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Nature Day Camps & Youth Leadership Programs 

Humber Arboretum nature day camps are based out of the Centre for Urban Ecology, but campers will spend most of their time outdoors where they will make their own discoveries in the forest, river, meadows, wetlands, gardens, and ponds of the Humber Arboretum. Active and engaging, our nature camps are designed for ages 5 to 14 and take place within the northwest part of the City of Toronto.

For teens interested in becoming leaders themselves, the LYNX teen leadership program for ages 14 to 17 specifically focuses on how to guide children in their exploration of nature.

A Junior Naturalist pushes a glowing ember into the bowl of a carved wooden spoon

Junior Naturalist Summer Camp

Multiple sessions during July and August 

Ages 12 to 14

This camp focuses on exploring the Humber Arboretum's flora and fauna in greater detail. Running concurrently with nature camp, it is facilitated by one of the Humber Arboretum's Nature Interpreters and offers a more in-depth investigation of the natural world for older kids who are excited by the prospect of discovery. 

Registration now open.

Campers watch intently as a fat green caterpillar crawls along a stick

Summer Nature Camp

Weekly through July and August, beginning the week of July 8

Ages 5 to 12

Campers spend their days participating in nature walks, forest exploration, pond discovery, camp songs and games, and much more. Weekly themes help inspire each week's explorations.

Registration now open.

A teen explains an activity to a group of children outdoors

Leading Youth in Nature Experiences (LYNX) - Teen Leadership Program

Check back for next session details

Ages 14 to 17

Are you a teen interested in working with kids in the outdoors? The exciting new LYNX Teen Leaders program from the Humber Arboretum offers youth aged 14 to 17 the tools and skills to help you create exceptional experiences for the children who will be exploring nature under your guidance. 

march break camps

March Break Camp

2025 details TBA

Ages 6 to 12

March Break Camp offers five days of outdoor seasonal fun, including maple syrup harvesting, chickadee feeding, shelter building, animal tracking, and survival skills.  

A chickadee perches on a child's hand looking at the sunflower seeds on offer

Winter Break Nature Camp

2025 session TBD

Ages 6 to 12

Kids can start the new year with seasonal outdoor fun. Animal tracking, shelter building, chickadee feeding, and more.

Ontario Camps Association Logo

Humber Arboretum Nature Camp is accredited by the Ontario Camps Association 

Testimonials

"...kids loved camp... they spent the entire summer there. Counsellors are all friendly and are so positive. We have the trust that they have our kids best interest at heart. Keep up the great program and staff!"

~ Parent, Summer Nature Camp 2017

"We wanted to offer our son a camp that would keep him outdoors during the summer. Nature themed and educational, but fun as well. We have heard only amazing things for him. He absolutely loved his summer at the Arboretum camp and wants to come back next year. Thank you for providing a safe, nurturing and exciting camp for our child!"

~ Parent, Summer Nature Camp 2017

"Humber Arboretum truly offers the best camp experience for our children; they come home tired but so happy. We love the learning and exposure they get with you, and the attitude, energy and enthusiasm of the counselors is just so special. Cost-wise, we feel we really get our money's worth, and appreciate the break given for siblings. The location isn't the best for us, but again- we feel it's worth the trip. Thank you!!"

~ Parent, Summer Camp 2017

"I loved this camp for my grandson - he is a total outdoor nature boy and it was a perfect fit. But what remains outstanding to me is the the care and understanding support that he received. Each counsellor went above and beyond in my opinion to make him feel safe, nurtured and uniquely special. They understood his needs and were very receptive to information I needed to share about his issues. I cannot thank them enough."

~ Grandparent, Summer Nature Camp 2017

"Our daughter loves attending summer camp at the Humber Arboretum. After attending for two weeks last year, she specifically asked to go back this year. She always has so much fun and learns a lot of new things. She has great things to say about all the counselors and activities. She has already asked to go back next summer. As parents, we love that she is out in nature all day, being active, and learning new things at the same time. Plus, it's an added bonus for us when we get to pick her up from such a beautiful and tranquil location."

~ Parent, Summer Nature Camp 2017

"We can't say enough about the superb quality of your camp counsellors. Their energy and enthusiasm combined with warm nurturing support really helped Luca and Amelia's camp experience be superior to any other. It was three weeks they will never forget! We will definitely be returning next summer for more Arboretum fun." 

~ Frances W.

“I have to say how impressed I am with your camp. This is the first year for my son and he's loving it, so he will be back next year…     

My nephew, son & son's friend said it was the best camp ever. In fact, my nephew ….who lives in Ottawa said he enjoyed it so much that he wants to come back next summer to go to that same camp.”

~ Kelly Z., Summer Nature Camp 2016

“Our experience with the summer camp at the Humber Arboretum was outstanding. The programming successfully kept my rambunctious son engaged and little did he realize how much he learned. My son is a regular participant of summer camps of all kinds, and months later he still talks about how great this camp was. Unlike the usual “nothing” response I’m accustomed to getting from him when I would ask him what he did that day, he would greet me at the end of each camp day full of excitement and eager to recount his experience. The leaders created a welcoming and fun-filled environment, quickly making his first day jitters vanish. I especially value that the setting nurtures a connection with nature, it exposes children to the post-secondary environment and the leaders serve as great role models for educational goal-setting. By the second day of camp my son was telling me about what the various camp leaders were studying in school, paving the way for some great discussions about learning and careers. The summer camp at the Humber Arboretum is truly second to none.”

~ Barbara M.