This summer, immerse your child in the wonders of nature, science and adventure with our hands-on camp offerings. From discovering the hidden creatures of the forest at Woodland Naturalists Camp to mastering paddling skills on local rivers at Paddling Camp, our programs are designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories. Whether your child is exploring the magic of plants and animals or unleashing their creativity in hands-on art and science experiments, our camps provide the perfect balance of education and fun. Led by passionate educators, each camp offers engaging outdoor activities and a safe environment for kids to explore, learn and grow. Join us for a summer of excitement and discovery at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden—where every day is an adventure!
Please note all age limits are strictly enforced and campers must be the ages listed throughout the duration of the camp.
Woodland Naturalists Camp
Calling all young nature lovers! Campers will learn about our forest environment and its creatures, small and big, shy and friendly, sharing their unique habitats with us.
Campers will be outside rain or shine with hands-on, engaging activities lead by our Education staff and camp counselors.
June 9-13 | Ages 8-12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Habitat Hunters Camp
Using exploration, inquiry, critical thinking and related STEAM activities, campers will explore and deepen the connections we share with our forest habitat.
Campers will be outside rain or shine with hands-on, engaging activities led by our Education staff and camp counselors.
June 16 – 20 | Ages 10-12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Paddling Camp
In partnership with the Catawba Riverkeeper, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden campers will spend five days learning skills from beginner to intermediate while exploring different locations on the South Fork and/or Catawba River in Gaston County.
Whether you are a true beginner or have experience on the water, we have something that will keep campers active, busy and having fun! Paddling programs at DSBG build confidence, new skills and education about their water resources and the environment and will create memories that your kids will remember for their entire life!
June 23-27 | Ages 12-15 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Garden Explorer Days – Outdoor Engineer Day
In this one-day program, campers will put their building and critical thinking skills to the test with construction experiments, building boats, catapults and towers!
June 30 | Ages 8-13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $60 | Non-Members – $65
Garden Explorer Days – Mad Science Day
In this one-day program, campers will become mad scientists, diving into hands-on, engaging activities, from creating bottle rockets to investigating chemical reactions, that prompt them to continuously ask “Why?”.
July 1 | Ages 8-13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $60 | Non-Members – $65
Garden Explorer Days – Nature Art Day
In this one-day program, campers will activate their art skills! Using items from nature, they’ll make crafts to take home and explore the wonders of natural plant dyes (and tie dying with them!).
July 2 | Ages 8-13 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $60 | Non-Members – $65
Our Enchanted Garden Camp
Campers will explore and experience the unique magic of our garden environment through nature discovery, games, crafts and puppet storytelling. They may even catch a glimpse of a garden fairy or a gnome.
This half day camp is perfect to get your little ones outside and exploring without the exhaustion of a full day camp, and while taking advantage of the cooler morning hours of July.
July 7-11 | Ages 6-8. | 9 a.m.-Noon
DSBG Members – $135 | Non-Members – $150
Survival Camp 101
Campers will learn skills for survival in the outdoors including first aid, hiking, venomous plant and animal identification and more. After camp, they will feel more comfortable in the outdoors and grow a new appreciation of the wild world around us.
Our professional instructors provide summer campers with top-level lessons and materials to learn with, while maintaining a supportive and fun environment in the outdoors. Give your young adventurers a reason to unplug and advance their skills this summer!
Survival 201 Camp will have some similar information to this camp, but contains new topics and activities. Campers are welcome to sign up for both camps if interested.
July 14-18 | Ages 10-14 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members $250
Survival Camp 201
Campers will learn skills for survival in the outdoors including including shelter building, knot tying, archery and more. After camp, they will feel more confident in the outdoors with skills to keep them safe in the wilderness.
Our professional instructors provide summer campers with top-level lessons and materials to learn with, while maintaining a supportive and fun environment in the outdoors. Give your young survivalists a reason to unplug and advance their skills this summer!
Survival 101 Camp will have some similar information to this camp, but contains new topics and activities. Campers are welcome to sign up for both camps if interested.
July 28-August 1 | Ages 10-14 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225 | Non-Members – $250
Wild Wonderful Water Camp
Campers will dive into the amazing world of water and how all of nature depends on it. Through pond ecology, they’ll study aquatic insects and animals, and enjoy experiments, art activities and games.
This camp is offered as a full day camp for ages 9 – 12 and as a half day camp for ages 6 – 8.
July 21-25
Full Day Camp | Ages 9-12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
DSBG Members – $225, Non-Members – $250
Half Day Camp | Ages 6-8 | 9 a.m.-Noon
DSBG Members – $135, Non-Members – $150
