Know Before You Go: Information and helpful hints for your next visit
The Morton Arboretum Get tickets
Summer Science Camps

Fifth and Sixth Grade Summer Science Camps

This summer, unlock your child’s imagination with
interactive outdoor adventures amid 1,700 acres of trees.

Content Detail

Explore summer science camps that offer opportunities to play, paint, explore, and learn for children in fifth and sixth grade. Designed by Arboretum experts, summer science camps provide a foundation for the next generation of young conservation and environmental scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Week-long camps run Monday, June 2 through Friday, August 15.

Registration for 2025 Summer Science Camps is open to Arboretum donors on Friday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m. Registration will open to Arboretum members on Wednesday, January 15, at 10:00 a.m. Registration will open to all on Tuesday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m.

For questions about registration, email registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or call 630-719-2468 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about each camp below:

Parents requiring additional schedule flexibility can choose additional supervised play options that extend pick-up and drop-off times. After selecting the camp(s) your child will attend, select the option “add more to your cart” to review additional supervised play options. If you already registered for summer camp and need to add Supervised Play, register here for Supervised Play, or if you need help, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Once your child is registered, you will be emailed a pre-camp information packet, registration form, and medication authorization form (if applicable), to send back before camp begins.

Accessibility

The Arboretum strives to provide accessible experiences for all children. Contact the camp and scout supervisor at 630-719-4890 or kphelps@mortonarb.org to discuss your child’s needs prior to registration.

 

Summer Science Camps are generously supported by:

A Week of Wetlands

Full Day Camp

Enjoy hands-on investigations of all things aquatic. Experiment with water and its properties, trudge through the wetlands to gather water samples, and use scientific equipment to inspect plants and animals that call ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes home.

Section A: June 2 through June 6, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: June 23 through June 27, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section C: July 21 through July 25, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section D: August 11 through August 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Forest Forensics

Full Day Camp

What can a tree tell us? Solve the case of the felled foliage as you examine tree rings, visit the Herbarium to view trees of the past and present, and discover what information trees can provide.

Section A: June 16 through June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 14 through July 18, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section C: August 4 through August 8, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kids vs. Wild

Full Day Camp

Can you survive in the great outdoors? Explore native woodlands and wetlands, and gain the skills needed to survive in these ecosystems. Set up camp, learn navigation skills, build a shelter, fish, and make tools to explore and tame the wild.

Section A: June 9 through June 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 7 through July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section C: July 28 through August 1, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nature Photography I

Full Day Camp

Use your nature observation skills and get creative with digital photography. Practice composition, subject placement, closeups, moving targets, and more. With your classmates, create an Arboretum digital slideshow. Participants must bring their own digital cameras.

Section A: June 23 through June 27, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 14 through July 18, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

STEAM: Nature in Motion

Full Day Camp

Animals run, climb, crawl, zip, and soar through the wild. Explore how animals move while playing games and making crafts using motion.

Section A: June 9 through June 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 7 through July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section C: July 28 through August 1, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Registration, Cancelation, Transfer, Late Pickup, and Refund Policies

Registration

Space is limited. Preregistration is required and payment is due in full at the time of registration. Camp registration closes at 4:00 p.m. the Monday prior to the next camp’s week. All camp forms, including a medication authorization form with doctors’ signatures, must be in before the start of camp.

Refunds

We are unable to give refunds for camp within three weeks of the start date of the camp. A $45 nonrefundable processing fee is included in each camp registration fee. If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons, you may receive a refund prior to the start of camp with a doctor’s note. We are unable to refund for missed days of camp. For questions regarding refunds or cancelations please contact the registrar’s office by email at registrar-ed@mortonarb.org or by phone at 630-719-2468 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cancelations

The Morton Arboretum reserves the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment. Camp participants will be refunded in full for cancelations.

Transfers

We are unable to transfer students to a different camp within three weeks of the start of the registered camp. Given current registration and limited availability of camp openings, transfers will be limited for 2025. Transfers will only be applicable from a camp of equivalent pricing. A $15 transfer fee will be assessed at the time of transfer. Additionally, we are unable to accommodate transfers between identical camp titles in the same week.

Late Pickup

If a child is picked up late, parents/guardians will be assessed a $15 late fee per child for pickup 15 minutes late and $1 per minute thereafter.

Pricing

  • Full Day Camps $420 (nonmembers $465)
  • Two-Week Full Day Camps $810 (nonmembers $900)
  • Half Day Camps $230 (nonmembers $255)
  • Morning Supervised Play (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
    $60 (nonmembers $70)
  • Midday Supervised Play (noon to 12:30 p.m.)
    $15 (nonmembers $20)
    Free with purchase of two half day camps
  • 30-Minute Afternoon Supervised Play (3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
    $15 (nonmembers $20)
  • Afternoon Supervised Play (3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
    $90 (nonmembers $106)

Supervised Play

Parents requiring additional schedule flexibility can choose additional supervised play options that extend pick-up and drop-off times as needed. After selecting the camp(s) your child will attend, select the option “add more to your cart” to review additional supervised play options. If your child is already registered for summer camp and you need to add Supervised Play, follow the links below.

Register here for Supervised Play, or if you need help, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Explore More

1

Donate

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

Make a gift