About
Life Lab Summer Camp offers time for children to explore the outdoors, plant seeds, make farm-fresh snacks, and sing songs. The camp runs in multiple sessions during the summer and includes both camp hours and optional aftercare.
• Ages: 7–10 years old
• Schedule: Camp hours are 9 am–3 pm, with aftercare from 3 pm–5 pm in sessions running June 22–26, June 29–July 2 (no July 3), July 6–10, July 13–17, July 20–24, and July 27–31
• Price: Sliding scale pricing per session and for aftercare based on combined annual household income, with different rates for households earning $0–$60,000, $60,001–$130,000, and $130,001 or more
Life Lab has been bringing learning to life in the garden since 1979. Its mission is that Life Lab cultivates children's love of learning, nourishing food, and nature through garden-based education. Life Lab is the national leader in training garden educators for schools and equips educators across the country and internationally to engage students in outdoor garden classrooms. Life Lab has received awards and recognition from organizations and groups including the National Science Teachers Association, National Science Foundation, Smithsonian-affiliated National Science Resources Center, California School Board Association, U.S. Department of Education, National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Congressional Record, California Senator Bruce McPherson, United Way Family Friendly Workplace, Santa Cruz Education Foundation, Santa Cruz City Council, National Parenting Publications Awards (Honors Winner), Independent Publisher Book Awards, Parents’ Choice Book Awards (Gold Medal), and the Tillywig Toy Award: Books, Brain Child Award. The program uses sliding scale pricing, offers aftercare with limited spaces, has a modified schedule for Session 2, and provides a Camp Scholarship Fund so children can attend regardless of family financial circumstances, with an option to join a waitlist when a session is full.
Last updated April 8, 2026.
• Ages: 7–10 years old
• Schedule: Camp hours are 9 am–3 pm, with aftercare from 3 pm–5 pm in sessions running June 22–26, June 29–July 2 (no July 3), July 6–10, July 13–17, July 20–24, and July 27–31
• Price: Sliding scale pricing per session and for aftercare based on combined annual household income, with different rates for households earning $0–$60,000, $60,001–$130,000, and $130,001 or more
Life Lab has been bringing learning to life in the garden since 1979. Its mission is that Life Lab cultivates children's love of learning, nourishing food, and nature through garden-based education. Life Lab is the national leader in training garden educators for schools and equips educators across the country and internationally to engage students in outdoor garden classrooms. Life Lab has received awards and recognition from organizations and groups including the National Science Teachers Association, National Science Foundation, Smithsonian-affiliated National Science Resources Center, California School Board Association, U.S. Department of Education, National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Congressional Record, California Senator Bruce McPherson, United Way Family Friendly Workplace, Santa Cruz Education Foundation, Santa Cruz City Council, National Parenting Publications Awards (Honors Winner), Independent Publisher Book Awards, Parents’ Choice Book Awards (Gold Medal), and the Tillywig Toy Award: Books, Brain Child Award. The program uses sliding scale pricing, offers aftercare with limited spaces, has a modified schedule for Session 2, and provides a Camp Scholarship Fund so children can attend regardless of family financial circumstances, with an option to join a waitlist when a session is full.
Last updated April 8, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.