Calling all Middle Schoolers! Summer Camps Available Just for You at San Diego Botanic Garden

Nature-Themed Summer Camps at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas begin on July 6th. Sign up Today!

Join us for five weeks of fun and educational activities at San Diego Botanic Garden’s Summer Youth Enrichment Camps for Grades 6 -8. Each week is based upon five different garden themes and led by trained staff members who are experts in their field. This program is funded by a generous grant from the Ellen G. & Edward G. Wong Family Foundation.

Come for one week or all five! Space is limited to 20 campers per week:

Youth Photography Camp: July 6 – 10

Led by a professional photographer, this camp will focus on appreciating the beauty of the plants in the garden around us. Students will go out into the Garden and shoot each day while practicing lighting, composition, portrait photography, and center of interest techniques. Photographs will be professionally critiqued. A culminating portfolio will be compiled and created by each camper highlighting the week’s work.

Nature Camp: July 13 – 17

Campers will explore the beauty and diversity of the garden, as an instructor teaches them how to watch and listen for native life. Students will learn about Southern California’s unique ecosystem and the plants and animals that inhabit our region including raccoons, mule deer, cotton tails, lizards and coyotes, as well as chaparral and other native plants. Participants will also practice the art of bird watching while learning the different calls each type of bird makes.

American Indian Cultures: July 20 - 24

Through interactive activities, campers will learn about the fascinating culture and history of Native Americans, focusing on local tribes such as the Kumeyaay that call Southern California home. Campers will have an opportunity to see the types of huts historic Native Americans lived in, how they ground their acorns and what daily life was like for indigenous peoples. Also included in the camp is a look toward the future, including new technologies such as solar power, and how important renewable energy sources are to our daily lives.

Organic Gardening: July 27 – July 31

Campers will visit our organic vegetable garden and learn what goes into planting their own gardens including composting, worm cultivation and using organic fertilizers. During this hands-on week, participants will be introduced to our Rainwater Harvesting exhibit and will be able to plant a seed to take home with them and watch it grow!

Art in the Garden: August 3 – 7

Each day students will be engaged by a new art teacher presenting them with step-by-step instructions on how to work in different media such as watercolor, oils, drawing, sculpture, prints and basket weaving. Campers will create works inspired by their outdoor adventures.

Cost: Members $15/week, Non-Members $18 /week
Maximum Enrollment: 20 students per week

Reserve your space now! Go to SDBGarden.org/ or call 760/436-3036 x201.