Summer Programs
Summer camp is full for 2013. To get on the waitlist call 206-221-6427.
Step outside this summer.
Summer camp at the Washington Park Arboretum is bounding into its third year with more weeks offered and new programs. Come join us for a week (or more!) of fun and 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, artists, urban farmers or field biologists all while learning about the importance of teamwork and sustainability.
ONLINE REGISTRATION for Summer Camp
For more information, e-mail uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu or call 206-221-6427
WHO: 1st – 6th graders (ages 6 – 12)
Max. 36 campers per week
WHAT: Environmental Education Summer Day Camp
WHEN: July 1 – August 16; Mon – Fri; 9am – 3pm
WHERE: Washington Park Arboretum; pick-up & drop-off at the Graham Visitors Center
HOW MUCH: $250 per week (except week 1)
(15% discount available to UW employees and Arboretum Foundation members - call to register)
*Extended Camp*: Before & after care will be available if 6+ campers sign up.
Before Camp: 8am - 9am; Cost: $40
After Camp: 3pm - 5pm; Cost: $80
About Field Groups and Staff
Meet our 2013 Garden Guides!
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.
We are seeking high school students for our volunteer Junior Garden Guide positions.
Week 1: July 1 - 3 (no camp July 4 & 5)
HOW MUCH: $150 (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: $24
After Camp: 3pm - 5pm; Cost: $48
1st – 3rd: Arboretum Detectives - FULL
Nature is full of mystery just waiting to be explored. Join us for this fun and exciting week of camp and bring along all of your powers of observation: your eyes to see with, your ears to hear with, your nose to smell with, your hands to touch with, and your mouth to taste with. If you like exploring the back yard, poking at animal scat or peering through binoculars and magnifiers, you will love this week. Each day will be dedicated to learning about and looking for a different taxa group: bugs, birds, mammals, mushrooms, reptiles and amphibians. This week is like one big scavenger hunt!
4th – 6th: Arboretum Explorers - FULL
Discoveries are made by those who seek them out. New species of plants and animals are still being discovered today, even in the Washington Park Arboretum. During this week –long scavenger hunt, you will learn skills and techniques used by explorers and scientists as we comb our 230 acre outdoor classroom for any and all signs of life. Daily scavenger hunts will provide ample opportunities for campers to adventure through all the nooks and crannies of the Arboretum as well as gain a sense of place in a fun, hands-on way.
Week 2: July 8 - 12
1st – 3rd: Woodland Wonders - FULL
Through inspirational stories, game playing, crafts and hands-on activities, our woodland campers will expand their nature awareness. Going on berry hunts, finding out what plants can heal us, learning our native trees, acting out and telling native plant stories, and fort building will grab at our natural curiosity, hone our natural intelligence, and help us feel at home in the woods.
4th – 6th: Northwest Naturalists - FULL
“Living off the land” is a phrase that describes how people have survived throughout much of human history. Even today, we still depend on what the Earth provides but it can be hard to see that connection with modern inventions like grocery stores and restaurants. 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.
Week 3: July 15 - 19
1st – 3rd: Tadpoles & Whirligigs - FULL
Seattle dries out in the summer time, but all plants and animals (including us) need water to survive – some more than others. During this week of camp we’ll explore our ponds, streams and wetlands in search of animals that make their homes here: tadpoles & whirligigs for sure, fish, waterfowl, beavers, birds of prey, turtles and more!
4th – 6th: Wetland Rangers - FULL
Our site is unique among botanic gardens in that our property includes a diverse wetland. Our wetlands have always been a valuable part of the Lake Washington ecosystem, and during this week of camp we’ll get down and dirty to learn about all the valuable services they provide. Be prepared to build boats, study the wetland ecology, conduct water-related science experiments, go bird watching and play water games.
Week 4: July 22 - 26
1st – 3rd: Arboretum Detectives
- FULL
Nature is full of mystery just waiting to be explored. Join us for this fun and exciting week of camp and bring along all of your powers of observation: your eyes to see with, your ears to hear with, your nose to smell with, your hands to touch with, and your mouth to taste with. If you like exploring the back yard, poking at animal scat or peering through binoculars and magnifiers, you will love this week. Each day will be dedicated to learning about and looking for a different taxa group: bugs, birds, mammals, mushrooms, reptiles and amphibians. This week is like one big scavenger hunt!
4th – 6th: Arboretum Explorers - FULL
Discoveries are made by those who seek them out. New species of plants and animals are still being discovered today, even in the Washington Park Arboretum. During this week –long scavenger hunt, you will learn skills and techniques used by explorers and scientists as we comb our 230 acre outdoor classroom for any and all signs of life. Daily scavenger hunts will provide ample opportunities for campers to adventure through all the nooks and crannies of the Arboretum as well as gain a sense of place in a fun, hands-on way.
Week 5: July 29 - August 2
1st – 3rd: Woodland Wonders - FULL
Through inspirational stories, game playing, crafts and hands-on activities, our woodland campers will expand their nature awareness. Going on berry hunts, finding out what plants can heal us, learning our native trees, acting out and telling native plant stories, and fort building will grab at our natural curiosity, hone our natural intelligence, and help us feel at home in the woods.
4th – 6th: Northwest Naturalists - FULL
“Living off the land” is a phrase that describes how people have survived throughout much of human history. Even today, we still depend on what the Earth provides but it can be hard to see that connection with modern inventions like grocery stores and restaurants. 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.
Week 6: August 5 - 9
1st – 3rd: Tadpoles & Whirligigs 
- FULL
Seattle dries out in the summer time, but all plants and animals (including us) need water to survive – some more than others. During this week of camp we’ll explore our ponds, streams and wetlands in search of animals that make their homes here: tadpoles & whirligigs for sure, fish, waterfowl, beavers, birds of prey, turtles and more!
4th – 6th: Wetland Rangers - FULL
Our site is unique among botanic gardens in that our property includes a diverse wetland. Our wetlands have always been a valuable part of the Lake Washington ecosystem, and during this week of camp we’ll get down and dirty to learn about all the valuable services they provide. Be prepared to build boats, study the wetland ecology, conduct water-related science experiments, go bird watching and play water games.
Week 7: August 12 - 16
1st – 3rd: Weeds, Seeds & Lunch - FULL
Our vegetable garden may be small, but so are you! We need your help to tame the weeds and plant some seeds to grow into our lunch. During this week of camp we’ll become farmers, chefs, scarecrows and earthworms as we grow delicious food to fill our bellies. This week will culminate in a feast and art show for campers and their families.
4th – 6th: Art in the Park - FULL
Artists have always found inspiration for their works in nature. During this week of camp, we’ll do the same while exploring various artistic styles, techniques and mediums. From sculpture to paper making, performance art to painting this week is designed for the designer. Our wetlands, forests, meadows, ponds and trails abound with natural beauty. Campers will play, discover and inquire at the intersection of creativity and nature, the culmination of which will be an art show to share with families.
Explorer Packs
Explorer packs are also available in summer for self-directed learning perfect for small groups.