Explore summer science camps that offer opportunities to play, paint, explore, and learn for children in first and second 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:
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:
Animal Engineers: full day, two-week camp
From intricate bird nests to astounding beaver dams, animals are engineering all around us. Take a closer look at the construction techniques used in the animal kingdom and take on wild STEM building challenges.
- Section A: July 8 to July 12 and July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Camo Creatures: full day camp
Stripes, spots, streaks, and stealth make animals experts at hide and seek. Uncover patterns in nature, create your own camouflage, and explore how both predators and prey use camouflage to their advantage.
- 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.
Camping Out: full day camp
Gear up for a daytime camping excursion! Learn how to pitch a tent, fish, and make s’mores. Enjoy nature games, hikes, and songs.
- Section A: June 3 to June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section B: June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section C: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section D: July 8 to July 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section E: July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section F: July 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Forest Fairy Friends: half day camp
Are fairies hidden in the forest? Discover woodland plants and animals, create your own fairy, and work together to build a fairy village.
- Section A: June 10 to June 14, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section B: July 8 to July 12, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section C: July 22 to July 26, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Gotta Grow: half day camp
Water your curiosity! With a microscope get an up close look at seeds, leaves, and flowers. Sprout seeds, decorate a flower pot, and explore the gardens of the Arboretum.
- Section A: June 3 to June 7, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section B: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section C: July 15 to July 19, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section D: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Hydro-Explorers: full day camp
Rev up for a week of wet, hydrodynamic explorations! Slosh buckets and dip nets into Arboretum lakes to examine water-loving insects and plants. Play games, conduct experiments, and understand water’s big role in our lives.
- 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.
Magic Forest Adventures: half day camp
Have you ever imagined you were part of a factory inside a tree, underground digging with worms, or part of an insect chorus? Let your imagination run wild as you take a closer look at the Arboretum through interactive play, hands-on experiments, and exploration hikes.
- Section A: June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: July 8 to July 12, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section C: July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Modern Artist-Tree: half day camp
Use the art of science to explore trees! Mix, spin, bubble, and fizz your way through hands-on, tree-inspired creations.
- Section A: June 3 to June 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: June 17 to June 21, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section C: July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section D: July 29 to August 2, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Nature’s Lab: full day camp
Explore nature through the eyes of a scientist. Catapult seeds, make sun prints, and experiment with leaves as you use the outdoors as your laboratory!
- Section A: June 10 to June 14, 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 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
New! Prehistoric Pals: full day, two-week camp
What was the Arboretum like when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth? Dive into the past and explore the history of the plants and animals that call the forest home.
- Section A: June 10 to June 14 and June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section B: July 22 to July 26 and July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Slippery, Slimy, Scaly: half day camp
Dive into the slippery, slimy, scaly world of reptiles and amphibians! From tadpoles to snakes, salamanders to toads, find out what these cold-blooded creatures are all about. Trek through the wetlands, play games, and become a reptile and amphibian detective.
- Section A: June 10 to June 14, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: June 24 to June 28, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Section C: July 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to noon
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 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.
- Section C: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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 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 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
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.
Summer Science Camp 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.
