Are your kids ready to dig into the fascinating world where technology meets nature? Robotany is the summer camp adventure they won’t stop talking about. It is the perfect mix of screen time and green time. Younger coders will learn the programming fundamentals to control basic robots, explore electronics and circuits, and study plant biology while observing nature and going on nature hikes. More advanced coders will design VEX robots and learn how to program them to accomplish tasks designed to accomplish garden tasks more efficiently such as planting tulip bulbs or automated watering.  At the center of STEM and nature, Robotany is where science comes alive.

Let’s wrap up the last week of summer camp with an encore of some of our favorites. Immerse yourself in the best of the Arboretums 2024 summer camps as we’ve carefully curated the most exciting and enriching activities from various camps into one spectacular program. From adventurous outdoor exploration in Creature Feature to creative arts from Imaginature and mind-stimulating challenges from Story Book STEM, Encore brings you the ultimate blend of fun, learning, and unforgettable memories. 

How do I register for camps?

1. Sign your child up for a camp that is the appropriate level for your child.
   1. Children need to be the specified age by the date the camp occurs.
   2. The grade level you choose should be the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2024
2. You will receive the confirmation email. Save your confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact Reservations at education@dallasarboretum.org. 
3. You will receive a reminder email one week before the camp.  Complete the Summer Camp Contact form from the follow-up email and email to education@dallasarboretum.org. Or, print it and bring it with you on the first day of camp. All emails are sent to the address associated with you login. All emails are sent to the address associated with your login. Summer Camp Contact Form

Can I register my child for an older or younger age group?
No. Our lessons are carefully designed for specific ages.

How will the camps be split up?
After all of the attendees are signed up and finalized, we will break up camps into small groups by age, as much as possible. Ideally, we will have one camp group for children going into 1st and 2nd grades, one group for 3rd and 4th grades, and one group for 5th and 6th grades. To balance groups evenly, we reserve the right to assign or redistribute groups to best fit the needs of the group and the child. We are unable to honor requests for group placement. If there are any concerns about a camper’s group placement, please reach out to the Camp Manager directly.

Where should I park to drop off and pick up my child?
Please enter the Arboretum at Gate 1 and park in the lot. Walk to the Main ticket booths and you will be directed to the Education classrooms. 

For your child’s safety, you will need to walk your child into camp each day and sign them in. 

At check-in on the first day, you will receive a hanging car tag and a carpool pick-up map for dismissal. This is for your child’s safety. Please have your photo ID and the hanging car tag visible on your car’s rearview mirror to pick up in carpool dismissal. Cars in the carpool line will be filled in the order of arrival. If you elect to park your car and walk up to the dismissal area, please have your pick-up tag and ID available when signing your child out for the day. 

If you need to pick up your child early, please park in the parking lot and walk to the classrooms. If possible, notify the camp teacher or manager so they will be prepared for your child’s departure. 

What should my child wear to camp?
Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get messy. Closed-toe shoes are required due to the uneven terrain in the garden. Hats are recommended. Apply bug repellent or sunscreen before camp if desired.

Do you provide a snack?
No. Each child should bring a lunch that does not need to be refrigerated or heated and a snack. Please consider packing peanut-free items for the safety of other students. 

What should my child bring to camp?
Please read your confirmation email carefully for details on what to bring. All children should bring a refillable water bottle, lunch and snack. Please refrain from sending electronics or toys.

Do you offer before or after care?
At this time, we do not offer before or after care.

How do I cancel my reservation?
Cancellations are subject to a $100 processing fee per child. Refunds cannot be issued for missed classes or cancellations made less than 10 business days prior to class. Cancellations must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org

Am I able to transfer from one camp to another?
Transfer requests must be sent to education@dallasarboretum.org and approved at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of camp. There is a transfer fee of $25 per camp.

Do you offer a waitlist?
At this time, we are not able to offer a waiting list. Please check our website frequently for openings.

What if my child will require a nurse’s assistance during camp hours?
At least two weeks prior to the start of the camp, please email the summer camp manager to see what accommodations can be made. Submit inquiries to education@dallasarboretum.org.