Summer Science Camps

Native STEM

This program for prekindergarten to eighth grade youth explores the Arboretum’s ecosystems with STEM activities connected to Native traditions and knowledge.

Content Detail

Uncover the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples through interactive activities that highlight the sacred elements of water, land, air and fire. Explore The Morton Arboretum’s ecosystems with STEM activities connected to traditions and knowledge of Native peoples. Activities are facilitated in partnership with Arboretum staff and the Trickster Cultural Center’s team of Elders, veterans, storytellers, and plant knowledge keepers.

The program has multiple grade-level sections, and campers will work in small groups based on their grade and registered section. At times sections may participate in whole-group activities or station activities.

Please note: This is a specialized program created in partnership with Trickster Cultural Center. All sections of this program take place Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Please select a section based on the entering grade-level of your camper. Morning and afternoon supervised play are not available during this specialized week.

Instructors: Arboretum staff and Trickster Cultural Center Elders, veterans, storytellers, and plant knowledge keepers.

C900

Age: 

  • Section A: pre-K and kindergarten
  • Section B and E: 1st and 2nd grade
  • Section C: 3rd and 4th grade

Trickster Cultural Center

A Native American Approach to Learning About Our Environment. Trickster Cultural Center was established on March 5, 2005, to create a contemporary view of Native arts, cultural education, and awareness.

Today the Trickster Cultural Center is the only Native American-owned and operated arts institution in the state of Illinois. Trickster Cultural Center is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) Native American and community arts center that also serves Native American veterans and their needs.

What to Know

This is a specialized program created in partnership with the Trickster Cultural Center. All sections of this program take place between Wednesday, July 5 through Friday, July 7, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Please select a section based on the grade the participating youth will be entering.

Please note that Summer Science Camp morning and afternoon supervised play will not be available during this specialized week.

A portion of the fees for this program will be donated to The Trickster Cultural Center.

Attendees should bring a snack, rain gear, and insect repellent. The program takes place outdoors, with indoor space used  in the event of inclement weather.

Program Schedule

Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Thursday, July 6, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Friday, July 7, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Thornhill Picnic Shelter, Parking Lot 21

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift