The Morton Arboretum is committed to supporting diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Summer Science Camps at The Morton Arboretum aim to inspire campers of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy and explore nature. We believe nature is a universal language that connects campers to one another and to the environment, while fostering mutual respect.
We want everyone to be successful, and we find that campers have the best experience if they are able to:
- Understand and follow verbal directions
- Understand and follow camp rules and expectations
- Verbalize that they need assistance, are hungry, are hurt, etc.
- Reasonably and age-appropriately self-regulate social and emotional needs
- Use the toilet unassisted
Accessibility and Inclusion FAQ
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We offer various supports, including visual schedules, a quiet indoor space for campers to reset, additional camp assistants that rotate through camps, fidgets, and other items or supports as needed.
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We are unable to provide one-on-one support for campers, but are happy to accommodate a one-on-one aid that attends camp with a camper. A one-on-one aid must register as a Camp Aid at least two weeks prior to the start of camp. Aids must provide proof of a background check through their employer or association or have a background check run by the Arboretum before the start of the camp week.
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Medical needs are examined on a case-by-case basis. Camp is unable to meet medical needs that require additional staffing, unless the camper is assisted by their own one-on-one aide.
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An inclusion coordinator is part of the Arboretum’s temporary staff through the summer. The inclusion coordinator reaches out to families in order to prepare the proper supports for campers so they can have an awesome time at camp. The coordinator typically reaches out to parents and guardians two weeks prior to the camp start date, and will continue to check in with camp instructors and families during the week of camp, as needed.
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Our camp involves wood-chipped trails and some off-trail activities. Wheelchairs are welcome at camp, although we recommend motorized wheelchairs to help accommodate navigating our trails.
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Our staff are unable to provide diapering or bathroom assistance for campers. Registered one-on-one aids (non-Arboretum staff) who accompany a camper may assist with bathroom needs, or parents/guardians may stay onsite during the program to be on-call to assist their child in the restroom. Parents and guardians may not accompany their child during camp activities.