Registration open for Morton Arboretum's summer science camps

Kids have more than 120 science camps to choose from this summer at Morton Arboretum.

Registration is under way for the camps, which include six new offerings, for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. From June 8 through Aug. 10, each weeklong camp will immerse kids in the world of nature as they play the part of plant detective, build a forest fort or even wade through wetlands in search of critters that live underwater.

Taking place on the grounds of the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle, each full- or half-day camp session is taught by a qualified educator and follows an age-appropriate and engaging curriculum. To fit parents' schedules, the arboretum also will offer morning and afternoon supervised play from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m., as well as supervised lunch in between half-day camps for an additional fee.

"At the Morton Arboretum's Summer Science Camp, our woodlands, ponds and prairie become a classroom where campers learn about the natural world while having fun in the process," said Hannah Rennard-Ganley, manager of curriculum and instruction at the Morton Arboretum. "From exploring wildlife like coyotes and hawks to learning outdoor survival skills, our campers learn through science experiments, art and creative play."

This summer will see the return of popular camps like Amazing Race, Fishing Fun, and Bike and Hike, along with several new opportunities to explore including camp at night:

• Plant Detectives (half-day, first and second grade): Discover the fascinating world of plants while doing hands-on investigations. Children play games, sing songs and participate in experiments about the plants and trees all around us.

• Walk in the Wild (half-day, second and third grade): Kids discover the differences between bees and wasps, go bird watching, and hunt for animal footprints. Participants hike, collect specimens, and make tools that help reveal the arboretum's wild side.

• The Invisible World (half-day, fifth and sixth grade): Includes the use of microscopes and other scientific tools to investigate the tiniest plants and animals that inhabit the Earth. Campers discover how the nearly invisible organisms are essential to every ecosystem.

• Plant Hunters (half-day, fifth and sixth grade): Explore the arboretum to find unique, useful and endangered plants. Participants use scientific tools and create a plant hunter tool kit.

• Nocturnal Nature Art (night camp, seventh and eighth grade): Participants explore the arboretum at dusk. Campers experiment with different media and learn techniques to enhance color and perspective to create night-inspired artwork.

• 3-D Art (full day, seventh and eighth grade): Uses the shapes and textures of nature to inspire campers to make their own sculptures. They learn techniques and use tools of contemporary artists to create works of art each day, and experiment with different media to make their masterpieces.

Teens 14 to 16 years old can apply by April 3 for the Counselor in Training program to become a volunteer Summer Science Camp assistant.

Camp fees are $165 for members, $195 for others, per week for half-day sessions and $295 for members, $350 for others, per week for full-day sessions. Payment is due in full at time of registration. The registration fee includes a T-shirt.

For information, visit mortonarb.org.