Array ( [0] => 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] => 2209119 [meta_value] => 2025-07-16 09:00:00 [day] => 16 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 31 ) [1] => 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] => 2025-07-03 09:03:12 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-03 16:03:12 [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] => 3303453 [meta_value] => 2025-07-16 17:30:00 [day] => 16 [time] => 5:30PM [theRow] => 108 ) [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] => 2209125 [meta_value] => 2025-07-17 09:00:00 [day] => 17 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 32 ) [3] => 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] => 2647366 [meta_value] => 2025-07-17 11:00:00 [day] => 17 [time] => 11:00AM [theRow] => 36 ) [4] => 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] => 2209131 [meta_value] => 2025-07-18 09:00:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 33 ) [5] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 47066 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2025-07-11 10:00:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-11 17:00:22 [post_content] =>

Friday, July 19, 4-8pm

Live Entertainment on Stage 4:30-5:15pm Hitara’a Tahi: Tahitian Drumming 6:30-8pm Glory of Paradise: Polynesian Dancing & Fire Dance Talks by Experts in Palm Room 4:30pm Plumeria for Beginners 5pm Growing Plumeria from Seeds 5:30pm Rooting for Success Lei making in Marketplace 6-6:30pm Demonstration Sunseri’s Bar in Marketplace Signature Cocktails: Plumeria Bloom, Plumeria Sunset, Blush of Plumeria Food Trucks Aloha Daddy’s Best Fro-Yo Birrieria el patron 818 Border Grill VCHOS The Kuba Café

Saturday, July 19, 9am-2pm

Plumeria Grove Tours on Tallac Knoll 9am-1pm 10:30am 11:30am 12:30pm Live Entertainment/Music on Stage 9:30-10:15am Flamenco Souls 10:30am-11:15pm Glory of Paradise: Polynesian Dance & Drumming 12:00-12:45pm Flamenco Souls Talks by Experts in Palm Room 9:30am Plumeria for Beginners 10am Pruning for Basics 10:30am Transplanting and Soil Basics 11am Pest Management 11:30am Hibiscus Tips for Success 12pm Fight Bugs with Natural Soil Boosters 12:30pm Rooting for Success. Food Trucks Aloha Kona Ice Birrieria el patron 818 Border Grill VCHOS The Kuba Café

Plant Vendors Airplant Direct Diem’s Plumeria Jungle Jack’s Plumeria Leovardo Mejia Plumeria Los Angeles International Fern Society Plumeria Papa Ricky’s Plumeria Sarah’s Plumeria Tiki Tropical Plumeria Tio Pancho’s Haberdashery

Merch Accessories for You Bauer Pottery Best Life Soap Company Ciara Bali Crafty Things by Lena & Nataleiss Designs by Judy Fired Up Tiles Grayce to Grayce MJD Custom Monkey Flinging Art Nani Hawaiian Crafts Paper Arboretum West Kauai Sun

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Longo Toyota Lexus Penske Motor Group. We are grateful to our supporting sponsors, OffSite IT, and  MonteCedro. [post_title] => Plumeria Festival 2025 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => plumeria-day-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-11 17:37:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-12 00:37:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=47066 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 1820795 [meta_value] => 2025-07-18 16:00:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 4:00PM [theRow] => 0 ) [6] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 68360 [post_author] => 23 [post_date] => 2025-07-09 18:34:16 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-10 01:34:16 [post_content] => Friday Night Members Exclusive: Guided Plumeria Walking Tour! Join us for a special walking tour of the Plumeria Grove at the Arboretum. Discover the various cultivated plants and explore the largest public Plumeria collection west of the Mississippi River. Southern California’s perfect climate makes it an ideal environment for these vibrant, fragrant flowers to thrive.  Lead by an experienced guide, Diana Donnellan, you will gain valuable insights into history, culture, planting and growing plumerias from cuttings and seeds, allowing you to cultivate these exquisite blossoms in your own home. Not a member or need to renew your membership?  Click here or call the Membership Office at 626.821.3233.  If you have any questions, please email memberships@arboretum.org [post_title] => Friday Night Members Exclusive: Guided Plumeria Walking Tour! [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => friday-night-members-exclusive-guided-plumeria-walking-tour [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-11 15:05:11 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-11 22:05:11 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=68360 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3473043 [meta_value] => 2025-07-18 16:30:00 [day] => 18 [time] => 4:30PM [theRow] => 0 ) [7] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 47066 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2025-07-11 10:00:22 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-07-11 17:00:22 [post_content] =>

Friday, July 19, 4-8pm

Live Entertainment on Stage 4:30-5:15pm Hitara’a Tahi: Tahitian Drumming 6:30-8pm Glory of Paradise: Polynesian Dancing & Fire Dance Talks by Experts in Palm Room 4:30pm Plumeria for Beginners 5pm Growing Plumeria from Seeds 5:30pm Rooting for Success Lei making in Marketplace 6-6:30pm Demonstration Sunseri’s Bar in Marketplace Signature Cocktails: Plumeria Bloom, Plumeria Sunset, Blush of Plumeria Food Trucks Aloha Daddy’s Best Fro-Yo Birrieria el patron 818 Border Grill VCHOS The Kuba Café

Saturday, July 19, 9am-2pm

Plumeria Grove Tours on Tallac Knoll 9am-1pm 10:30am 11:30am 12:30pm Live Entertainment/Music on Stage 9:30-10:15am Flamenco Souls 10:30am-11:15pm Glory of Paradise: Polynesian Dance & Drumming 12:00-12:45pm Flamenco Souls Talks by Experts in Palm Room 9:30am Plumeria for Beginners 10am Pruning for Basics 10:30am Transplanting and Soil Basics 11am Pest Management 11:30am Hibiscus Tips for Success 12pm Fight Bugs with Natural Soil Boosters 12:30pm Rooting for Success. Food Trucks Aloha Kona Ice Birrieria el patron 818 Border Grill VCHOS The Kuba Café

Plant Vendors Airplant Direct Diem’s Plumeria Jungle Jack’s Plumeria Leovardo Mejia Plumeria Los Angeles International Fern Society Plumeria Papa Ricky’s Plumeria Sarah’s Plumeria Tiki Tropical Plumeria Tio Pancho’s Haberdashery

Merch Accessories for You Bauer Pottery Best Life Soap Company Ciara Bali Crafty Things by Lena & Nataleiss Designs by Judy Fired Up Tiles Grayce to Grayce MJD Custom Monkey Flinging Art Nani Hawaiian Crafts Paper Arboretum West Kauai Sun

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Longo Toyota Lexus Penske Motor Group. We are grateful to our supporting sponsors, OffSite IT, and  MonteCedro. [post_title] => Plumeria Festival 2025 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => plumeria-day-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-11 17:37:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-12 00:37:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=47066 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 2758757 [meta_value] => 2025-07-19 09:00:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 1 ) [8] => 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] => 2025-07-01 16:21:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-01 23:21:35 [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] => 3461486 [meta_value] => 2025-07-19 09:30:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 9:30AM [theRow] => 111 ) [9] => 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] => 2025-07-01 16:25:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-01 23:25:00 [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] => 3463000 [meta_value] => 2025-07-19 12:30:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 12:30PM [theRow] => 111 ) [10] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 65977 [post_author] => 25 [post_date] => 2025-02-14 16:10:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-02-15 00:10:08 [post_content] => Get ready for an evening of awe and discovery as we explore the incredible forces of nature right in the heart of the garden! In this adult camp, we’ll uncover the powerful phenomena that shape the natural world, from the force of water that carves landscapes to the energy that fuels plant growth and the hidden power behind pollination. We'll dive into the forces that make the garden thrive, from wind and weather to the unseen power of sunlight and soil. With interactive experiments, engaging stories, and a tour through the Arboretum, you'll experience how nature’s fantastic forces come to life in the garden. Armed with an "adult juice box" of wine and nostalgic snacks like goldfish crackers, get ready to be amazed by the power that fuels the beauty and life of the natural world!   The inspiration for our “Camp for Adults” series came directly from adult feedback! Year after year we have heard parents of our youth campers, as well as general guests who witnessed our children’s camp programs, say things like “Oh wow, I wish I could attend this camp!” Well, we took their comments seriously, and gave them that opportunity! While each Adult Camp theme is tailored to a grown-up audience, the program mirrors a day in the life of an Arboretum summer camper, giving adults a chance to escape the intensity of their daily responsibilities and travel back in time to when they attended summer camp as children. And for those who never got to attend camp as a child, this program allows you to experience the magic of a camp experience for the first time. [post_title] => Summer Camp for Adults: Fantastic Forces [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-camp-for-adults-fantastic-forces [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-02-14 16:10:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-15 00:10:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=65977 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3262369 [meta_value] => 2025-07-19 17:00:00 [day] => 19 [time] => 5:00PM [theRow] => 0 ) [11] => 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] => 2209137 [meta_value] => 2025-07-21 09:00:00 [day] => 21 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 34 ) [12] => 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] => 2209143 [meta_value] => 2025-07-22 09:00:00 [day] => 22 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 35 ) [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] => 2209149 [meta_value] => 2025-07-23 09:00:00 [day] => 23 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 36 ) [14] => stdClass Object ( [ID] => 32099 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2020-04-29 11:00:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-04-29 11:00:51 [post_content] => The Arboretum Library's book group explores the portrayal of western North American landscape in fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry, letters, graphic novels, etc.  The group generally, but not always, meets the 4th Wednesday of the month in the Arboretum Library.  When the weather is good and the mosquitos are less active, the group will meet outside in appropriate places in the gloriously, beautiful grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. At other times the group will meet in the Arboretum Library with social distancing and masking if desired. The group leader will decide each month whether the meeting will be in-person (in the Arboretum Library or outside on the Arboretum grounds) or on Zoom. The group uses a modified version of the Shared Inquiry™ method developed by the Great Books Foundation.  The discussion is greatly enhanced if the chosen book of the month is read, although we welcome those who just want to listen. Let the host know you want to listen. New participants are always welcome! Click here to see the questions already asked for this year's past books and check out the history of the book club by hovering on the tab and explore the books from previous years. For more information and to be added to the e-mail reminder list about the Community Book Discussion Group, please contact, Arboretum Librarian Emeritus, Susan Eubank, at Susan.Eubank@Arboretum.org.  You must RSVP to Susan for the discussions you would like to attend.

June 25, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

Read Me, Los Angeles by Katie Orphan, Altadena, California : Prospect Park Books, 2020.

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 August 27, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

The Forgotten Botanist by Wynne Brown, Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2021

ISBN: 9781496222817 “Every once in awhile, a book comes along that, even though it is non-fiction, is so well written that it reads like a novel. [...] I was drawn in immediately by Ms. Brown’s eye for detail and [the] well written narrative of […] Lemmon’s life, loves, and scientific contributions to the field of botany. [The book] chronicles [her] remarkable life, in which [she & her husband] found new plant species in Arizona, California, Oregon, & Mexico & traveled throughout the Southwest [...]. [It] is a timeless tale about a woman who discovered who she was by leaving everything behind. Her inspiring story is one of resilience, determination, & courage—and is as relevant to our nation today as it was in her own time.” — Mary Sauers, NCompass Blog WILLA Literary Award Winner in Creative Nonfiction; 2022 Spur Award Winner; 2022 Top Pick in Southwest Books of the Year; New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist in Cover Design; Honorable Mention in the At-Large NFPW Communications Contes The Forgotten Botanist is the account of an extraordinary woman who, in 1870, was driven by ill health to leave the East Coast for a new life in the West--alone. At thirty-three, Sara Plummer relocated to Santa Barbara, where she taught herself botany and established the town's first library. Ten years later she married botanist John Gill Lemmon, and together the two discovered hundreds of new plant species, many of them illustrated by Sara, an accomplished artist. Although she became an acknowledged botanical expert and lecturer, Sara's considerable contributions to scientific knowledge were credited merely as "J.G. Lemmon & wife." The Forgotten Botanist chronicles Sara's remarkable life, in which she and JG found new plant species in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Mexico and traveled throughout the Southwest with such friends as John Muir and Clara Barton. Sara also found time to work as a journalist and as an activist in women's suffrage and forest conservation. Her inspiring story is one of resilience, determination, and courage--and is as relevant to our nation today as it was in her own time.

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November 26, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

Icarus by Deon Meyer translated by K.L. Seeger, Atlantic Monthly Press, 2015

ISBN: 9780802124005 “Deon Meyer's gritty crime novels [are] part police procedural, part political thriller . . . What makes Meyer such a national treasure - and as good as anyone in the world - is that even if you have no knowledge or interest in South Africa's history or present, his books are compelling page-turners. Politics and race are just part of the intricately crafted superstructure bolted onto the rock-solid chassis of a top-quality crime thriller, driven by a writer with deceptive skill.” — Books Live [A] …”great discovery: classy, edgy writing, subtly plotted and beautifully balanced between fast-paced action, pungent social comment and the process of investigation.” —Weekend Australian South Africa's preeminent crime fiction writer, Deon Meyer is internationally acclaimed for his razor's-edge thrillers, unforgettable characters, and nuanced portrayals of contemporary life in his native country. The fifth pulse-pounder starring Captain Benny Griessel, a lead detective in South Africa's priority crimes unit, delves into the country's burgeoning tech and wine industries. A week before Christmas, a young photographer discovers a plastic-wrapped corpse amidst the sand dunes north of Cape Town. The only thing found on the corpse is a dead iPhone, but it doesn't take long for the police to identify the body as that of Ernst Richter--the tech whiz behind MyAlibi, an internet service that provides unfaithful partners with sophisticated cover stories to hide an affair. Meanwhile, Benny Griessel is called to the scene of a multiple homicide involving a former colleague, and four years of sobriety are undone on the spot. He emerges from his drunken haze determined to quit the force, but the take-no-sass Major Mbali Kaleni, now his boss, wants Griessel on the Richter case. The high-profile murder has already been the subject of fierce media speculation, with questions swirling about the potential for motive: could the perpetrator be one of the countless jilted spouses? An aggrieved client? Before the week is out, an unexpected connection to a storied family winery comes to light, and Griessel's reputation is again on the line. Mounting towards a startling conclusion, Icarus is another exceptional novel from the "King of South African Crime."

December 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

Venice by Jan Morris as James Morris, London: Faber & Faber, 1960

“... [She] writes beautiful prose. This hymn to Venice, from someone who has lived there, is, as you would expect, a lyrical and haunting evocation of the beauty of one of the world's most visited tourist destinations, and a fascinating history of a city state that was a republic and maritime empire throughout the middle ages. […I]t is also shrewd and practical and funny. [...] This is a piece of the best sort of travel writing, the sort where the traveller becomes part of an alien landscape and has deep interactions with the inhabitants and begins to struggle to an understanding of what it must be like to live in such a place..”— David Appleby, Goodreads   [post_title] => Reading the Western Landscape Community Book Discussion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => reading-the-western-landscape-book-group [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-02 17:43:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-03 00:43:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.arboretum.org/?post_type=events&p=32099 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => events [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [META] => 3386882 [meta_value] => 2025-07-23 19:00:00 [day] => 23 [time] => 7:00PM [theRow] => 58 ) [15] => 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.

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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.

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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!

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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 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] => 2209155 [meta_value] => 2025-07-24 09:00:00 [day] => 24 [time] => 9:00AM [theRow] => 37 ) [16] => 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] => 2647372 [meta_value] => 2025-07-24 11:00:00 [day] => 24 [time] => 11:00AM [theRow] => 37 ) )