight this Wednesday! 

Twilight Music & Cocktails Gourmet Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Box Pre-Ordering Now Open!

      Join us for an evening of music and cocktails at the Peacock Cafe Terrace, held on select nights from 6 PM to 8 PM in our beautiful garden. During this special time, guests are invited to wander through the vibrant garden, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, or to relax at the Peacock Cafe Terrace, where you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails and indulge in delicious bites. The Peacock Bar is back and hosting HAPPY HOUR from 6 PM to 8 PM, Arboretum members can enjoy a $2 discount on specialty drinks, including the Sapphire Peacock, Plumeria Passion, and Micheladas. The Peacock Cafe will offer a cheese and charcuterie box, along with other specialty items, exclusively during Twilight. Please note that tables and chairs are limited, so we encourage guests to bring blankets for seating. Outside food and beverages will not be permitted during Twilight evenings. Don’t forget, Arboretum members receive free entry to Twilight Evenings! SERIES LINE UP May 22: Calista Del Toro- pop Bio: From South El Monte, California, Calista Del Toro is known for her catchy melodies and soulful lyrics           May 29: Daniel Markus- pop/blues BIO: Daniel Markus is a Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter and award-winning percussionist with over five years of live performance experience. Influenced by blues and soul, he blends expressive vocals with percussive depth to craft emotionally resonant and rhythmically rich sets. Often joined by Rain Bernal on drums and Jimmy Licata on guitar, his performances have captivated audiences at venues including Whisky a Go Go, Royce Hall, the Alex Theatre, Sassafras Saloon, and Hotel Ziggy June 12: Down Time- indie rock BIO: Down Time is an LA based indie rock band that has created a diverse body of material ranging from low key bedroom ballads to dense psychedelic grooves. At the core are timeless rock songs guided by the imaginative and soul bearing lyrics of front woman, Alyssa Maunders.         June 18: Hannah & Christi - swing Musicians, friends, and seamstresses, Hannah Rose Dexter and Christi Lao are stitching together some of their favorite swing, jump blues, and original songs for your experiencing pleasure. Utilizing upright bass, guitar, and voices, let’s see if their sanguine sounds have what it takes to soothe the savage peacock and get those botanicals really growing!              If you’re not a member yet, you can JOIN NOW and enjoy the garden for 364 days a year!  Non-members must purchase tickets online in advance, tickets on-sale soon! Interested in performing at the Arboretum? Inquire with our membership department.  Email us at memberships@arboretum.org and include your band size, genre, and links to your work. [post_title] => Twilight Music and Cocktails at the Peacock Cafe Terrace [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => twilight-evenings-music-and-cocktails-at-the-peacock-cafe-terrace [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-17 13:00:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-17 20:00:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=67262 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3380535 [meta_value] => 2025-06-18 18:00:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 6:00PM [theRow] => 3 ) [5] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208951 [meta_value] => 2025-06-19 09:00:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 3 ) [6] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 54695 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2025-02-26 12:03:15 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-26 20:03:15 [post_content] =>

Thursdays; 11-11:30am 

For children from infants to 5 year olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This not a drop-off program. Members free; included in paid admission. Registration is not required.

      [post_title] => Children's Storytime now on Thursday [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => saturday-children-storytime [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-23 12:58:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-23 19:58:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=54695 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2645330 [meta_value] => 2025-06-19 11:00:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 11:00AM [theRow] => 32 ) [7] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 7995 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2025-05-19 11:19:16 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-19 18:19:16 [post_content] => Join us for this annual orchid auction presented by the San Gabriel Valley Orchid Hobbyists. There is a preview at 6pm and the auction begins at 7pm.  Free in the Palm Room. More details here.   [post_title] => San Gabriel Valley Orchid Hobbyist Annual Auction [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => san-gab-valley-orchid-hobbyist-annual-auction [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-19 14:12:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-19 21:12:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=7995 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 128510 [meta_value] => 2025-06-19 18:00:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 6:00PM [theRow] => 0 ) [8] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208957 [meta_value] => 2025-06-20 09:00:00 [day] => 20 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 4 ) [9] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 446 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-27 11:00:55 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-27 18:00:55 [post_content] => Experience the wonders of the Arboretum walking with one of our knowledgeable volunteer docents as your guide. These walks are an ideal way to learn more about the Arboretum. These special themed, guided walking tours are being offered in June:

Hollywood at the Arboretum Friday, June 7 at 11am

The Arboretum’s popularity as a Hollywood back lot is legendary. With 127 acres of scenic wonder as a popular location site for Africa, South Seas, Asia, and the Wild West, the Arboretum has added a touch of realism to 400 or more motion pictures, television specials, series episodes and even commercials and music videos. Join us as we visit some of the film sites and share photos and stories that span our 85 plus years of Hollywood history. Reserve tickets here.  

History of the Arboretum Friday, June 20 at 11am

The Historic Core, centered on Baldwin Lake, was the dominant landscape feature utilized by occupants of the Rancho Santa Anita. Four historic structures remain: two are listed in the National Register of Historic Places; one is a State Landmark; the fourth, a relocated train station, is a State Point of Historical Interest. Their stories are varied and rich in the detail that history buffs value. Reserve tickets here. Tour reservations are required for members and non-members because space is limited. Book now! Meet up with the docent at the Visitor Plaza. Bring a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes. Walk-ups will be accommodated if a tour is not fully booked.   [post_title] => Docent-Led Walking Tours [post_excerpt] => Experience the wonders of the Arboretum as you spend an enjoyable morning walking with one of our knowledgeable volunteer docents. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => docent-led-walking-tours [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-03 15:21:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-03 22:21:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=446 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2163 [meta_value] => 2025-06-20 11:00:00 [day] => 20 [time] => 11:00AM [theRow] => 1 ) [10] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 45969 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-02-24 14:24:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-02-24 22:24:06 [post_content] => [post_title] => Basic Fine Art Painting [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => basic-fine-art-painting [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-21 11:53:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-21 18:53:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=45969 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3339775 [meta_value] => 2025-06-21 09:30:00 [day] => 21 [time] => 9:30AM [theRow] => 108 ) [11] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 45971 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2022-02-24 14:27:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-02-24 22:27:44 [post_content] => [post_title] => Mid to Advanced Fine Art Painting [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => advanced-fine-art-painting [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-21 11:56:42 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-21 18:56:42 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=45971 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3341193 [meta_value] => 2025-06-21 12:30:00 [day] => 21 [time] => 12:30PM [theRow] => 108 ) [12] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53677 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2025-04-24 12:00:30 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-24 19:00:30 [post_content] => Here's the concert lineup for summer 2025: June 21: Broadway Legends from Gershwin to Sondheim July 12: Moonlight Melodies: An Evening with the Crooners July 26: Queens of Soul August 9: Music of Bond. James Bond August 23: Classical Music Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles September 6: Feinstein's Favorites Members of the Arboretum receive a 10% discount on tickets. To obtain the discount code, please contact the membership department at 626.821.3233 or email us at memberships@arboretum.org. [post_title] => POPS Summer 2025 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => pasadena-pops-summer-2024 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-02 10:16:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-02 17:16:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53677 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2227716 [meta_value] => 2025-06-21 17:30:00 [day] => 21 [time] => 5:30PM [theRow] => 0 ) [13] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208963 [meta_value] => 2025-06-23 09:00:00 [day] => 23 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 5 ) [14] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 53432 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2023-03-03 17:09:42 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-04 01:09:42 [post_content] =>  

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.

---

SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERING We have filled all our volunteer positions for this year. Please check back in 2026!

2025 SUMMER NATURE CAMP

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, the projects will be different.

Read our Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions page HERE.

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.

***

WEEKLY THEMES & DATES

Week 1- Mythical Creatures: June 16-June 20  -SOLD OUT! Dragons and bigfoot and fairies, oh my! Human history is full of tales about mythical creatures that exist at the intersection of the natural and the fantastical. In this camp, we will discover the origins of some of our favorite mystical characters and learn about the nature-based phenomena that inspired their legends.

Week 2- Budding Artists: June 23-27  -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 Nature: June 30-July 4  -FULL! The natural world is full of wonder, but let’s face it, it can get pretty strange! In this camp, we will uncover some of the weirder aspects of the wild world, from shapeshifting octopuses and zombie ants to carnivorous plants and more!

Week 3- Garden Chefs: July 7-11  -SOLD OUT! Calling all little chefs! It’s time to cook 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, and even create edible art. We will end with an Iron Chef feast where campers can develop their own new recipes and add them to the cookbook they will develop throughout the week. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 4- Flower Power: July 14-18  -SOLD OUT! Power to the petals! With their importance to pollination and plant reproduction and their role in art and commercial products, flowers are earth’s gifts in far more ways than we realize. In this camp, we will explore the wonders of the floral world and learn about how and why these majestic treasures are more than just a pretty face.

Week 5- The Magic Garden: July 21-25  -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 6- Taste The World: July 28-August 1  -SOLD OUT! Bon voyage, and bon appetite! Come travel the world one bite at a time on this culinary expedition where we will cook different recipes using iconic plant ingredients from across the globe. From chocolate and pizza to dumplings and strudel, we will learn about the cultural and botanic origins of some of our favorite “everyday” foods and the amazing journeys they’ve made to end up in our lunch boxes. (*Includes a $40 materials fee)

Week 7- Fantastic Forces: August 4-8  -SOLD OUT! Boom! Whoosh! Crack! Nature is full of so many amazing forces, from snownados and supernovas to geysers and glowing waves. In this camp, we will learn about the powerful phenomena that has shaped and shaken our natural world and awed humans for all time. Get ready for earth to blow your mind!

Week 8- Tropical Treasures: August 11-15  -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 brilliant butterflies to medicinal plants, life will be teeming everywhere we look, as we transform our classroom into a rainforest throughout the week!

***

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

***

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.    [post_title] => Summer Nature Camp [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-nature-camp-4 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-05 14:19:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-05 21:19:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=53432 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2208969 [meta_value] => 2025-06-24 09:00:00 [day] => 24 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 6 ) )