Registration open for Morton Arboretum summer camp

Children who want to spend their summer exploring and learning about nature can choose from among more than 100 sessions of the Morton Arboretum's 2016 Summer Science Camp, which promotes active learning and outdoor exploration all summer.

Registration is underway for the Summer Science Camp, which offers camps for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. From June 6 through Aug. 12, each weeklong camp will immerse kids in the world of nature as they play the part of environmental avenger, build a forest fort or wade through wetlands in search of critters that live under water.

The arboretum's Summer Science Camp sessions take place on the grounds of the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Each full- or half-day session is taught by an educator and follows an age-appropriate curriculum. To fit parents' schedules, the arboretum 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.

"Whether it is wading in the wetlands, parading through the prairie or building a fort in the forest, campers at the Morton Arboretum's Summer Science Camp experience a world of wonder," said Meghan Wiesbrock, the arboretum's manager of curriculum and instruction.

"Summer is a time for play and exploration, and our campers experience these through hands-on experiments, playful crafts and nature-based challenges. It's an exciting time of the year, and campers have a blast while learning at the same time."

Two new sessions this year are Eco-Challenge and Environmental Avengers, which will explore habitats and how to protect them. Other sessions - including Feathers and Scales, Extreme Bugs, Eco-Mythbusters, Coldblooded Creatures, Eric Carle's Friends and Young Impressionists - will feature new activities.

A copy of the 2016 Summer Science Camp brochure, including details on all sessions being offered, is available at www.mortonarb.org/files/Summer Camp Brochure 2016.pdf.

Teens 14 to 16 years old can apply by Sunday, 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; $295 for members, $350 for others per week for full-day sessions. Payment is due in full at the time of registration. Registration fee includes a Summer Science Camp T-shirt.