Looking for a summer camp that blends adventure, hands-on learning, and the beauty of the great outdoors? Eco-Explorers Summer Camp at The Arboretum at Flagstaff offers children an unforgettable opportunity to explore nature, develop new skills, and spark their curiosity about the world around them.
Running through June and July, each week-long session immerses campers ages 5-11 in the wonders of the natural world through engaging, themed activities. From inspecting the lives of pollinators to the mysteries of wilderness exploration, campers will spend their days at the Arb outdoors, exploring our 200-acres of gardens, ponderosa pines, and winding trails.
Families can customize their child’s summer experience by choosing individual weeks based on their interests or enrolling them in all five sessions for a full summer of exploration.
Each camp session is Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM, and is designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning in an exciting, hands-on way. Whether your child loves animals, science, or outdoor exploration, there’s something for everyone!
Pollinator Power (June 9-13)
What do bees, butterflies, and bats have in common? They are all pollinators that help plants grow! This week, campers will take a deep dive into the world of pollination, learning about the crucial role these small but mighty creatures play in ecosystems. Activities include:
- Observing pollinators in action within our gardens
- Creating bee hotels to support local pollinators
- Exploring how flowers “talk” to their pollinators
- Crafting butterfly-friendly seed balls to take home
Wilderness Explorers I (June 16-20)
This week is perfect for young adventurers eager to connect with the great outdoors. Campers will embark on daily expeditions through the Arboretum’s forests and meadows while learning fundamental outdoor skills such as:
- Compass navigation and landmark identification
- Reading animal tracks and signs
- Understanding Leave No Trace principles
- Building teamwork and confidence in nature
For campers ages 8-11, the week ends with an optional overnight campout under the stars, where they will put their newfound skills to the test! (Additional cost applies.)
Wilderness Explorers II (June 23-27)
For those who want to take their survival skills to the next level, this session builds on the basics learned in Wilderness Explorers I and introduces new challenges, including:
- Fire safety and forest health
- Identifying edible and medicinal plants
- Learning basic knot-tying and shelter building
- Team-based wilderness challenges
Like the first week, this session also includes an overnight campout for ages 8-11, giving campers a chance to practice what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Creature Camp (July 7-11)
Does your child love animals? Then Creature Camp is the perfect fit! This week, campers will become wildlife detectives, investigating the habits and habitats of Arizona’s amazing creatures. They will:
- Explore tracks, scat, and other animal signs
- Search for wildlife in forests, ponds, and meadows
- Meet live animals up close
- Learn how animals adapt to their environment
Weird Plant Science (July 14-18)
Nature is full of weird and wonderful surprises! This session takes campers deep into the fascinating world of plants, fungi, and ecosystems. Activities include:
- Dissecting seed pods to uncover their secrets
- Making natural dyes from native plants
- Exploring the underground world of fungi and roots
- Discovering native plants and their unique adaptations for survival
From the strange to the spectacular, this camp will ignite curiosity and help kids see plants in a whole new light!
Our summer camps are designed to immerse children in the outdoors, providing a safe and supportive environment where they can explore, discover, and grow. Through engaging, science-based activities, campers develop a deeper understanding of the natural world while building essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and curiosity. With plenty of unplugged time in nature, they gain a true appreciation for the environment around them.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer—spots fill up fast! Register today at thearb.org/summer-camps or contact Helena Murray at Helena.Murray@thearb.org for more information.
Helena Murray is the Educational Manager of The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
