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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 amid 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 grades. 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 1, through Friday, August 14.

Registration for 2026 Summer Science Camps opens to Tree Advocate, Thornhill Society, and President’s Council donors on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m. Registration opens to all Arboretum members on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m. Registration opens to all on Tuesday, February 3, 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 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. For more information, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Once your child is registered, you will be emailed a pre-camp information packet, a registration form, and a medication authorization form (if applicable), to submit 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:

Amazing Race

Full Day Camp

Race through habitats, take on survival challenges, gather clues, and conquer obstacles to navigate through the Arboretum and cross the finish line.

Section A: June 22 to June 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 27 to July 31, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability.

Arboretum Invaders

Full Day Camp

Uncover alien species that have invaded the woodlands, prairies, and wetlands of Illinois. Learn why we consider these species invasive, how to remove them, and develop ways to prevent their return.

Section A: June 1 to June 5, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 6 to July 10, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section C: August 3 to August 7, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability.

Nature Photography 2

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 15 to June 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 20 to July 24, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability.

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 8 to June 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Section B: July 13 to July 17, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

See camp availability.

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 (if applicable), 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 2026. Transfers will only be applicable for 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 $425 (nonmembers $470)
  • Two-Week Full Day Camps $820 (nonmembers $910)
  • Half Day Camps $235 (nonmembers $260)
  • 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 per registrant within the same week
  • 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 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 for more information, read the Supervised Play Registration Helpful Hints document.

Availability

Registration for 2026 Summer Science Camps opens to Tree Advocate, Thornhill Society, and President’s Council donors on Tuesday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Registration opens to all Arboretum members on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m.

Registration opens to all on Tuesday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m.

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