Summer Nature Day 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 forest, river, meadows, wetlands, gardens, and ponds of the Humber Arboretum. Active and engaging, our nature camps are designed for ages 5 to 12 and take place within the northwest part of the City of Toronto.
Forest exploration, pond dipping, ecology games, swimming, and so much more. Camp runs weekly during the summer, beginning the week of July 10.
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 Walks
- Forest Exploration
- Ecology Games
- Wildlife Spotting
- Pond Discovery
- Camp Songs and Games
- Free-Swim Fridays (Supervised time in an indoor pool)
Every week is made unique with the addition of theme-specific activities. Scroll down for full information on weekly themes and activities.
Three Age-Based Programs Available
Beaver Camp (age 5)
This small group of younger campers will explore the same weekly theme as other campers but through activities tailored to their age and run by dedicated Beaver Camp counsellors who have experience with younger children.
Nature Camp (ages 6 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 two dedicated counsellors for the week, but will take part in whole-camp activities as well.
Also: Junior Naturalist Camp (ages 12 to 14)
Twelve-year-olds have the option to sign up for regular Nature Camp or for Junior Naturalist Camp which is exclusively for 12- to 14-year-olds. Led by a Humber Arboretum Nature Educator with support from camp counsellors. Junior Naturalist Camp takes a more in-depth look at each week's theme and is ideal for youth who are already passionate nature lovers. Visit the Junior Naturalist Camp page for details.
New for 2023
Two-week Session
For Nature Campers (ages 6 to 12) we have a new nine-day session in August, spanning two weeks. Scroll down to the themes section for the details on this year's installment of Wilderness Survival Skills.
No Before- and After-Care
We will not be offering before- and after-care this summer. Instead the flexible drop-off and pick-up window will be the same for all campers:
Drop-off window: 8:30 am to 9:00 am
Pick-up window: 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm
Weekly Themes for 2023
Every week at Humber Arboretum Nature Camps includes nature walks, art & ecology, all-ages games, and swimming. Weekly themes inspire other activities.
Week One:
Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives
Monday July 10 to Friday July 14, 2023
This week campers will learn about the importance of nature in their lives and why it is essential to protect nature not only for ourselves but for the diversity of life that depends on it for survival. Through interactive games and activities campers will expand their knowledge in areas of health and wellness, waste reduction, ecological stewardship, and energy and water conservation to help them understand how our actions affect the health of the planet and show them ways that we can help make a positive impact at home and in our communities.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives (age 5) - Only 4 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives (ages 6 to 12)
Week Two:
Brilliant Birds
Monday July 17 to Friday July 21, 2023
Did you know that over 350 different species of birds have been seen in Toronto? We might not get to all of them, but we will spend the week discovering the amazingly diverse world of birds and their many adaptations. Be ready for five days of fun exploring feathers, flight, calls, and everything else bird.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Brilliant Birds (age 5) - Only 4 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Brilliant Birds (ages 6 to 12)
Week Three:
Nature in the City
Monday July 24 to Friday July 28, 2023
From wildlife to wildflowers there’s wealth of nature to be found right here in Toronto. This week campers will take a close look at the places, plants, and animals in the city, and develop a new appreciation for the nature all around them.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Nature in the City (age 5) - Only 5 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Nature in the City (ages 6 to 12)
Week Four:
Fantastic Freshwater
Monday July 31 to Friday August 4, 2023
This week campers will have a chance to discover the life that exists within the ponds, river and wetlands of the Humber Arboretum! They will learn about the importance of freshwater for our own survival and why the Humber River watershed is so important to the Toronto region’s biodiversity.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Fantastic Freshwater (age 5) - Only 4 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Fantastic Freshwater (ages 6 to 12)
Week Five (Beaver Camp):
Tune in to Nature
Tuesday* August 8 to Friday August 11, 2023
This week Beaver campers will use their senses to explore the wonders that nature has to offer! Hands-on activities will help campers better understand how humans and animals use their senses to engage with their surroundings.
(*We are closed on Monday for the Civic Holiday.)
Register now for Beaver Camp: Tune in to Nature (age 5) - Only 5 spots left!
Weeks Five and Six (Nature Camp):
Week Six (Beaver Camp):
Wilderness Survival Skills
Part One: Tuesday August 8 to Friday August 11, 2023
Part Two/Beavers: Monday August 14 to Friday August 18, 2023
Campers will explore the necessities of survival including shelter, water, and way-finding. Campers will use clues in nature to help determine direction, try their hand at shelter building, and learn tips such as how to build a below-ground water capture still.
For Nature Campers (ages 6 to 12) this is a 9-day session spanning two weeks.
For Beaver Campers (age 5) Wilderness Survival Skills is one week only.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Wilderness Survival Skills (single week) (age 5) - Only 5 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Wilderness Survival Skills (two weeks/nine days) (ages 6 to 12)
Week Seven:
Bees and Blooms
Monday August 21 to Friday August 25, 2023
Gardens need pollinators and pollinators love gardens, so this week we’re exploring them together! Campers will take part in hands-on gardening activities and visit the Humber Food Learning Garden while they learn about different types of pollinators, their relationships with trees and plants, and why we need to both grow and protect native species of plants to help pollinators thrive.
Register now for Beaver Camp: Bees and Blooms (age 5) - Only 5 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Bees and Blooms (ages 6 to 12)
Week Eight:
Nature Olympics
Monday August 28 to Friday September 1, 2023
We'll wrap up the summer by exploring the Arboretum through play and competition! This active week is full of fun games that build teamwork and various outdoor skills. Campers divide into different teams to face off and cheer each other on. Together you’ll design a flag, create an anthem, and get active in the great outdoors!
Register now for Beaver Camp: Nature Olympics (age 5) - Only 5 spots left!
Register now for Nature Camp: Nature Olympics (ages 6 to 12)
Camp T-Shirts
$15 plus tax
While supplies last
Details
Times
Summer Nature Day Camp takes place on weekdays only, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Drop-off time begins at 8:30 am; pick-up runs from 3:45 pm until 4:15 pm.
Cost
- 5-day camps: $350
- 4-day camp (Beaver Camp Week Five): $280
- 9-day camp (Nature Camp Weeks Five and Six combined): $600
Sibling Discount
If you are registering multiple children in Beaver Camp, Nature Camp, or Junior Naturalist Camp, a sibling discount will be applied automatically in the system. You will receive $10 off the registration fee.
Registration Deadline
Please note that online registration for each week of camp closes at midnight on the Wednesday prior, 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
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.
How to Register
Registration is now open. See all available 2023 summer camp sessions in our online registration system (sort by age to see Beaver Camp or Nature Camp only).
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
- Swim goggles (Friday)
- 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.
*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.