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Seeding the Future
Summer Camp at the Garden
Located in Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s 78 acres offer many opportunities to explore, discover, and play. With more than six miles of walking trails, including a children’s garden, an herbarium, seed bank, research labs, library, and a public plant nursery on-site, the Garden provides a perfect backdrop for a fun Santa Barbara summer camp experience.
Campers experience the wonders found within California’s habitats while learning what makes our home unique and worthy of protection. Ages five to 12 can choose from a variety of programs providing a safe and enriching environment to explore native plant habitats. With themes centered on nature connection, native plant conservation, or outdoor discovery, campers are welcome to stick with one theme or mix things up from week to week.
Registration opens for Garden Members on March 3 at 10:30 a.m. and March 19 for the general public. Space is limited, so mark your calendars.
Create your UltraCamp account now and save time before registration opens.
Contact
Summer camp team
(805) 682-4726 x 161
Inspire the Future
Become a Counselor in Training
Looking to earn high school community service hours? Our counselors-in-training (CIT) build skills working with children while discovering how California’s native plants support healthy ecosystems.
To qualify, you must be between 14 and 17 years old, available June 6 and 7 for training, and commit to volunteer for at least three weeks of camp sessions.
Summer Camps for Ages 5 and 6 Years Old
You’re never too young to fall in love with nature.
From daily crafts to plenty of time to play, our programs are the perfect introduction to a lifetime appreciation for the outdoors.
Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an extended day option from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $370 and $100 for a week of extended day care.
Registration opens for Garden Members on March 3 and the general public on March 19.
Acorn Adventurers
July 6, August 3
Calling all adventurers! Are you ready to discover the wonders found in our native oak woodlands? We’ll play, create, imagine, and explore as we investigate the amazing things that can be found when we adventure outside.
This program is perfect for campers with a strong sense of adventure who like to explore, create nature-based crafts, and make discoveries.
Nature Superheroes
June 22, July 20
Superheroes are all around us! From changing colors to shapeshifting, nature is full of supernatural abilities. Discover how remarkable even the tiniest creatures can be through crafts, games, and investigations.
This program is great for those who love learning about nature, especially animals, and enjoy engaging in activities that highlight them and their different abilities.
Blooming Buddies
June 15, July 27
Get ready for big outdoor adventures where playing, exploring, and discovering helps us grow every day! We’ll make fun crafts, play team games, and take mindful moments to recharge in the backdrop of our native gardens. Come bloom with us as we learn, laugh, and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors together!
This program is ideal for kids who enjoy or could benefit from activities focused on emotional growth, teamwork, mindfulness, and exploration.
Insect Investigators
July 13, August 10
Beetles, Bees, and Butterflies – oh my! Discover how incredible our small, yet mighty insects are as we explore how they keep our world buzzing. Through crafts, play and investigations, we’ll see how these tiny critters are so much more than what meets the eye.
This program is great for campers who appreciate insects and like to look closely, get dirty, and explore nature.
Summer Camps for Ages 6 and 8 Years Old
In nature, there is always something new to uncover. For older campers looking for more challenges, we’ll dive deeper into how we can expand our ability to explore, discover, and play outside.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an extended day option from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $370 and $100 per week for extended day care.
Registration opens for Garden Members on March 3 and the general public on March 19.
Sense-Sational Explorers
June 22, August 3
Experience nature in new ways as we spend a week of sensory discovery. We’ll tune into the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the world as we explore, make crafts, and play games that deepen our connection to the world. Discover how our senses can be a powerful tool to explore and understand the natural wonders around us.
This camp is perfect for curious children who like to play and learn through hands-on, sensory experiences.
Cali-flora Adventures
July 20, August 10
From being able to survive the hottest summers to the tallest organism in the world, California plants are as unique as the special state they’re from. Through outdoor challenges, explorations and creating models, we’ll dive deep into our plants’ amazing abilities and what makes California truly remarkable.
This program is ideal for campers who enjoy hands-on activities, making predictions based on observations, and learning about plant adaptations.
Forest Fitness
July 6, July 27
Discover how engaging our bodies and minds in “forest fitness” creates endless opportunities for fun and curiosity. Boost your outdoor confidence while making new friends as we engage in physical challenges, team activities, and outdoor exploration.
This program is ideal for team-oriented kids who like to be active and play outside.
Happening Habitats
June 15, July 13
Embark on an adventure through California’s incredible habitats. From shady woodlands to chaparral, campers will explore what makes each habitat unique and meet the amazing plants and animals that live there. Through hands-on activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration, we’ll discover how these relationships support a vibrant web of life.
This program is great for campers who are interested in learning about plants and animals and exploring different environments.
Summer Camps for Ages 8 to 10 Years Old
Nature offers us many ways to connect – with it and one another. As your child’s interests expand, the Garden offers programs designed to engage various types of nature lovers.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an extended day option from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $370per week and $100 for a week of extended day care
Registration opens for Garden Members on March 3 and the general public on March 19.
Backcountry Pathfinder
June 15, July 27
Backcountry Pathfinders are explorers who value nature and inspire others through example and leadership. Campers will unlock skills to connect people to our planet through art, plant and animal investigations, and exploration practices. As Pathfinders dive into the natural world, they’ll discover how they not only have the power to care for it, but to influence others to do the same.
After camp, Participants in the Pathfinder program get year-round access to the Pathfinder Closet: a secret stash of observation equipment and investigation tools in the Backcountry.
This camp is perfect for kids who want to deepen their connection with nature and empower others to do the same.
EcoExplorers
July 20
Ignite your inner adventurer as we dive into the connection between scientists and explorers. From mountains to canyons, islands to deserts, scientists are some of the most avid explorers, adventurers, and discoverers. We’ll embrace the wonders of nature as we uncover the vital skills needed for any scientific expedition.
This camp is ideal for children who like to explore and are interested in engaging in scientific practices and techniques related to natural science.
The Art of Science
July 13, August 3
Unleash your creativity as we explore how art and science come together to discover, conserve, and draw inspiration from native landscapes. We’ll discover the intersection between art and science as we explore multiple forms of artistic expression, including art from natural materials, vibrant pastel pieces, storytelling, and more.
This camp is ideal for children who enjoy being creative through multiple forms and are interested in utilizing art to understand nature.
Nature Nurturers
June 22, August 10
Ignite your inner adventurer as we dive into the connection between scientists and explorers. From mountains to canyons, islands to deserts, scientists are some of the most avid explorers, adventurers and discoverers. We’ll embrace the wonders of nature as we uncover the vital skills needed for any scientific expedition.
This camp is ideal for children who like to explore and are interested in engaging in scientific practices and techniques related to natural science.
Summer Camps for Ages 10 to 12 Years Old
The Garden is expanding its offerings to include a new 10-12 age group! As a pilot program, this camp is offered with limited capacity. Be among the first to experience this new program aimed at inspiring the next generation of conservationists through horticulture.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended day option from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $370 and $100 per week for extended day care.
Registration opens for Garden Members on March 3 and the general public on March 19.
Garden Guardians
July 6
Change begins with a single seed. Discover how growing and caring for plants can help restore habitats, support wildlife, and protect our planet. Campers will explore how native plants enrich our ecosystems and communities through hands-on horticulture practices that promote conservation.
This camp is perfect for youth who want to get their hands dirty, learn horticulture practices, and discover how gardens can change the world.
Summer Camp FAQ
What should my child bring to camp?
Please make sure your child comes to camp with the following materials. If you require assistance with any of these items, please let us know.
- Water bottle: 16 oz minimum, filled
- Backpack
- Bagged lunch
- Two healthy snacks
- Spare clothes: one set for the week
- Closed-toed shoes
- Hat
- Sunblock
- Well-fitted face mask (optional)
On the first day, you will be provided with two camp T-shirts. Please make sure your child wears their shirt daily.
What is your cancellation policy?
Participants must cancel no later than 15 days prior to their camp’s start date to receive a refund, minus a 10% admin fee.
To cancel or change your camp reservation, sign into your UltraCamp account, go to your reservation page, and select the session you’d like to change. From there, you can cancel or edit your session information.
I didn’t get a spot. Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. If a camp is sold out, we encourage you to join our waitlist. When a spot opens, we will notify families directly.
To join our waitlist, go through registration for the program you want. If it is unavailable, you’ll be automatically added to our list.
Is there a dress code at camp?
Each camper is provided with two camp T-shirts. We ask that campers wear these shirts during camp hours, daily.
During camp, kids will be engaging in a variety of outdoor play activities and should wear appropriate clothing to suit those activities, such as sturdy, closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothing for running and climbing, and a hat.
What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
The safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. Our counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:8, with two staff counselors working with no more than 16 participants per group. Additional volunteers may also be present, depending on the activity or age group.
Do you have scholarships available?
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden partners with the Police Activities League Campership Alliance program to distribute and award camp scholarships. Please see their site for more information on obtaining a camp scholarship for Summer Camps at the Garden.
How do I leave an emergency message concerning my child?
The best way to leave an emergency message is by contacting the youth and family program manager via email or phone (their contact information is provided in your orientation packet). If you cannot get a hold of them, contact our Front Kiosk at (805) 682-4726.
In the event of a red flag warning, is there an alternative location we will meet?
Under the Garden’s county-issued conditional use permit, we must close the Garden in the event of a red flag warning. If the Garden must close due to a red flag, camp programming will be moved to an off-site location. These notices often come with 24 to 48 hours of lead time.
If, for whatever reason, camp programming cannot be moved offsite, participants will receive a full refund for the day. You will be notified by email as soon as possible if we are placed under a warning.
What is the drop-off and pick-up location for camp?
Drop-off and pick-up are located at the Garden’s front entrance at 1212 Mission Canyon Road.
When driving up Mission Canyon, the Garden parking lot entrance will be on your left (Note, you’ll pass the parking lot exit on your left first). Once you pull in, there will be designated parking spaces for summer camp. Please drive carefully as the parking lot will be busy during these times.
Who can pick up my child from camp?
Only the parents, guardians, or individuals 18 or older who have been identified on the camper’s Pick-Up Authorization List in UltraCamp are allowed to pick up from camp. Campers will not be released to anyone not on the authorization form so please make sure your form stays current. A valid photo ID must be presented at pick-up daily.
Can I pick up my child early or drop them off late?
If you have to pick up your child before 3 p.m., please communicate with a staff member at check-in. They will arrange for someone to bring your child to the entrance at the designated time to be signed out. Regular sign-out procedures still apply with early pick-up.
If you need to drop your child off late, please inform a staff member at check-in on the day prior. We ask that you give us at least one day’s notice or contact the youth and family program manager for arrangements.
What happens if I am late picking up my child?
If your child is not picked up by 3:30 p.m., they will be sent to our extended day program. Families who use our extended day program will be charged a $20 enrollment fee per day.
Our extended day program ends promptly at 5 p.m. If your child is not picked up by 5:15 p.m., you will automatically incur a $30 fee plus an additional $15 for every 15 minutes of extra supervision.
Do I receive a refund if my child is sick?
Prorated refunds for up to two full days of camp fees are available for campers who must stay home due to illness.