Summer Day Camps : Ages 11–13

The Arboretum’s Summer Adventure Programs: 200 Acres of Environmental Education!

The Arboretum is a great place for children to discover nature in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, cultivated gardens, and meadows. Our Summer Adventure Programs explore not only plants but also birds and other animals. Children embark on a different adventure each week, where they learn about natural habitats, make crafts, play games, and enjoy a snack.

One-day Environmental Education Adventures

  • Maximum participants: 12
  • Time: 9 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesdays

Dates: See below | Length: 1 day | Leaders: Gwen Waring and Phoebe Stevens | Cost: $40 members / $45 nonmembers

  • June 14: Life in the Water |
  • June 21: The World of Bugs
  • June 28: Follow that Critter: Animal Tracking
  • July 5: Flowers, Seeds, Cones, and Leaves
  • July 12: Birds: Facts Behind the Flutter
  • July 19: Plants as Food and Medicine

Gwen Waring will lead day-long camps that focus on a different environmental education theme each Tuesday. Children ages 11-13 will learn about the flora and fauna of our region through observation, collection, identification, and analysis.

Viewing Nature Through an Artist’s Eyes

  • Maximum participants: 12
  • Time: 9 AM – 4:30 PM each day

Dates: July 25–29 | Length: 5 days | Leaders: Gwen Waring & Phoebe Stevens | Cost: $200 members / $225 nonmembers

Join artist and naturalist Gwendolyn Waring for a week of art and natural history with an emphasis on fun. The Arboretum grounds will be buzzing with life. Participants will learn about the plants and animals of the area by watching them in their natural habitats, drawing them, painting them, and writing about them. A favorite outdoor art project will follow the lead of world-renowned environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy.

Nature Trekkers

  • Maximum participants: 12
  • Time: 9 AM – 4:30 PM each day

Dates: Aug 1–5 | Length: 5 days | Leaders: Andrew Mumm and Zoe Gordon | Cost: $200 members / $225 nonmembers

Aspiring young naturalists will spend 5 days immersed in the environment. Hands-on activities include animal tracking, fire safety, and building a survival shelter. They will learn how to identify and press plant species as well as how to prepare edible wild plants. Campers will go on hikes near The Arboretum while learning wilderness survival techniques. Register early — camps are limited in size, with two leaders, to ensure high quality programming. Receipt of full payment guarantees your space.

You must call or e-mail first to check availability.

To reserve a date for your class, call or e-mail Katie Flint at (928) 774-1442, ext. 123. (Limited office hours)

Registration form [95 KB PDF] | Scholarship Form

This program receives financial support from the Flagstaff P-12 Educational Resources Fund through the Flagstaff Community Foundation.