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Summer Science Camps

Sixth through Eighth 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 sixth through eighth 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

Amazing Race: full day camp

Race through the habitats, take on survival challenges, gather clues, and conquer obstacles to navigate through the Arboretum. Can you complete the race?

  • Section A: June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: July 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

Myths, Monsters, and Maples: full day camp

Take a closer look at myths and legends and the plants and animals that they are based on. Take on the challenge of creating your own story as an Arboretum hero.

  • Section A: June 3 to June 7, 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: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability >

Nature Photography II: full day camp

Capture nature from a new angle! Take the time to play with mirrors, water, shadows, and light in this photography class. Participants must bring their own digital camera.

  • Section A: June 10 to June 14, 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 >

New! Tinkering with Trees: full day camp

Do you like to build? Take on the challenge of building with natural items and simple machines and create your own nature-inspired Rube Goldberg machine!

  • Section A: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Section B: 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.

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.

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