Summer Nature Day Camp 2026
Humber Arboretum day camps are based out of the Centre for Urban Ecology, but campers spend most of their time outdoors making their own discoveries in the woodland, river, meadows, wetlands, gardens, and ponds of the 100-hectare Humber Arboretum. Active and engaging, Humber Arboretum Nature Camp is for curious kids aged 5 to 12 and takes place within the northwest part of the City of Toronto.
Camp runs weekly through July and August.
Camp Overview
Give your child the opportunity to develop a lasting appreciation for the natural environment. The Humber Arboretum's summer nature day camp is based out of the Centre for Urban Ecology, our environmentally-friendly building located on the Humber Arboretum grounds.
Weekly activities include:
- Nature wanders
- Forest exploration
- Nature-inspired art
- Wildlife spotting
- Pond discovery
- Camp songs and games
- Pizza lunch on Fridays*
*Please note that at this time it is unconfirmed if we will able to visit the pool as part of our 2026 activities. If we are not going swimming, we will play water games during the week, weather-permitting. Please check back for updates.
Every week is made unique with the addition of theme-specific activities. Scroll down for full information on weekly themes and activities.
Age-Based Sections
Ages 5 and 6
Ten spots every week are reserved for our youngest campers, who will explore the same weekly theme as other campers but through activities tailored to their age and run by camp leaders who have experience with younger children.
Ages 7 to 12
Our core nature camp program features fun, hands-on programming adapted to different ages and abilities within camp. Campers are split into smaller groups with dedicated leaders but they will also take part in camp-wide activities as a large group.
[On Hold] Ages 12 to 14 - Junior Naturalist Camp (limited weeks)
[Please note that the Junior Naturalist program is being reviewed for Summer 2026. Check back for updates.]
Day Camp Details
Times
Summer Nature Day Camp takes place on weekdays only, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am until 3:45 pm.
Drop-off time begins at 8:30 am; pick-up runs from 3:45 pm until 4:15 pm.
Location
The Humber Arboretum is at the back of Humber Polytechnic North Campus in North Etobicoke, near the intersection of Finch Avenue and Highway 27 (205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, M9W 5L7).
See the location of the Centre for Urban Ecology on Google Maps.
2026 Cost
- Regular 5-Day Week: $405
- 4-Day Week (Weeks 1 and 6): $325.50
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.
There will be no refunds once the camp session has begun.
How to Register
Watch this space for the registration link.
Registration Deadline
Please note that online registration for each week of camp closes a week before the start of camp, at midnight on the previous Monday. However there may still be spots available. If the cut-off for registration has passed, you may email the Arboretum to inquire: arboretum@humber.ca
Decided Not to Join Us This Year?
If you were interested in camp but have decided not to register, we invite you to fill out this short form and share your reasons so we can improve our offerings in the future.
Weekly Themes for 2026
Every week at Humber Arboretum Nature Camps includes nature exploration, art and storytelling, and camp-wide games. Weekly themes inspire other activities.
Week One:
The Art of Nature
(Four-day camp; split week)
Four Day Camp: June 29 & 30 and July 2 & 3 (No Camp on Wednesday July 1)
Start the summer connecting with nature through art and storytelling. We'll explore what we can do with natural materials, try out new tools and skills, and practice telling the tales of our amazing nature experiences and discoveries.
(Does your camper love art but not love the idea of public speaking? No worries, storytelling is always voluntarily.)
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Two
Brilliant Birds
Monday July 6 to Friday July 10, 2026
Swoop into the Arb for a full week of bird-brained* activities. Owl day long we'll be winging our way through the amazing world of feathers, flight, and phenomenal adaptations.
Join this flock and soon you'll be raven about avians with no egrets.**
*Because birds are ;very smart.
** We actually might see an egret.
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Three
Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives: Climate Action
Monday July 13 to Friday July 17, 2026
Everyone knows the climate is in crisis, but what's a kid to do? As it turns out, a lot. Learn about the interconnections between the health and wellness of people, animals, and the environment, and discover how you can help lead the way to a better world.
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Four
Fantastic Freshwater
Monday July 20 to Friday July 24, 2026
From river to pond to wetland, freshwater is essential for healthy ecosystems. But why is it so important? And what's happening beneath the surface? Bring an extra pair of dry socks and get ready for an excellent aquatic adventure.
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Five
Wilderness Survival Skills
Monday July 27 to Friday July 31, 2026
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? This week we're taking on some fun challenges to develop the skills needed to keep ourselves safe and warm in the great outdoors.
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Six
Roots of STEM: Eco-engineers (4-Day Camp)
Four-day Camp: Tuesday August 4 to Friday August 7, 2026
This year our deep dive into the world of science will focus on what we can build—and how we can be inspired by some of the amazing constructions found in nature!
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Seven
Insectopia: Mission Monarch
Monday August 10 to Friday August 14, 2026
It's time to look closely at the tiny, astonishing world of invertebrates. With a special focus on the Monarch Butterfly, we'll explore how insects and arthropods move, feed, and survive, and discover the ways we can help them thrive.
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Eight
The Great Nature Games: Animal Challenges Edition
Monday August 17 to Friday August 21, 2026
Get ready for some fun and friendly competition! Taking inspiration from the astonishing abilities of animals, we'll challenge ourselves to be stronger, faster, smarter... and squirrelier?
Please note, this is the last week of camp for 5- and 6-year-olds.
~~~
Ages 5 and 6: Registration Coming Soon
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Week Nine:
Creating with Bushcraft (ages 7 to 12)
Monday August 24 to Friday August 28, 2026
We'll wrap up the summer with a smaller session for our older campers only. Bushcraft is all about the art of making useful and beautiful things from natural materials in a respectful and sustainable way. Campers will try their hands at a variety of skills and bring home their creations.
~~~
Ages 7 to 12: Registration Coming Soon
Camp T-Shirts
$18.50
While supplies last
What to Bring
- Morning and afternoon snacks and drinks*
- Lunch (except Friday, pizza day)*
- Backpack or bag
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Bathing suit (every day)
- Towel (every day)
- Water shoes/sandals
- Rain coat
- Rubber boots
- Extra socks
- Portable hand sanitizer (recommended)
- Face mask (currently optional; may become mandatory depending on public health situation at time of camp)
*The Centre for Urban Ecology is a nut-aware facility. Please inform us of any food allergies and do not bring nut products of any kind to camp. For every week of camp an email sent to families the week previous will outline any other food restrictions for the week due to camper or staff sensitivities.
*We wish to limit the amount of waste that is produced at the Centre and as part of this initiative we promote Litterless Lunches. Please bring only reusable or recyclable containers and utensils. We will ask campers to compost any food waste using our on-site compost bins and take their garbage and anything that can’t be recycled here back home. For tips, see How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch on Recycle Nation.
Humber Arboretum Summer Nature Camp is accredited by the Ontario Camps Association.
Donate to the Nature for All Fund
Want to give other kids the opportunity to build their confidence and make new friends while they connect with nature?
The Humber Arboretum's Nature for All Fund helps us make Nature Camp, school field trips, and other nature experiences for all ages available to those who would otherwise be unable to participate.