Explore summer science camps that offer opportunities to play, paint, explore, and learn for children in third and fourth 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:
Drawn to Nature: half day camp
Can art come from trees? Use paper, pencils, wood, and leaves to capture the nature around you. Discover the artistic tools hidden within trees.
- Section A: June 10 to June 14, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: July 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Forest Forts: full day camp
Design and build forts inspired by trees! We’ll study trees up close, and uncover their unique characteristics. Build a mini tree fort village as a group. Each child takes home their own mini tree fort.
- Section A: June 3 to June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section B: June 10 to June 14, 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 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section F: July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
New! Growing Builders: full day camp
What do you find in a garden? Leaves, Flowers, and STEM! Use your building skills to take on garden projects and see what you can construct to help things grow!
- 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.
Nature Unframed: full day camp
Paint, sculpt, and draw while using nature as your muse! Create art pieces in the prairie, on the pond, and below the trees as you explore 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.
Scales to Feathers: half day camp
What makes a snake scale tough and a feather light? Take a microscopic look at scales, feathers, shells, and more as you discover what animal adaptations are all about.
- Section A: June 17 to June 21, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: July 22 to July 26, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Slime Time: full day camp
Stretch, squish, and squoosh some slime as you discover how plants and animals use slime, try out some recipes for slime, and put your slime to the test.
- 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.
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 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.
The Arb Rocks!: half day camp
Rock out with an in-depth study of glaciers, soils, fossils, and rocks. Take a geological journey through Earth, uncovering the layers below, identifying hidden fossils, and investigate the three types of rocks.
- Section A: June 3 to June 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: July 8 to July 12, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section C: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Walk in the Wild: half day camp
Walk in the wild parts of the Arboretum and explore nature. Discover the differences between bees and wasps, go bird watching, and hunt for animal footprints. Hike, collect specimens, and make tools that help reveal the Arboretum’s wild side!
- Section A: June 24 to June 28, 9:00 a.m. to noon
- Section B: July 29 to August 2, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Wetland Wonders: full day camp
Spend the week getting wet! Wallow through wetlands to collect water samples, play games, and conduct experiments. Examine critters that call ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes home.
- Section A: June 17 to June 21, 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 15 to July 19, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Section D: August 5 to August 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wild Survival: full day, two-week camp
Do you have the skills of a squirrel, the techniques of a turtle, or the ability of an ant? Discover the survival skills of animals at the Arb and then put your survival skills to the test.
- Section A: July 8 to July 12 and July 15 to July 19, 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 Camps 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.
