2020 Camp has moved online!
We have limited camp scholarships available. Contact Derrick Stowell at dstowell@utk.edu for more information.
We are updating our online registraion pages to take the new online registrations.
Publicity Release - Upon enrolling in a UT Gardens program, the parent/guardian authorizes the University of Tennessee to use photographs, quotes or video footage from the camp program for the purpose of marketing. In the event that you do NOT want images of your child publicized, you MUST provide written notice to our Education Director prior to the start of camp. The request must be made via email to dstowell@utk.edu.
UT Gardens Summer Camps are moving online for 2020.
Each day of camp will begin with one hour online using Zoom. This will allow campers to check in with each other and learn about the activities planned for the day. We will end each day with a one hour Zoom meeting for campers to share what they worked on and learned during the day. Campers will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other participants throughout the day via online platforms such as Zoom. We will provide Garden Camp Kits with supplies and materials for activities. Parents will be able to pick those kits up using no contact procedures at UT Gardens. Please read below for information regarding camp fees.
Note on camp interactions: The online camp sessions will provide the opportunity for the kids to speak to other children and interact with them in a way that is safe during this time of very little contact with those outside our homes. Throughout each week, the kids will be able to have meetings with each other to check in and work on projects that they will present to their families and/or one another.
Explorers (ages 6-12)
Pollinator Week
Date: 6/1-6/5/2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
Did you know that over 300 species of fruit rely on bats for pollination? This camp is all about pollinators from bats and bees to birds and butterflies. You will do activities at home and collaborate with other campers to learn about problems pollinators are facing and to discuss what you can do to help them. Join us online for a fun-filled week about pollinators!
Book Week
Date: 6/15-6/19/2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
Are you looking for an adventure? Do you love to read about daring deeds, magic, and mysterious lands? If so, this is the camp for you! We will be inspired by characters such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the Pevensies and will use our cleverness and teamwork to solve a mystery, take herbology in the greenhouse (virtually), and play capture the flag. Join us for this exciting week of camp based on books!
Bird Week
Date: 7/13-7/17/2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
During Bird Week we will learn why birds behave the way they do, watch videos of mating rituals, and you will search for birds at home. Also, you will get a kit with plants that will attract birds and other pollinators. This will be a great week to find out the role that birds play in the ecosystem during this feathery fun camp!
Earth Week
Date: 7/20-7/24/2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
Do you ever feel like you can't change anything about the state of the world? What if you could? During Earth Week we will learn about small changes that you can do that will make a big impact on the Earth. We will learn about composting, recycling, reusing, and even taking public action. Would you change the world if you could? Join this camp online to find out how to do just that!
Olympics Week
Date: 7/27-7/31/2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
Are you ready for a world of fun? Play games, learn about different countries around the world, and, of course, learn some cool things about plants and animals while you're online with us. During this last week of summer camp, we will have an international focus as we study plants and people from other countries. It's going to be a great week!
Theater in the (Virtual) Garden
Ages from 9-14 years old.
Date: 6/22-26, 2020
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Cost: $100/members; $150/nonmembers
This camp will explore aspects of theater while enjoying spending time in the (Virtual) Gardens. Campers will learn theater skills and techniques throughout this fun filled week of camp. Campers will end the week with a performance online for their friends and family. This session will be directed by Tracey Copeland Halter. Tracey’s professional acting credits include Seven Guitars, (Broadway) Richard III and Two Gentlemen of Verona, (New York Shakespeare Festival) and much more.
Specialty/Partner Camps
Garden Explorer Camp (online sessions)
Registration for this session will be open by 1/10/2020
May 26-28, 2020
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
Are you interested in gardening? Do you know the importance of pollinators? At the Garden Explorer Camp, Gardens staff along with the Knox County Master Gardeners, will teach you some of the basics of gardening! Activities include the proper way to pot a plant, how to water your garden, the importance of pollinators, exploring wetlands, and more!
Ages 6-11.
Camp Cultivate: Food Allergy Friendly Camp
Date: 7/6-7/8/20
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Camp Cultivate is a free camp designed for those who may have food allergies or even for those who want to know what it's like to have food allergies. With the support of our sponsors, we will have three fun-filled mornings learning how everyone can be a hero because heroes are people who stand up for themselves and others, are kind, respect all people, and protect the environment. During this camp we will learn about plants and will make new friends all while learning how to cope with having food allergies and how to support those with food allergies.
Ages 6-12 (Children under 6 may attend with a parent)
