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March Break Nature Camp

Humber Arboretum 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 woodlands, meadows, and gardens of the Humber Arboretum. Active and engaging, our nature camps are designed for ages 5-12 and take place within the northwest part of the City of Toronto.

During March Break campers will go on owl prowls, try snowshoes (weather-permitting), and learn about making sustainable maple syrup in an urban environment.

Two young children look into a maple syrup bucket

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, March Break Camp will not run in 2021. Watch our event calendar or social media channels (@humberarb) for online events and explore videos, printables, and other at-home activities on our virtual learning page. 

 

This March Break give your child the opportunity to get outside, get active, and develop a lasting appreciation for the natural environment.

With a focus on maple syrup harvesting and other seasonal activities, the Humber Arboretum's March Break Nature Camp is geared to ages 4 to 12. The program ensures a high level of activity and interest for each participant. The camp is facilitated by Nature Interpreters who work regularly throughout the year with school classes and community groups.

March Break Nature Camp takes place over five days, Monday to Friday. The regular camp day runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with before care (from 8 am) and aftercare (until 5:00 pm) available for an additional fee.

Activities

  • Maple syrup harvesting!
  • Snowshoeing (weather permitting)
  • Chickadee feeding and owl prowls
  • Nature walks & forest exploration
  • Art & Ecology
  • Animal tracking
  • Shelter building

2020 Cost & Policies (2022 details TBA)

  • One week camp fee - $265
  • One week of before care - $45
  • One week of aftercare - $50
  • Both before and aftercare - $80
  • Daily rate for before and aftercare also available

 

 

A young girl in a colourful coat hikes with a long stick

A girl sits cross-legged indoors planting a spider plant in a pot

Cancellation Policy

All withdrawals requested two weeks prior to the start of the camp week will be refunded the full camp fees, minus a $25 administration fee. Any withdrawals requested less than two weeks prior to the start of the camp week will be refunded 50% of all camp fees.

 

What to Bring

  • Morning and afternoon snacks and drinks*
  • Lunch (except Friday, pizza day)*
  • Warm coat
  • Snow pants
  • Scarf
  • Gloves/Mittens - 2-3 pairs for when they get wet
  • Long underwear
  • Rain boots
  • Thick socks - several pairs!
  • Toque
  • Sweater
  • Sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Willingness to play in the cold!

 

A counsellor and two students pour maple sap into a cooler

Meals and Transportation

*The children will bring their own lunches, snacks, and drinks each day except for Friday, when lunch will be provided by the Arboretum. Please inform us of any food allergies and please do not bring nut products of any kind to camp. We strive to minimize the amount of waste produced at the Centre, and a key part of that is promoting Litterless Lunches. Please bring only reusable or recyclable containers and utensils. We will ask campers to take their garbage and anything that can’t be recycled here back home and to compost any food waste using our on-site compost bins. For tips, see WasteFreeLunches.org.

The Humber Arboretum and Centre For Urban Ecology is accessible by TTC - see our directions page for details.

Ontario Camps Association logo

Humber Arboretum Nature Camp is accredited by the Ontario Camps Association.