For more than a decade, families and children have grown up with Adkins Arboretum’s Summer Nature Camps in Ridgely. The camps provide extraordinary ways for children to enjoy summer the old-fashioned way – outdoors.
Campers ages 2 to 13 will make lifelong memories while exploring the Arboretum’s woodland, meadows, streams and wetland. From grazing on blackberries to splashing in the Blockston Branch, the Arboretum’s Summer Nature Camps provide children with a truly enchanted experience.
Camp Bumblebee, for preschoolers ages 2 and 3, runs June 19 through 23. The Arboretum’s littlest campers will search for wiggly caterpillars in the Funshine Garden, blow bubbles under the trees and visit the Arboretum goat herd. From splashing in the stream to hunting for tadpoles in the wetland, Camp Bumblebee is summer at its best. Adults attend this camp with their children and enjoy the experience of discovering nature together. Children learn through play and nature is the best playground.
Camp Pollywog (June 26 through 30) campers ages 4 to 6 will float leaf and twig boats down the Blockston Branch, create leafy magic carpets on the forest floor and mix up gooey wetland “sundaes” while listening to a chorus of frogs and red-winged blackbirds. Songs, crafts, stories, games and a healthy snack will round out each morning.
It’s “All About the Birds” in Camp Whippoorwill, a special birding camp for ages 8 to 12 (June 26 through 30). Campers will look for birds on the grounds with naturalist and educator Jim Wilson and will learn to identify birdsongs, dissect owl pellets and meet a real-life falconer. They’ll also learn about nesting, migration, owls and vultures, hike to the Tuckahoe State park aviary and much more.
In Camp Paw Paw (July 10 through 14), campers ages 7 to 9 will experience the magic of an outdoor summer. They’ll pick blackberries in the meadow, climb trees, toast marshmallows over a campfire and build forts in the woods. When temperatures rise, campers will cool off with sprinkler time in the Funshine Garden and whip up a batch of icy mint tea. Campers will top off the week with a special hike to the Tuckahoe Tire Park, stopping on the way to wade and search for stream critters.
In Camp Egret (July 17 through 21), campers ages 10 to 13 will hone their wilderness survival skills. Egret campers will navigate with compasses, build shelters, track wildlife and purify water. They’ll also brush up on first-aid, cook over a campfire and forage, all while building valuable teamwork and leadership skills.
Registration fees vary and advance registration is required. A special camp T-shirt is included. Register at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 0.