Garden Discovery Camps

2019 Camp Registration is now open!

We do have limited camp scholarships available. If you are interested in a camp scholarship email dstowell@utk.edu for a scholarship application.

Most camp sessions filled up quickly last year. Be sure to register soon so you won't be placed on the waiting list.

All programs require preregistration. Click on the links below to register.

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. These request must be made via email to dstowell@utk.edu.

**Please review our cancellation policy before registering**

Theater in the Garden - New Session Just Added!

Ages from 6-15 years old. Campers will be divided into two groups by age, 6-10 & 11-15.

Date: 6/3-6/7/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

This camp will explore aspects of theater while enjoying spending time in the Gardens. Campers will learn theater skills and techniques throughout this fun filled week of camp. Campers will end the week with a performance in the UT Gardens for their friends and family. This session will be directed by Tracey Halter. Tracey is an Adjunct Lecturer for the University of Tennessee Department of Theater. Her professional acting credits include Seven Guitars, (Broadway) Richard III and Two Gentlemen of Verona, (New York Shakespeare Festival) and much more.

Grands & Me (ages 4-12 with a grandparent)

Make memories while gardening with your grandchild. These camps give grandparents a chance to be a kid again and experience the UT Gardens with their grandchildren. The price of camp includes 1 child and 1 grandparent.

Garden Engineering
Date: 5/28/19
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $30/members; $35/nonmembers

Plants and nature are constantly growing and changing. See how the natural world grows and adapts to change. Campers will become engineers for a day and create their own garden creations based on nature inspirations. See how plant structures help plants to grow. Learn how creatures like amphibians grow and change as they morph into adults.

Beauty and the Bug
Date: 7/1/19
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $30/members; $35/nonmembers

All bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs. Come and learn the world of insects and see how insects can help or harm our plants. Campers will explore insects and the beauty of the UT Gardens in this camp. We will go on an insect hunt, explore the aquatic insects in our wetland, and much more.

Plants Eat What?
Date: 7/26/19
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $30/members; $35/nonmembers

Did you know some plants eat insects? This camp session will take a look at carnivorous plants. See how Venus fly traps, and pitcher plants attract, catch and eat their prey. We will talk through UT Gardens and explore native carnivorous plants in our wetland and children’s garden. Campers will get to take a carnivorous plant home to grow.

Lil' Gardeners (ages 4-5)

Single Day Sessions

Plant-Hunters around the World

Date: 7/25/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $30/members; $35/nonmembers

Travel the world in this plant adventure camp. Campers will learn about useful plants from foreign countries as well as some native ones and how they are used today for things like fiber, fuel, medicine and food. We will share stories from real life plant explorers like David Fairchild who introduced over 200,000 plants to the United States during his life. This camp will include one paper making craft as well as a small chocoate tasting.

Week-long Sessions

Wind and Water

Date: 6/10-6/14/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

Come and explore the gardens as we discover how water and wind shape the gardens. Campers will learn about the water cycle as they experience nature play. Dig in the soil, play in the mud and see how rocks and other materials can be used to make a miniature river in the gardens. We will take a walk to the river, our wetlands, and learn all about pond ecology. Campers will get to create boats out of natural materials and see how wind and currents make them move. Don’t forget the power of wind. We will see how wind affects plants, and learn how wind is produced. We will also create some wind powered machines.

A Fairy and Gnome Adventure

Date: 7/15-7/19/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

Mythical forest characters provide inspiration for creative nature play in this fun-filled fairy and gnome adventure camp. Imaginations will be running wild as campers build a magical fairy village in the children’s garden, make flower stamped art, create miniature bouquets, listen to fairy and gnome lore from around the world and enjoy fresh from the garden snacks and herbal teas.

Garden Explorers: Wind and Water

Explorers (ages 6-12)

Wind and Water

Date: 6/24-6/28/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

Come and explore the gardens as we discover how water and wind shape the gardens. Campers will learn about the water cycle as they experience nature play. Dig in the soil, play in the mud and see how rocks and other materials can be used to make a miniature river in the gardens. We will take a walk to the river, our wetlands, and learn all about pond ecology. Campers will get to create boats out of natural materials and see how wind and currents make them move. Don’t forget the power of wind. We will see how wind affects plants, and learn how wind is produced. We will also create some wind powered machines.

Plant-Hunters around the World

Date: 7/8-7/12/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

Travel the world in this weeklong botanical exploration camp. By studying food, fiber, exotic invasive plant species, medicinal and ornamental plants, we will learn how humans have shaped our civilization through plant introductions. We will share stories from real life plant explorers like David Fairchild who introduced over 200,000 plants to the United States during his life. Campers will get to experience new and exciting spices and fruits as well as well-loved imports such as chocolate and vanilla.  

A Fairy and Gnome Adventure

Date: 7/29/19 - 8/2/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

Mythical forest characters provide inspiration for creative nature play in this fun-filled fairy and gnome adventure camp. Imaginations will be running wild as campers build a magical fairy village in the children’s garden, make flower stamped art, create miniature bouquets, listen to fairy and gnome lore from around the world and enjoy fresh from the garden snacks and herbal teas.

Theater in the Garden - Ages from 6-15 years old. Campers will be divided into two groups by age, 6-10 & 11-15.

Date: 6/17-6/21/19

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $150/members; $175/nonmembers

This camp will explore aspects of theater while enjoying spending time in the Gardens. Campers will learn theater skills and techniques throughout this fun filled week of camp. Campers will end the week with a performance in the UT Gardens for their friends and family. This session will be directed by Tracey Halter. Tracey is an Adjunct Lecturer for the University of Tennessee Department of Theater. Her professional acting credits include Seven Guitars, (Broadway) Richard III and Two Gentlemen of Verona, (New York Shakespeare Festival) and much more.

Registration for this camp is closed.

Photo of Bobby Cook

Specialty/Partner Camps

Garden Explorer Camp

May 29-31
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
$40 members/ $50 nonmembers

Grow into a gardener from the ground up with this fun-filled camp hosted by the Knox Co. UT Extension Master Gardeners. Sow your own seeds to take home. Learn about soils, composting, harvesting, and photosynthesis while exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of the UT Gardens. This camp has a different registration process. Please download the registration form and mail it into the address on the form.

Ages 6-11.

For more information about registration for this session, please contact Derrick Stowell at 865-974-7151 or email dstowell@utk.edu.

Camp Cultivate: Food Allergy Friendly Camp

Date: 7/22-7/24/19

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

This is an opportunity for kids with food allergies to learn healthy coping skills in a beautiful garden setting. Explore the gardens, learn about plants, make new friends, and join in the fun! Children without allergies are welcome to attend.

Ages 6-12 (Children under 6 may attend with a parent)