Summer Nature Camp
Each summer since 2011, the West Virginia Botanic Garden has offered Summer Nature Camp, and the program continues to grow! All camps are one week long, and exact dates are announced each year in early spring. Register soon, these popular programs fill up very quickly!




Do you have a child who loves to spend time outdoors exploring nature?
If so, then a Summer Nature Camp at the WVBG may be the place for him or her!
Campers will spend five days at day-camp where they will learn about, explore and immerse themselves in the natural world around them.
2021 Summer Nature Camp Dates
Curious Kids
9 am-12:30 pm
Session 1 June 7-11
Session 2 July 5-9
Nature Explorers
9 am-4 pm
Session 1 June 14-18
Session 2 July 12-16
Camp SOAR
9 am-4 pm
July 19-23
There are some camp scholarships available, please contact us at 304-293-2093 for details.
Would you like to receive advance notice about upcoming events?
Nature Explorers Camp
Entering grades 2-5, minimum age 7- Week-long full-day camp Focuses on learning about and exploring nature
- Covers topics including trees, flowers, insects, birds, wildlife, and water
Curious Kids Camp
Entering grades pre K-1, minimum age 4- Week-long half-day camp Focuses on learning about and exploring nature
- Covers topics including trees, flowers, insects, birds, wildlife, and water
Camp SOAR: Stewardship, Outdoor Appreciation, and Readiness
entering grades 5-8, minimum age 10- Campers will observe, focus, reflect, and appreciate—all outdoors at the WVBG!
- Guided trail and garden explorations
- Lessons in basic outdoor readiness skills
- Opportunities for creative, focused expression in nature journals
- Visits from community members in nature-oriented careers
- Participation in an on-site group volunteer project focused on stewardship and conservation
- Returning campers will be given mentoring opportunities throughout the week
Give your child a summer camp experience from the safety of home!
This kit is designed as an alternative to the Camp SOAR offered on-site at the WVBG. The purpose of the kit is to introduce children to some of the key concepts covered at camp, give them (and their family) some fun activities to try, and include some exciting items to aid in explorations. Some of the activities are designed to be done at the WVBG, but others can be done almost anywhere, anytime! There are seven topics that are covered in the kit. The topics include:
- Outdoor Preparation/Readiness
- Trail Readiness
- Observations in Nature
- Exploring Habitats
- Orienteering
- Leave No Trace Principles
- Stewardship
We will contact you when your kit is ready for pick up (typically within one week of order).
Camp SOAR Stay-At-Home Camp Kit
entering grades 5-8- WVBG Camp SOAR Camp Kit Guide Book
- Journal
- Compass
- Paracord bracelet with mini compass
- Wildflowers and Trees of West Virginia Guide Book
- Leave No Trace card
- WVBG Map
- WVBG Bird Guide
- WVBG Camp Tee Shirt
- WVBG Sticker