Summer camp at the Washington Park Arboretum is back and better than ever.  Come join us for a week (or two or three!) of fun & educational adventures in our 230 acre outdoor classroom located in the heart of Seattle.  Our day-camp curriculums are designed in support of our mission:  to promote environmental conservation through education and recreation.  To achieve this we focus on hands-on exploration, play and experiential learning.  Depending on the weekly theme, campers may become ethnobotanists, urban farmers or field biologists all while learning about the importance of teamwork and sustainability.

About Field Groups and Staff:

Each camper will be part of a small field group based on age for their week at camp.  Each group will be led by an experienced environmental educator and a Jr. Summer Camp Guide creating a counselor to camper ratio of 1:6.  Our education team members are all well-trained and experienced environmental educators chosen for their expertise and commitment to improving the world by facilitating meaningful learning experiences in nature.  In addition to their dedication, our Summer Garden Guides are CPR and first aid certified. 

Week 1: Native Plants and People (July 11 – 15)

Ever wonder how people survived before shopping malls and grocery stores? These places have only been around for a few generations, yet people have had to satisfy the same basic needs for millennia. During this week of camp, we will learn how to use our environment to obtain the things we need. From edible and medicinal plants, to basket weaving and fire-making, campers will come to view the forest through new eyes.  Mornings will be spent focused on our own Puget Sound Region, while afternoons will take advantage of our Pacific Connections Garden and look at plant uses from around the Pacific Rim.

Week 2: Little Green Thumbs (July 18 – 22)

As environmental movements go, no other has more momentum right now than the local food movement, and with good reason.  Growing your own food leads to healthier diets, healthier communities and a healthier planet.  And on top of all that, it’s fun!  During this week of camp, we’ll be getting our hands dirty learning all about vegetable gardening! What is a seed? What does it need to become food?  What parts of a plant can I eat, and how do I cook it? These are just some of the questions we’ll explore, as we grow our green thumbs and try to inspire the next generation of urban farmers. 

Week 3: Arboretum Detectives   (July 25 – 29)

As our human population continues to grow, so do our cities and towns.  What does this mean for the other living organisms we share this Earth with?  Where do they go?  While some relocate to find more space, many remain and take up residence in our yards, parks and green spaces - the nooks and crannies of urban nature.  If your kid likes exploring the back yard, poking at animal scat or peering through binoculars and magnifiers, he/she will love this week.  Each day will be dedicated to learning about and looking for a different taxa group: bugs, birds, mammals, mushrooms, reptiles & amphibians. 

WHO:  1st – 6th graders (ages 6 – 12)
Max. 36 campers per week
WHAT:  Environmental Education Summer Day Camp 
WHEN:  Mon – Fri; 9am – 3pm
Week 1: Native Plants & People:  July 11 – 15
Week 2: Little Green Thumbs  July 18 – 22
Week 3: Arboretum Detectives  July 25 - 29 
WHERE:  Washington Park Arboretum; pick-up & drop-off at the Graham Visitors Center
HOW MUCH:  $250 per week
(15% discount available to UW employees and Arboretum Foundation members)

*Extended Camp*:  Before & after care will be available if 6+ campers sign up.
Before Camp:  8am - 9am; Cost:  $25
After Camp:  3pm - 5pm; Cost:  $50