Programs & Camps

Our programs for children  inspire lifelong connections to the natural world for all budding scientists, artists, gardeners, and nature-lovers. Kids explore the science and wonder of the natural world through explorations, summer camps, or naturalist programs. There is always something at the Gardens to spark the imagination and add memories and magic to your visit.

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May 18

Silk Painting in Bloom Family Program (Ages 9+)

Unleash your creativity in this family-friendly silk painting workshop lead by artist Erica Qualey. Inspired by the enchanting flowers and foliage gathered from the Gardens, participants will embark on a journey of artistic expression. Using resist and dyes, attendees will design their silk scarves, playing with vibrant colors and creating intricate patterns that capture the essence of the natural world. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to work with their young artist to craft a unique silk masterpiece together (adults do not need to register), or adults with a child taking the class may register separately to create their own wearable work of art. This workshop is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to bond over art. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Instructor: Erica Qualey

Cost: $36–44

June 26

Watercolor Wonders in the Gardens (Ages 9-13)

Wednesday-Friday, June 26-28, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor with artist Erica Qualey, in this workshop designed for creative minds aged 9-13. Dive into the basics of watercolor, from fundamental skills to mastering brushstrokes and layering washes. This hands-on experience will guide young artists through the enchanting process of field sketching with watercolor, offering a perfect blend of artistic exploration and skill-building. Participants will embark on exciting painting activities throughout the workshop, fostering a playful and enjoyable learning environment. The journey includes immersing in gardens to gather inspiration for their artwork and exploring new techniques to help capture what they see on paper. As the days progress, attendees will build upon their skills and principles, culminating in creating a final masterpiece on the last day. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Erica Qualey

Cost: $160–200

July 1

Block Printing: Inspired by Nature (Ages 8-12)

Monday-Wednesday, July 1-3, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Join artist Jordan Kendall Parks for a playful introduction to planning, carving, and printing linoleum blocks by hand. Students will use the Gardens as inspiration to create their designs, which will be printed on paper and functional fabric items like tote bags and t-shirts. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of basic block printing techniques and multiple prints of their own designs. Students will take home their carved blocks and supplies to make more prints at home. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Jordan Parks

Cost: $160–200

July 8

Drawing Butterflies & Moths (Ages 8-12)

Monday-Wednesday, July 8-10, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Young artists, ages 8-12, will delve into the world of nature illustration with botanical illustrator Joy Grannis, as they explore the relationship between butterflies and moths and their host plants. Through visits to our Native Butterfly House and time with our entomologist, students will illustrate what they learn by creating a poster as a finished product. Participants will learn how to use color and design to create a visually pleasing piece using mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pens. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Joy Grannis

Cost: $160–200

July 15

Nature Adventure Camp (Ages 4-6) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate birds, food chains, mammals, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related projects, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Karen Jones

Cost: $155–194

July 17

Drawing Maine’s Wildlife (Ages 7-11) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate birds, food chains, mammals, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related projects, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Hélène Farrar

Cost: $160–200

July 22

Nature Adventure Camp (Ages 6-9) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate birds, food chains, mammals, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related projects, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Karen Jones

Cost: $155–194

July 24

Drawing Maine’s Wildlife (Ages 9-13)

Wednesday-Friday, July 24-26 , 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Young artists aged 7-13 will study alongside Artist Helene Farrar as they draw Maine's wonderful wildlife! Animals such as chipmunks, foxes, owls, and turtles will come to life on paper as students explore their geometric forms and textures, working in pencil, watercolor, and more! We will also look to the Gardens to create imagined and real environments and observe wildlife up close with a visit from Chewonki's Traveling Natural History Program. Leave this workshop inspired and with the tools to draw Maine's wildlife. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Hélène Farrar

Cost: $160–200

July 29

Garden Investigators Camp: A Bug’s Life (Ages 6-9) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Bug lovers unite as we scour the garden, woods, and ponds in search of the Gardens' tiniest residents. Campers will learn about insect life cycles, their role in nature, and the secrets of their survival through activities, observations, and a special visit with our resident entomologist. We'll also spend time investigating the lives of caterpillars, butterflies, and bees in our on-site exhibits. Creepy crawly fanatics will love this camp! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Karen Jones

Cost: $155–194

August 5

Garden Investigators Camp: A Bug’s Life (Ages 4-6) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Bug lovers unite as we scour the garden, woods, and ponds in search of the Gardens' tiniest residents. Campers will learn about insect life cycles, their role in nature, and the secrets of their survival through activities, observations, and a special visit with our resident entomologist. We'll also spend time investigating the lives of caterpillars, butterflies, and bees in our on-site exhibits. Creepy crawly fanatics will love this camp! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Karen Jones

Cost: $155–194

August 12

Garden Explorers Camp (Ages 4-7) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Budding gardeners will spend the week digging, planting, watering, and harvesting fruits and vegetables in our learning garden. We'll investigate the inner workings of the garden from the ground up and get the real "dirt" on plants, life cycles, composting, garden critters, and more! Sign your campers up for a week filled with games, explorations, garden snack-making, and take-home garden projects. Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-1:30pm

Instructor: Multiple Instructors

Cost: $155–194

August 19

Nature Illustration: Create An Accordion Book (9-14)

Learn the art of visual storytelling by creating an accordion book from drawings made throughout our gardens and woodlands. Students ages 9-14 will join Joy Grannis, botanical illustrator, as she teaches students how to create a composition from what they observe, calling out details as they make sketches and notes to add to their final piece. Students will also learn how to translate the colors they see in nature to their artwork and how to use collage to enhance their artistic book. Mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pen will be used. All materials provided.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center

Time: 9:30am-3:30pm

Instructor: Joy Grannis

Cost: $160–200