Skip on into summer by discovering a well known character in the desert–the sun. Through engaging experiments, crafts, and songs, we will learn of the importance, and secrets of the sun in this sizzling camp for preschoolers!
Eating Sunlight: Test the power of the sun by capturing those rays and putting them to work. It seems like magic when you watch the energy of the sun cook your very own snack in a solar oven.
Sun Science Experiments: Delve into the hot wonders of the sun with hands-on experiments exploring sun’s relationships with plants, animals, and colors.
Become the “center” of the universe: Create a talking sun puppet and play out the journey of the sun’s days.
For children in preschool or going into Kindergarten (ages 4-5)
Session I / May 27-30 / Tuesday-Friday
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Member: $120 / Non-Member: $150 (20% discount for additional siblings)
Snacks provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch. Limit: 15 campers per session.
Please click here to be placed on wait list.
Click here to download registration form
Discover the wonders of the extraordinary plants and animals that bring the riverside to life through engaging field trips, guest presentations and our special Eco Camp partnership with Audubon Arizona.
Rio Salado Field Trip: Visit a lovely streamside oasis in the heart of urban Phoenix on this interactive field trip to the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Discover the residents of this exciting location first-hand on a guided wildlife expedition. How many critters will you observe?
Birds of a Feather: Rio Salado is home to numerous birds – including many majestic herons and egrets. Enjoy a special visit from Ebony, a non-releasable black-crowned night heron, and learn her intriguing story.
Desert Scramble: Experience the life of a riparian animal competing for food and water in a dry desert land with scarce watering holes in an engaging role-playing game.
Play time: Indulge in private performance of a wonderful new play celebrating the restoration of the Rio Salado riverbed, A Little Bit of Water, by Childsplay – Arizona’s professional theatre for young audiences!
For children going into grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6
Session I / June 2-6 / Monday-Friday / 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Member: $240 / Non-Member: $300 (20% discount for additional siblings)
Afternoon care available until 5:30 p.m. / $40 per session
Snacks provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch. Limit: 15 campers per session.
Click here to download registration form
Session II / June 9-13 / Monday-Friday / 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Explore the science behind the summer sun and how it affects our lives as desert-dwellers in this engaging camp for young solar sleuths.
Sunsational Experiments: Investigate how the sun can make plants bend over backwards and causes animals to pant, flutter and thermoregulate in hands-on experiments designed to test the awesome power of the desert sun.
Let’s Get Cookin’: Learn how to transform the abundant energy from the sun into a useful cooking tool when you make your own snack in a real solar oven!
Sun Dial craft: Discover how ancient peoples used the sun to tell time and create a personal sundial to take home and teach others the historic art of telling time naturally.
ABC 15 Weather Station Tour: Enjoy a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the ABC 15 News Station and explore the fascinating connection between our sun and our local weather.
For children going into grades 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6
Session I / June 16-20 / Monday-Friday / 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Session II / June 23-27 / Monday-Friday / 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Member: $240 / Non-Member: $300
(20% discount for additional siblings)
Afternoon care available until 5:30 p.m. / $40 per session
Snacks provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch. Limit: 15 campers per session.
Click here to download registration form
Delve into a magical world of nocturnal wonders in the desert when you discover prowling predators and celestial beauties in this special night-time edition of Eco Camp.
Outstanding Owls: Investigate the expert ability of owls to hunt for their prey in the dark and then examine exactly what they ate when you dissect your own regurgitated owl pellet.
Diamonds in the Desert: Learn to identify key constellations in the early-evening sky and enjoy engaging, interactive storytelling under the stars.
Bat Buddies: Debunk the myth that bats are scary when you uncover the many ways bats improve life in the desert and become our best buddies during night-time exploration of the Garden trails.
For children going into grades 1-3 and 4-6
Session I / July 1-3 / Tuesday-Thursday / 6-9 p.m.
Session II / July 8-10 / Tuesday-Thursday / 6-9 p.m.
Member: $95 / Non-Members $115 (20% discount for additional siblings)
Snacks provided. Limit: 15 campers per session.
Click here to download registration form
Immerse yourself in nature on this exciting, all-inclusive river trip down one of Phoenix’s major sources for drinking water – the San Juan River! In this unique partnership between Grand Canyon Youth and the Desert Botanical Garden, middle schoolers will spend 5 days developing leadership and teamwork skills while learning about the dynamic Colorado River ecosystem.
Spend 4 nights in a remote wilderness setting with experienced river guides and talented DBG educators.
Explore the river at a leisurely pace on oar-powered boats and in playful inflatable kayaks.
Hike to impressive archaeological sites including ruins and rock art.
Learn about the plants, animals and people of riparian (river) ecosystems.
Participate in community service during the trip to improve ecological health along the river.
Present a 10-15 minute lesson to your peers about a river-related topic of your choice while on the trip.
Reminisce with family and friends after you get home at our post-trip party!
For teens going into grades 7-9
River Trip / July 10-14 / Thursday-Monday
Pre-trip meeting / Wednesday / June 11 / 7 p.m.
Post-trip pizza party / Thursday / July 17 / 6 p.m.
Member: $450 / Non-Member: $500
Price includes transportation, supplies and meals. Limit: 15 teens.
Please click here to be added to wait list.
Click here to download application form
