Earth Focus Day Camp
UW–Madison Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, WI 53711-3726
About
Earth Focus Day Camp offers hikes, hands-on science exploration, nature play, outdoor games, and crafts. The program also includes educational tours for groups and the general public, as well as science and nature-based classes for all ages and abilities. Volunteer opportunities for groups, families, and individuals are available in connection with the program.
• Ages: 5–13 years old
• Schedule: Half-day and full-day Monday–Friday sessions during June, July, and August
• Price: Wanderers: $200 per half-day session; Explorers: $375 per full-day session; EcoTrekkers: $300 per full-day session
Each listed camp session runs Monday–Friday, and camp happens rain or shine. Wanderers sessions run as half days from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, with sessions offered June 15–19, July 6–10, and August 10–14. Explorers sessions run as full days from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, with sessions offered June 22–26, July 13–17, and August 17–21. EcoTrekkers runs as a full-day session from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday–Friday, during the week of July 27–31. Campers must come prepared to spend time outdoors, a snack is provided (both morning and afternoon for full-day campers), and full-day campers must bring their own lunch.
Since 1991, Earth Focus Day Camp has provided summer nature programs for children. The program’s mission states that positive experiences in nature create lifelong memories and that campers will gain an understanding of how ecosystems work, develop their sense of wonder, and discover habitats, plants, and animals. Returning campers will find new and exciting experiences every year. Three session types are offered: Wanderers (half-day, entering kindergarten and grades 1–5), Explorers (full-day, entering grades 1–5), and EcoTrekkers (full-day, entering grades 6–8). Scholarships are available for financial assistance, there is a two-session limit per camper to allow more families to participate, and an automatic waitlist is used if a session is full. Registration for 2026 camps will open on Wednesday, February 11 at 12 p.m., and the registration deadline is three weeks before the camp session begins, although camps may fill before the deadline, so early registration is recommended.
The Arboretum connected with Earth Focus Day Camp is widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration and includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world, and it is a National Historic Landmark. It includes tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands, several forest types, flowering trees, shrubs, and a world-famous lilac collection. The Arboretum tends 1,200 acres and 513 acres in outlying properties and is a research center under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Community involvement is supported through volunteer opportunities for groups, families, and individuals.
Last updated February 26, 2026.
• Ages: 5–13 years old
• Schedule: Half-day and full-day Monday–Friday sessions during June, July, and August
• Price: Wanderers: $200 per half-day session; Explorers: $375 per full-day session; EcoTrekkers: $300 per full-day session
Each listed camp session runs Monday–Friday, and camp happens rain or shine. Wanderers sessions run as half days from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Monday–Friday, with sessions offered June 15–19, July 6–10, and August 10–14. Explorers sessions run as full days from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, with sessions offered June 22–26, July 13–17, and August 17–21. EcoTrekkers runs as a full-day session from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday–Friday, during the week of July 27–31. Campers must come prepared to spend time outdoors, a snack is provided (both morning and afternoon for full-day campers), and full-day campers must bring their own lunch.
Since 1991, Earth Focus Day Camp has provided summer nature programs for children. The program’s mission states that positive experiences in nature create lifelong memories and that campers will gain an understanding of how ecosystems work, develop their sense of wonder, and discover habitats, plants, and animals. Returning campers will find new and exciting experiences every year. Three session types are offered: Wanderers (half-day, entering kindergarten and grades 1–5), Explorers (full-day, entering grades 1–5), and EcoTrekkers (full-day, entering grades 6–8). Scholarships are available for financial assistance, there is a two-session limit per camper to allow more families to participate, and an automatic waitlist is used if a session is full. Registration for 2026 camps will open on Wednesday, February 11 at 12 p.m., and the registration deadline is three weeks before the camp session begins, although camps may fill before the deadline, so early registration is recommended.
The Arboretum connected with Earth Focus Day Camp is widely recognized as the site of historic research in ecological restoration and includes the oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities in the world, and it is a National Historic Landmark. It includes tallgrass prairies, savannas, wetlands, several forest types, flowering trees, shrubs, and a world-famous lilac collection. The Arboretum tends 1,200 acres and 513 acres in outlying properties and is a research center under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Community involvement is supported through volunteer opportunities for groups, families, and individuals.
Last updated February 26, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.