Discovery Camps
For kids ages four to 12.
REGISTER BY March 5 for the early registration discount.
Enjoy the gifts of nature. Discover our beautiful world and learn more about your connections to plants and our planet. All day camps take place at the Nature Interpretive Centre, 20A Old Guelph Road, Dundas. View our March Break Discovery Camps and download a pdf including the listing and registration form, or click on the links below.
Summer Discovery Camps, July 5 to September 3, download a pdf — online registration opens March 20.
Hey! Thanks to supporters like you, RBG Summer Discovery Camps won the Platinum medal for best summer camps in Hamilton Community News’ 2009 Readers Choice Awards.
Thanks! – Jason van Veen
Camp Mission and Values: Royal Botanical Gardens’ Discovery Camps strive to promote healthy environmental attitudes and lifestyles through safe, respectful, fun and diverse outdoor learning experiences.
Day camps for kids ages 4 to 5
Day camps for kids ages 6 to 7
Day camps for kids ages 8 to 9
Day camps for kids ages 10 to 13
Special Amazon Voyage camps at RBG Centre
For kids ages 4 to 7
For kids ages 8 to 12
Online registration
Camp information and fees
Download our March Break Camps program (pdf)
4 to 5 years
Monday, March 15
The Magic of Maple
The maple is more than a national symbol of Canada so come out and discover the marvels of one of Mother Nature’s sweetest gifts. Native legends, pioneer uses and modern technologies help us unravel the magic of maple syrup while we explore the forest, play games and make some maple-icious crafts.
Tuesday, March 16
Birds of a Feather
Make some new fantastic feathered friends. Get a close-up view of a cheeky chickadee and keep your eyes open for big bald eagles. How many different birds will you spot as we hike our trails? Open your eyes to the world of birds through nature walks, games, crafts and other close encounters of the feathered kind.
Wednesday, March 17
Marvels and Mysteries of our Animal World
Discover the crazy, the weird and the downright absurd as we explore animals from across the globe. Explore the wonderful world of animals through games, stories that come to life, zany crafts, interactive nature walks and age-appropriate skill-building activities. A great day about the fascinating creatures of the earth, sea and sky.
Thursday, March 18
Natural Wonders
Uncover the hidden wonders of nature’s great balance and explore the web of life. Discover what makes up a natural community, and learn about the jobs that different creatures have. Be prepared to get down and dirty as we explore fields and forest, fun games and cool crafts that focus on connections and relationships in nature.
Friday, March 19
Burst into Bloom
From small flowers to towering trees, the world is full of strange and wonderful plants. Royal Botanical Gardens has more different kinds of plants than any other place in Canada, and offers plenty of opportunities to explore how plants begin, grow and survive in different natural settings. We’ll journey into our lands and have a chance to play, discover and create.
register online
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6 to 7 years
Monday, March 15
Young Naturalists
Explore the natural world of birds, bugs, plants, weather, cycles and everything that lives and exists in your own backyard. Come along as we spend the day hiking and exploring forest and field. Learn to observe and understand the connections and relationships that make up our special lands.
Tuesday, March 16
Marvelous Maple Syrup
No spring would be complete without the taste of maple syrup — a Canadian icon. Discover nature and science as we make this delicious treat. Explore the wonderful world of maple through games, stories, crafts, interactive nature walks and great activities.
Wednesday, March 17
Green Kids
If you love nature and your idea of a perfect day is one spent outdoors coming up with ways to save the planet, then this camp is for you! Take part in a project that helps protect the over 40 species-at-risk that live on RBG property and enjoy nature walks, eco-adventures and fun eco-games.
Thursday, March 18
Seasons – New
Come experience and explore the fantastic transformation from winter to spring and learn all about the changes that come with each unique season. Join us as we delve into the wondrous world of the four seasons through experiments, games, activities and observations. Learn about our climate and how plants and animals adapt to survive in all sorts of environments.
Friday, March 19
Outdoor Fun and Games
Take advantage of the wonderful weather and join us for a day of wild games, challenging, fun activities, and outdoor adventures that are sure to be a blast. Time outside, going on hikes and playing environmentally focused games — what a great way to spend a late-winter day!
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8 to 9 years
Monday, March 15
Adaptations of Animals
RBG’s rich diversity of natural habitat is home to an amazing number of interesting and dynamic animal species — from tiny insects to big white-tailed deer. During hikes, adventures and experiments you’ll learn about the special adaptations of animals from our forest and the world over.
Tuesday, March 16
Forest Ecology – New
With over 750 hectares of forested habitats, RBG is home to a rich diversity of unique forest communities. Come out as we explore the interactions, connections and fascinating lives of forest plants and animals. Join
in for hours of fun and enjoy in-depth nature walks,
eco-adventures and fun environmental games
Wednesday, March 17
Maple Syrup Sensations
You can’t help but love that sticky sweet stuff — it’s a Canadian tradition! Find out how we make maple syrup, why it’s so tasty and see all the great things that we make out of it. Come along as we play games, explore our trails and create — all in the name of Canada’s maple trees.
Thursday, March 18
Take a Hike!*
Experienced nature guides lead you on this all-day adventure, with lunch and warm drinks to keep you going. Please be fully prepared for the weather and physically capable of participating in this full-day, 7-km hike.
*A cookout lunch is provided: $5 additional charge for lunch and drinks. Please be sure to wear proper boots and bring a backpack with water, snacks, and a change of socks and mitts.
Friday, March 19
Wild about Art
One of our most popular camps. Use nature to create artworks, and find inspiration in the natural world as you participate in nature walks, activities and games. You’ll not only see our Earth Art, you’ll create some of your own!
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10 to 12 years
Monday, March 15
Species at Risk
The Gardens is home to over 40 rare and endangered species. Our interactive games and simulations explain the factors that affect our biodiversity and help kids see how changes in habitat impact native species.
Tuesday, March 16
Eco-Warriors
Help manage and restore the natural biological diversity and ecosystem integrity of RBG’s nature sanctuaries by participating in an active conservation project. Campers get a hands-on experience in the field of conservation.
Wednesday, March 17
Adventure Awaits*
Experienced nature guides lead you on this all-day adventure, with lunch and warm drinks to keep you going. Please be fully prepared for the weather and physically capable of participating in this full-day, 7-km hike.
*A cookout lunch is provided: $5 additional charge for lunch and drinks. Please be sure to wear proper boots and bring a backpack with water, snacks, and a change of socks and mitts.
Thursday, March 18
Art in the Outdoors
Express your love of nature though art. From using nature to create your own earth art, to finding inspiration in the natural world, this day of arts and crafts is unlike any other. Nature walks, activities and games help artists get in touch with their natural side.
Friday, March 19
Earthworks: Environmental Sciences
It’s -ology day! Biology, ecology, geography, geology, pedology (that one’s all about soils) and meteorology — get ready to explore and investigate how the Earth works. Come along as we hike and play to discover the environmental conditions that affect humans and other organisms in numerous ways.
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Special Amazon Voyage camps
4 to 7 years (JK to Grade 2)
Tuesday, March 16
Amazon Adventurers
Meet live animals, play cool games and make great crafts as we explore the Amazon. Join Captain Mo for a trip down the river and explore the plants, animals and people that call the world’s largest river basin home. Learn about Amazon life, take a real, interactive trip to the rainforest by videoconference and then spend time outdoors on our trails and see how the Carolinian forest compares to the tropics.
8 to 12 years (Grades 3 to 6)
Thursday, March 18
Tropical Explorers
Take a trip all the way from the forests and wetlands of Canada’s biodiversity hot spot at RBG, to the rainforest. Explore the ecology, inhabitants and human impacts of the world’s largest river basin. You’ll also participate in an interactive videoconference about rainforests. Let RBG be your living laboratory for a day of exploration, investigation and fun.
CAMP FACTS AT A GLANCE
register online
Download a registration form (pdf)
Please complete one registration form for each camper.
FEES
Early Fee: $39/day for RBG Family* members
$43/day for non-members
*The member rate applies to Family Membership holders only. To upgrade from Individual to Family Membership, call Kerri at 905-527-1158, ext 290. New memberships may also be purchased online.
Early REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 5. $4/child/camp late fee applies to registrations received after March 5 (Members: $43/day;
Non-members: $47/day).
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free extended care from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Additional extended care from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and/or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. is $4 per day per child.
Staffing: Our staff to camper ratio is 1:7, with experienced, capable and well-trained staff assisted by junior support staff. Our staff are certified in first aid, and those over the age of 18 are police-checked. Maximum 30 campers per age group (20 for 4 to 5s).
Clothing: Please check weather reports daily and come prepared for the weather. Programs take place outside as much as possible, varying with the weather conditions. Along with cold-weather outdoor clothing suitable for muddy trails, your child will need:
• a pair of indoor shoes
• a change of warm socks
• a change of warm mitts
• any other clothing that will make their experience a positive one.
Other hints: In wet weather, please include a full change of clothing in case snow/splash pants get wet.
Wear play clothes as our crafts often involve glue and paint. Label all belongings.
Food: Please send your child with lunch and a healthy snack for both morning and afternoon snack breaks. No nuts — everything must be nut-free. If a child brings a snack that “may contain traces of nuts or nut products” the snack will be replaced. Many school board websites post information on nut-free lunch and snack ideas. Please help reduce waste by packing a litterless lunch.
Toys: Please do not send your child with toys or electronics. Royal Botanical Gardens is not responsible for lost or broken items.
LOCATION
Camps take place at Nature Interpretive Centre/Arboretum, 20A Old Guelph Road, Dundas (see map).
HOW TO REGISTER
Advanced registration is required. Participants may register online, in person or by mail. Phoned in or faxed registrations are not accepted.
REGISTER ONLINE. Our secure, online service requires your email address in order to immediately send you a confirmation email.
Download a registration form (pdf)
Advanced registration required. Registrations are accepted in person, by mail or online. Registration must be received by March 5 for early pricing.
By mail or in-person: Please fill out the registration and health form in full and mail or deliver to:
Discovery Camps, Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4.
Registrations are accepted on a first-come basis. Registrations are not accepted if they are missing any required information. You must include a working e-mail address as you will receive a confirmation e-mail outlining more detailed information about camp, including what to bring. Please read this letter with your family so that everyone has an understanding of your camp needs.
For more information: 905-527-7962; 905-527-1158 or 1-800-694-4769 ext. 270; email: camps@rbg.ca
MEMBERSHIP
Members of Royal Botanical Gardens enjoy a discounted rate for camp programs. Our family membership fee for one year is $80 (two designated adults and all children under 18 years of age). You may purchase a membership on the registration form, however, a separate cheque is required if you pay for the membership by cheque. If you are using a grandparent membership to take advantage of the discount, please note that a receipt is issued in the member’s name only.
Members of the Gardens enjoy many perks including discounted admission and discounted program fees. Please click here for more information.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUND POLICY
Royal Botanical Gardens reserves the right to cancel a program if a minimum number of participants is not met. A full refund or credit is issued if this happens.
Refunds for registrant withdrawals may be made up to two weeks prior to the start of camp, however these are subject to a 25% cancellation fee. After that date, no refunds are issued. Changes to dates shown on original registration are subject to a $10 administration fee. Registrations received after March 5 are charged a $4/camp late fee.
Our programs generally run rain (or snow) or shine. In the event of extreme winter weather, camp may be cancelled. Information is posted on the 900CHML Snow Line and on RBG’s Weather Information Line at 905-527-1158, ext. 404.
Please help Royal Botanical Gardens reduce paper use by supplying your email address when registering so that a receipt and camp list can be forwarded to you automatically. Otherwise, they are mailed.
LIABILITY
Please note that Royal Botanical Gardens is not responsible for any accident, injury or loss, howsoever sustained, to your child or child’s property, or for personal injury or mishap. Our programs include outdoor hikes on our trails, crafts, games and activities, as well as short audio-video (video, slide show, etc.) components to reinforce concepts and themes. All activities are at the risk of the participant. If you do not wish your child to participate in an activity, please notify camp staff.
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