Summer awaits for curious minds, excited learners and hands-on explorers for Camp Dawes in 2026! The Dawes Arboretum will have activities for every age (5 through 14) that will spark inspiration for the great outdoors! Children can expect to journey through a variety of magical ecosystems, observe nature, create outdoor-inspired crafts and fall in love with the natural world – all while stretching their comfort zones and making new friends.
Early registration for members begins on January 15 and is $160 per child. Registration for non-members begins on February 1 and is $198 per child.
Camp Dawes will be hosted from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Wednesday. We have an exciting slew of opportunities this summer to learn about our environment. Scholarships are also available. Find the programs, descriptions, dates and where to register below.
Camp Sessions
June 8-10
STEAM Through Time | Ages 9-11
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through time and innovation! The past and present come alive during this fun-filled STEAM & History Camp. Tackle hands-on STEAM challenges, explore The Arboretum through hikes and historical tours, dive into creative crafts, old-fashioned games, and master the essential skills of a great historian! Please note: If you have attended this program in a previous summer, some themes and activities may be repeated.
Garden Rangers: Mission Grow! | Ages 6-8
Join the Garden Rangers, a team of young explorers on an exciting mission to dig, discover, and help the garden come alive! Campers will step into the world of plants, soil, and tiny garden creatures as they learn what it takes to help a garden grow strong and healthy. Each day brings a new mission—planting seeds, investigating bugs, building mini habitats, and creating hands-on garden crafts. By the end of camp, your child will proudly take home their own planted creation, new garden discoveries, and the confidence of a true Garden Ranger.
June 15-17
Little Sprouts | Ages 5-6
Popular children’s literature becomes an avenue for exploring the natural world. Read stories, make crafts and play games in this introduction to camp for our youngest campers. Each day we balance opportunities for quiet play and active hands-on fun!
Wilderness Survival | Ages 9-11
In this beginner's wilderness survival camp, learn basic skills that will prepare you for experiencing the outdoors. Lessons will focus on navigation, wild edibles, shelter building, and more! Sharpen your skills for a final challenge that will put your knowledge and abilities to the ultimate test. Please note: If you have attended this program in a previous summer, some themes and activities may be repeated.
June 22-24
Garden Art | Ages 12-14
You can’t spell earth without ART! In this unique art camp, participate in lessons on how to use natural materials in arts and crafts, get inspired by the sights of The Arboretum, and complete projects all while immersed in the beautiful Learning Garden, a perfect setting for digging into creativity!
Wet ‘n Wild | Ages 9-11
Cool off in the heat of the summer as you explore water environments throughout the Arboretum. Catch a fish, dip into wetlands and wade through a creek. Discover the diversity of aquatic life and witness the power of water! Please note: If you have attended this program in a previous summer, some themes and activities may be repeated.
July 6-8
Little Historians | Ages 6-8
Venture aboard a time-traveling journey for curious minds! Learn how clues from the past can tell us stories today. Let the past come alive through hands-on exploration, tours, crafts, old-fashioned games, and more! Campers will be introduced to the tools and thinking skills that historians use.
Dawes School of Wizardry | Ages 9-11
Magical creatures, herbology and more in this advanced wizardry camp. Create your own potions, study owl pellets and learn in nature from plant and science experts. Pop in for some enchanted summer fun!
July 13-15
ArtVenture | Ages 9-11
Adventure around The Arboretum to explore the unique colors, textures, and shapes that can be found in nature. Create artwork inspired by the beauty of nature and show it off at the end of camp during an art show for friends and family. Please note: If you have attended this program in a previous summer, some themes and activities may be repeated.
Nature Explorers | Ages 6-8
Calling all budding nature enthusiasts! Venture into the woods, dip into the pond, and peek into our gardens. Learn to use tools like binoculars, nets, and magnifiers to explore the wonders of nature, big and small.
July 20-22
Ultimate Wilderness Academy | Ages 12-14
In this wilderness survival camp, learn the basics of outdoor survival. Some of the lessons will focus on fire building, shelter building, and using natural materials for survival. Practice team building by completing low ropes activities and sharpen your skills for a final outdoor challenge that will put your knowledge and abilities to the ultimate test! Please note: If you have attended this program in a previous summer, some themes and activities may be repeated.
Budding Artists | Ages 6-8
Get creative in nature! Explore colors and textures, experiment with natural materials, and use different artistic techniques to create your masterpieces. At the end of camp, show off your creations in an art show for friends and family.