Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is excited to announce eight unparalleled summer nature immersion experiences for youth, ages kindergarten – 6th grade.
These environmental programs offer a unique transformational journey to help youth discover the natural “unplugged” world around them.
The programs are hands-on, incorporating STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) learning as youth investigate the Bartlett’s extraordinary 93-acre campus.
Under the leadership of a new Education Director, Mike Belletzkie, each week brings a unique experience from tracking animals to mixing herbal potions, learning wilderness survival skills and more. Mike brings more than ten years of expertise working in a variety of traditional and informal educational and research settings. He has a passion for horticulture, ecology, and environmental stewardship.
“We have put together an extensive program to inspire kids to share our passion and empower youth to become environmental stewards,” says Mike Belletzkie, Education Director of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens.
Sign up for a summer of fun to explore, discover, learn, unplug and grow. Camp weeks run June 25th – August 17th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Big Summer Camp savings available – up to 25% off when registering before February 26th and with membership. Space is limited and spots fill up quickly. For further information or to register, please visit bartlettarboretum.org/summer-vacation-camp or email mbelletzkie@bartlettarboretum.org.
Eight fantastic themes to awaken the wild in you. Come one, come all, join the fun!
ANIMAL TRACKING (June 25 – June 29) Mammals, Reptiles, Birds, Insects! The forest is alive with critters if you know where to look. Spend the week discovering how a variety of animals move, where they live, what they eat, and how to find them!
HERBS, POTIONS, & CONCOCTIONS (July 2, 3, 5, 6 – 4 day week) Use plants to make secret potions! Spend time in Bartlett’s beautiful herb garden – and use the plants we harvest in creative ways.
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARTIFACT (July 9 – July 13) Calling all treasure hunters! Dig up fossils, artifacts, and lost treasures in a camp experience like no other where you become Indiana Jones and hunt for lost treasures!
PARK RANGERS (July 16 – 20) The forests need your help! What does it mean to be an environmental steward? It means knowing the natural world and caring for it! If you care about saving the planet, this is the right week for you! Explore the seven distinct habits at the Arboretum and truly discover the wonders of nature.
NATURE DETECTIVES (July 23- July 27) Patterns, colors, oddities, and beauty. Nature has it all. Investigate mysteries in nature all around us. Use natural materials for building projects, and science tools and design experiments to find answers to our questions.
DISCOVER GARDEN TO TABLE (July 30 – August 3) “Dig in” to food crops! Harvest from our vegetable garden, create garden-inspired crafts, and prepare and eat a variety of snacks. Even meet a real-life farmer.
EXPEDITION LEADERSHIP (August 6 – August 10) Wilderness expeditions develop one’s understanding of leadership, teamwork, ethics, and judgment. Connecting with the wild outdoors in an intense way fosters the kind of self-reliance, judgment, respect, and sense of responsibility that can help leaders thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (August 13 – August 17) Test your survival skills and learn new ones in an adventure into the wilderness. Learn how to navigate in the woods, how to build a shelter and fire, and even learn how to track animals. We will finish the week with cooking over a fire that we build ourselves.
About the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens The mission of the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is to provide a sanctuary to explore, enjoy, and learn about the habitats of the natural world.
• Preserving a 93-acre sanctuary of southwest New England natural ecosystems for generations to explore and enjoy
• Providing comprehensive environmental, horticulture and plant science educational programs for children and adults
• Providing opportunities for recreation, enjoyment, and exploration of the natural world for all ages
• Maintaining a diverse collection of trees, gardens, and plants that celebrate biodiversity and reflect the ecology and character of our region
• Promoting conservation and principles of sustainable landscape management