Summer belongs to children, and summertime is wondertime at Adkins Arboretum! The Arboretum’s Creative Kids Camps series affords children an easygoing, relaxed atmosphere where creativity and fun flourish. With meadows, woodlands, streams, and a wetland to explore, campers spend each day discovering the surprises of the natural world. Now in its fifth year, Creative Kids Camps provide each camper with opportunities to discover and shine, both outdoors and from within.

This summer, the Arboretum will host two camps for preschoolers ages three to five—Camp Bumblebee (June 15–19) and Camp Pollywog (June 29–July 3). These camps run for two hours each, with themes including gardening and wetlands. Camp PawPaw (June 22–26), a half-day camp for children ages six to eight, explores watershed awareness. Camp Egret (July 6–10), a full-day camp for children ages nine to 12, is titled “Exploration + Inspiration = Art!” and teaches nature study through art and activities grounded in ecology. In the “Kids-Only” Funshine Garden, children learn to be a part of something larger than themselves, and sprout friendships, learning and a sense of accomplishment.

Adkins Arboretum’s camps are state certified. Space is limited, and registration for the general public begins March 31. Visitwww.adkinsarboretum.org for more information, or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0 to request a brochure or register. Positions are also available for volunteer counselors; counselors must be at least 16 years of age and be willing to work a full week of camp.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. Through its Campaign to Build a Green Legacy, the Arboretum will build a new LEED-certified Arboretum Center and entranceway to broaden educational offerings and research initiatives promoting best practices in conservation and land stewardship. For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.