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Summer Science Camps

Fifth and Sixth Grade Summer Science Camps

This summer, unlock your child’s imagination with interactive outdoor adventures among 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 3 through Friday, August 9.

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 and find availability for each session:

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 Welcome Letter, Registration Form, and Medical 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.

Waitlist

Is the camp you’re looking for sold out? Add your name to the Summer Science Camp waitlist to be contacted if a seat opens due to a cancellation.

 

Summer Science Camps are generously supported by:

Molex logo for Summer Science Camp sponsorship

Eco-Challenge: full day camp

What can you accomplish when you take on an eco-challenge? Build your leadership skills as you take on team building and STEM challenges in this camp, while exploring the natural world.

  • Section A: June 3 to June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section C: July 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

Gross-ology: full day camp

Engross yourself in science as you investigate icky, sticky, slimy, and smelly experiments! Get an up close look at worms, bugs, slugs, and other gross parts of our Arboretum ecosystems.

  • Section A: June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

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 10 to June 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: July 8 to July 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section C: July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

Nature Photography 1: full day camp

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

  • Section A: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section C: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

New! STEM: Sounds of Summer: full day camp

From cicadas to frogs, the summer is a time for animals to sing loud and proud. Explore the science of sound through experiments, games, and exploration and get in tune with the nature noises of The Arboretum!

  • Section A: June 10 to June 14, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: July 8 to July 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section C: July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

Registration, Cancellation, 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 Medication Authorization Forms 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. We are unable to refund for missed days of camp, including if missing one week of a two-week camp session. If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons or illness, you may receive a refund with the submission of a doctor’s note. For questions regarding refunds or cancellations 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.

Cancellations

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

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 2024. 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 $410 (nonmembers $455)
  • Two-Week Full-Day Camps $795 (nonmembers $875)
  • Half-Day Camps $225 (nonmembers $245)
  • Morning Supervised Play (8:00 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 to 3:30 p.m.)
    $15 (nonmembers $20)
  • Afternoon Supervised Play (3:00 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.

Waitlist

Is the camp you’re looking for sold out? Add your name to the Summer Science Camp waitlist to be contacted if a seat opens due to a cancellation.

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