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Summer Science Camps

First and Second 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 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 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:

Animal Engineers

Two-Week Full Day 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 7 through July 11 and July 14 through July 18, 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 16 through June 20, 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 7 through July 11, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

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

Chirp, Click, Buzz

Full Day Camp

Birds sing, crickets chirp, and frogs chorus out in the woods. Experiment with the science of sound and build your own nature-based instruments to play.

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.

Eco-Investigators

Two-Week Full Day Camp

Put your detective skills to the test. Explore the habitats of the Arboretum, conduct nature experiments, and learn what it takes to be a nature sleuth.

Section A: June 9 through June 13 and June 16 through June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 21 through July 25 and July 28 through August 1, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fantastic Fish

Half Day Camp

From fins to scales, fish are fascinating creatures. Discover more about fish and the habitat they live in while you enjoy fish stories and games. Then cast a net to find out what fish live at the Arboretum.

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

Section B: July 7 through July 11, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Forest Fairy Friends

Half Day Camp

Follow your imagination into the forest! Discover forest fairies and the plants and animals that make a forest magical.

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

Section B: June 23 through June 27, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

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 9 through June 13, 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 14 through July 18, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

Nature’s Superheroes

Half Day Camp

It’s a bird… It’s a bat… no—it’s nature’s superheroes! Use your knowledge of nature’s super powers to create your own superhero, play games, and look at real animal powers close up.

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

Section B: June 16 through June 20, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section C: July 14 through July 18, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Section D: July 28 through August 1, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Pirates and Pines

Half Day Camp

Ahoy Matey! Start your voyage around the Arboretum to explore different trees and look for hidden treasure.

Section A: June 9 through June 13, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Section C: July 21 through July 25, 12:30 to 3:30 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 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.

Wild About Art

Full Day Camp

Become a nature artist. Use nature as your inspiration to explore texture, color, and dimension. Learn about different art techniques and create your own nature-related artwork to take home.

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.

Young Impressionists

Half Day Camp

Become a mini-Monet. Explore the Arboretum for artistic inspiration and use impressionist techniques to create a masterpiece.

Section A: June 2 through June 6, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

Section C: July 14 through July 18, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Section D: August 4 through August 8, 9:00 a.m. to noon

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. 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 a doctor’s note. 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.

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