2024 GREEN ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMPS

Registration opens March 7th at 11:00AM!

Join us for a week of camp filled with adventure, discovery, and exploration in the Garden! Camps are 9am – noon, Monday – Friday.

Fees: $175 for members, $225 for non-members

NEW! This year we are using a new registration software! Please use this link to activate or set up your new account.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration begins at 11:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 7th. Please visit this page for registration.

Important Details to Note:

  • You must be logged into your account to register for summer camps.
  • Health/Safety information must be completed for your camper at the time of registration, for each camp. Incomplete forms may result in cancelled registrations.
  • Camps will save in your cart for 15 minutes, it will hold your camper’s space in the camp during this time.

Wild About Bugs | June 10 – 14, Ages 5 – 6

Jump, fly, and crawl into the world of fascinating bugs! Through crafts, activities, and games, kids will learn about all different kinds of bugs like beautiful butterflies, slimy slugs, and buzzing bumblebees. Camp will also include the chance to explore our honeybee hive, observe our insect collections, and watch pollinators in action in the Garden.

Elements of Nature | June 17 – 21, Ages 9 – 10

Unleash your inner scientist as we explore the four elements: Water… Earth… Fire… Air! We will conduct exciting, hands-on experiments, play fun games, and learn about our awesome planet!

Connect with Nature | June 17 – 21, Ages 7 – 8 | July 29 – August 2, Ages 9 – 10

Nature is magic. It jump-starts our joy, cultivates our curiosity, and awakens our awe. Discover and deepen your individual and collective connection with nature through play, observation, and creativity. We will explore natural ecosystems celebrating our kinship with nature and unearthing our own magic.

Nature’s Architects | June 24 – 28, Ages 5 – 6

Did you know that humans are not the only builders? Our animal friends build things too! Have you ever been curious about how they make their homes? We will explore how animals build by observing structures such as nests, colonies, and so many more around the garden. Campers will be challenged to then create their own structure that their favorite critter might enjoy!

Amazing Adaptations | June 24 – 28, Ages 7 – 8

Explore nature at the Garden by investigating native Virginia plants and animals. Why do striped skunks spray a stinky smell? What sound does a pickerel frog make? Why do maple leaves turn red in the fall? This adventure into unique adaptations will foster an appreciation for and knowledge of our local wildlife!

Woodland Whimsy | July 8 – 12, Ages 7 – 8

Explore the wonder and whimsy of the forest with us at the garden. Have fun hiding out in forest forts and creating tiny houses for magical forest fairies! Campers will learn about our forest ecosystem, forage for natural materials, and have many opportunities for imaginative play.

Basics of Botany | July 8 – 12, Ages 11 – 12

Budding young botanists will explore the intricate and fascinating world of plants. Campers will learn the intricate anatomy of various botanical specimens, unraveling the secrets of each plant part. Campers will create and maintain a personalized field journal and nurture their green thumbs by adopting their very own plant, learning the essential skills to care for and cherish their leafy companions.

Garden Critters | July 15 – 19, Ages 5 – 6

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a squirrel? Do you know what kinds of birds are singing in your yard? Are you curious about what it looks like inside a beehive? We’ll explore these questions and more! Get ready to see and learn about some awesome critters– from high-flying hawks to wiggly worms!

Nature Makerspace | July 15 – 19, Ages 9 – 10 | July 29 – August 2, Ages 7 – 8

Full STEAM ahead! Campers will spend the week in the Garden looking for inspiration for their nature themed projects. They will explore,  create, design and read about the way that nature plays a part in our communities while learning about the 3 Rs; reduce, reuse, recycle!

Nature Explorers | July 22 – 26, Ages 5 – 6

Embark on an unforgettable summer adventure! Young naturalists will learn to use their five senses to search for the signs and secrets nature shares with those willing to discover. Through exploratory nature walks and engaging experiments, curious minds will go off the beaten path to learn about Virginia’s plants and animals, with activities designed to spark a lasting love and appreciation of the natural world.

Herb-alicious | July 22 – 26, Ages 11 – 12

Have you ever wondered where honey is made, or how to heal a common bug bite without leaving your yard? Did you know that there is a plant that is 100 times sweeter than sugar that is good for your teeth? Campers will learn to do it themselves in this hands-on exploration of the garden. Each day, campers will collect the skills to harvest, chop, measure, and mix culinary creations and stock their herbal toolkit fresh from the garden.

Garden Art | August 5 – 9, Ages 5 – 6

Serving as both a studio and muse, the garden provides an enchanting backdrop for budding young artists to draw inspiration from nature. As campers explore the wonders of the garden, they will express their imagination through various mediums, using found treasures like leaves, flowers, and branches in their artistic endeavors. Our camp promises a week of growth, inspiration, and joy as we create masterpieces amidst the beauty of nature.

The Garden’s a Stage | August 5 – 9, Ages 7 – 8

Lights…Camera…Watering Can? Campers turned stars will work together to create and perform their very own play! Let’s get creative as we share stories, make props and costumes, play games, and learn about our beautiful garden! We will end the week with a bloom-tastic final performance for all to enjoy!

 

For questions please contact:

Anna Gale, Out of School Learning Coordinator, at [email protected] or 804.262.9887 extension 239.

Refund/Cancellation Policy: Camp registration fees are fully refundable, up until one week prior to the start of your child’s camp, minus a $15 cancellation fee. Exceptions may be made in the case of illness or family emergency.

Please note: We will adhere to strict age guidelines, please ensure your camper is registered for their appropriate age group.

To keep everyone healthy and safe, please do not send your child to camp if they have or have had symptoms of COVID-19 (and have not been tested) or have tested positive within the past 14 days. Per CDC guidelines, campers may attend camp if they have quarantined for five days, have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, and their symptoms are improving. They must wear a well-fitted mask when around others for 10 days after exposure or positive test result.

Please note that all policies are subject to change if we determine a higher level of precaution is necessary to keep campers, staff, and volunteers safe.