For the past seven years, Adkins Arboretum’s Summer Nature Camps have given children the opportunity to enjoy their precious summer the old-fashioned way—outdoors! This summer, give your young adventurer the gift of precious outdoor memories.
Camp Bumblebee
June 11–15, 10-11:30 a.m.
Ages 2-3, with a grown-up
Bumblebee campers will welcome summer in the Funshine Garden, snacking on sugar peas and splashing in the sprinkler. Campers will search for striped monarch caterpillars among the milkweed, gather blackberries along the meadow’s edge, and visit the Arboretum’s goat herd. The morning will include a healthy snack, as well as crafts, songs, stories, and lots of outside time. Grown-ups are asked to join their little ones throughout the camp experience.
Camp Paw Paw
June 18-22, 9 a.m.-noon
Ages 7-9
Ever snack on sorrel, dine on dandelions, or brush your teeth with a sassafras twig? Paw Paw campers will investigate traditional uses of native plants in the Arboretum’s wetland, forest, and meadows. Campers will have opportunities to float cattail boats, build forts, sip sumac tea, and model leafy fashion creations. They’ll also discover how wildlife depends on native plants for food and shelter. Games, healthy snacks, guided exploration, crafts, and team-building will round out the week.
Camp Pollywog
June 25-29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Ages 4-6
Did you know that beavers smack their tails to warn of danger? Or that a squirrel nest is called a “drey”? Pollywog campers will learn about the amazing creatures that call the Arboretum home. Whether scooping up tadpoles in the wetland, searching for ladybugs in the Funshine Garden, peeping in the bluebird boxes, or following deer tracks along the stream, campers are sure to find the Arboretum an enchanting place. Stories, crafts, and healthy snacks are combined with games and guided exploration.
Camp Egret
July 9-13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Ages 10-12
As the Arboretum’s oldest campers, 10- to 12-year olds enrolled in Camp Egret will hone their wilderness survival skills. Egret campers will navigate with compasses, create forest shelters, and bake in solar ovens. They’ll also brush up on first-aid skills and forage for native plants, all while building valuable teamwork and leadership skills. Healthy snacks will be provided; campers are asked to bring a bagged lunch.
Registration begins March 1 for members and March 15 for the general public. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Adults are requested to stay with their little Bumblebees; all other camps are drop-off.
