We’ve transformed our traditional day camps into Camp Dawes: At Home Adventures! Camp sessions throughout June and July will focus on a variety of themes using art and science. Explore animals, plants, fossils and more. Registration for each camp session includes a camp kit filled with supplies and activities to complete at home. Use the included ticket for 1 day free family admission to join us for an afternoon of planned self-guided nature exploration focused on the camp of the week.
Pick up for summer camp boxes will be the Friday and Saturday before the camp, between 12 and 5:30pm. If participants are unable to pick up during that time they may email learning@dawesarb.org to set up a new pick up time.
Use the included ticket for 1 day free family admission to join us for an afternoon of planned self-guided nature exploration focused on the theme of the week on Wednesdays during camp from 12-3pm.
Please note, family admission day passes are valid until Sept 30, 2021. If you are unable to visit on a listed Wednesday, feel free to enjoy The Dawes Arboretum any day before expiration.
Learn more about our upcoming camp sessions below!
June 7-11
Little Sprouts, Ages 3-5
Enter the wonderful world of Eric Carle! Our youngest campers will use books, games and crafts as an avenue to explore the natural world. Make play dough, create puppets and examine nature with your own hand lens and home made binoculars. Hunt down some summer fun!
Jr. Naturalists, Ages 6-8
Bugs, birds and botany are the highlights of this camp! Learn all about the natural world right out your back door as you create a sturdy bug catcher, make nature crafts and create your own field journal. Join us for a week of hands-on exploration and fun.
Nature Sleuths, Ages 9-11
The natural world is a mysterious place! This week, become a detective to solve a wildlife crime scene. Observe signs of wildlife, learn about secretive creatures that live nearby and ponder the mysteries of the world around you.
June 14-18
Mud Buddies, Ages 6-8
Dig in the dirt and discover the world under your feet! Meet some worms, plant a seed and make some mud art. Get ready for some muddy summer fun!
Slimy Friends, Ages 9-11
Explore all things sticky and slimy in nature. Learn how to build a wormery, hunt for amphibians and make your own slime. This is one wet and wild camp you won't forget!
Eco-Explorers, Ages 12-14
Explore the world around you! Create a green energy project, join a citizen science team and become an advocate for our world's resources. Discover what you can do to help the earth!
June 21-25
Plant Heroes, Ages 6-8
You've heard of heroes with capes named after bats or big cats but do you know the superheroes of the plant world? Find out what makes a plant super. Learn about the biggest, strongest and most spectacular plants in the world. Grow your own giant!
Garden Gurus, Ages 9-11
Get busy in your garden and become a garden guru! Explore what makes a garden grow, then start your own seedlings! What insects might you find when you explore a garden bed? Try some garden art! Be a master of the garden.
June 28-July 2
Wizarding Wonders: Potions and Spells, Ages 6-8
Pour your potions and study herbs in this wizarding camp. Make bath bombs, experiment with bubbling potions and more. Create your own concoctions and fantastical spells!
Wizarding Wonders: Fantastic Critters, Ages 9-11
In this enchanting camp, you’ll study owls, make magical wands and learn about beasts large and small! Join us as we perfect our wizarding skills in this fun-filled camp.
July 5-9
Little Sprouts, Ages 3-5
Enter the wonderful world of Eric Carle! Our youngest campers will use books, games and crafts as an avenue to explore the natural world. Make play dough, create puppets and examine nature with your own hand lens and home made binoculars. Hunt down some summer fun!
Budding Artists, Ages 6-8
Dive into an explosion of colors and textures! Create your own unique artwork inspired by nature. Young artists try their hands at cartoon drawing, solar printmaking, wet chalk art and more.
Art Adventures, Ages 9-11
Channel your inner Van Gogh. Explore techniques used by famous artists and be inspired by the beauty of nature. Create natural sculptures, watercolor and sketching masterpieces of your very own.
July 12-16
STEM Camp: Animal Engineers, Ages 6-8
From intricate bird nests to astounding beaver dams, animals are engineering all around us. Take a closer look at construction techniques and amazing adaptations, found in the animal kingdom. Take on wild STEM building challenges.
STEM Camp: Cool Science, Ages 9-11
Winter in July- why not? Take a break from the heat and explore all things 'cool' through experiments, data collection and crystal creations. It's sure to be some frosty fun!
Eco-Explorers, Ages 12-14
Explore the world around you! Create a green energy project, join a citizen science team and become an advocate for our world's resources. Discover what you can do to help the earth!
July 19-23
Dinos, Ginkgos, and Me, Ages 6-8
Travel back to the dinosaur age and discover different dinosaurs. Learn what they ate, where they lived, and the trees that grew when dinosaurs were alive.
Fossils All Around, Ages 9-11
Did you know fossils can be found right here in Ohio? Make your own natural imprints. Young paleontologists learn about different types of ancient creatures and the "living fossils" at The Arboretum!
July 26-30
Wild About Wildlife: Birds, Ages 6-8
Are you wild about birds? Make a tasty treat for the birds in your backyard, observe the different kinds of birds that visit and learn how to draw some common birds you may see. Keep an eye to the sky and learn all about our feathered friends!
Wild About Wildlife: Bugs, Ages 9-11
Time to get wild about wildlife! Catch and identify insects in your own backyard and learn about fascinating bugs from around the world! This STEAM based camp is sure to make you buggy!