VanDusen Nature Camps

VanDusen Botanical Garden offers a variety of nature-based camps for children ranging from 5-10 years old including summer, spring break, Pro-D and, weekend programs. All of our camps include learning about the natural world and inspire youth to understand their role in ecosystems. Programming is developed and run by the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA).  Want to keep up-to-date on our programming and registration dates? Sign up for our monthly Education Updates.

Due to the new Covid-19 restrictions announced on November  19th we will not be running December Nature Club Camps or the November 27th Pro-D Camp.

All participants will be contacted.

Weekend Nature Club

Sign your child up for the Weekend Nature Club at VanDusen Botanical Garden! Taking place completely outdoors, this hands-on program explores fall themes and uses games, experiments and crafts to help young nature enthusiasts learn about changing seasons. With small cohort sizes and adapted activities, the Nature Club aims to be a safe and fun experience for everyone who attends. Suitable for ages: 6-10

Nature Club Fees:

VBGA Members $38.50 per day
Non-Members $40 per day

 

  • +December Nature Club Dates & Themes

    Due to the new Covid-19 restrictions announced on November  19th we will not be running December Nature Club Camps.

    All participants will be contacted.

  • +Nature’s Gifts CANCELLED

    Date: Saturday, December 5th
    Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm

    Join us as the holidays approach and the spirit of giving grows. We will explore the Garden to gather natural materials for a variety of crafts and find beauty in the changing landscape. Your kids will come home with some handmade gifts made with natural materials that they can share with family and friends.

  • +Urban Wildlife CANCELLED

    Date: Sunday, December 6th
    Time: 12:00pm – 3:30pm

    VanDusen Botanical Garden provides a fantastic home to urban wildlife from all around Vancouver! Your child will learn about the adaptations urban wildlife have developed, search for urban wildlife in the Garden, and explore how we can be animal allies!

Pro-D Camps 2020: (Grades 1-4)

The VBGA’s Pro-D Camps are full day outdoor camps where participants will have plenty of fun with hands-on activities to keep them busy while learning something new. Campers spend the entire day outdoors in the garden investigating the plants and animals that live at VanDusen Botanical Garden. With new safety measures and adjusted activities this camp provides a safe and meaningful experience for all campers. Suitable for ages 5 – 10.

Pro-D Camp Fees

VBGA Members $58.50 per day
Non-Members $65 per day

 

Due to the new Covid-19 restrictions announced on November  19th we will not be running the November 27 Pro-D Camp.

All participants will be contacted.

 

  • +Darling Decomposers CANCELLED

    Date: Friday, November 27th
    Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm

    Decomposers – some call them disgusting, we call them darling! Explore decomposition in action, create your own slug slime, and dig up worms to identify as you learn about the importance of decomposition!

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Here's what parents have to say about our camps!

“Excellent protocols, best of  any camp of school we attended.”

“This summer it was wonderful for him to have time to socialize  and play with other kids – he has some good social distance games he can now share with friends.”

“This camp has ignited a spark – that it’s cool to be interested in nature, and all that’s in it.”

“My child gained an appreciation for plants, nature, and relationships humans have with nature.”

“The leaders were enthusiastic, professional and caring, and got to know my child really quickly.”

Registration

For registration inquiries please contact hmoran@vandusen.org or 778 939 3739. We strongly recommend contacting us with registration inquiries prior to the registration opening day.

Do you have a question about our safety protocols and procedures? Contact hmoran@vandusen.org to learn more about our Safety, Wellness, and COVID policies. Our safety plans and procedures have been approved by the City of Vancouver and are in line with BCCDC and WorkSafe BC Guidelines. You can also see our registration page for more information on program modifications.

*A Family OR Individual plus Child membership is required to qualify for priority registration and a 10% discount. Instructions for priority registration will be emailed to all eligible membership holders prior to the registration date. Contact hmoran@vandusen.org for member registration instructions after the registration date.

Camp Bursaries

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association is pleased to provide bursaries for families in financial need. Apply for a bursary, or contact 604-257-8443 for information.

Do you have outstanding VBGA Education Credits? They can be donated to our Camp Bursary program! For more information please reach out to learn@vandusen.org.

To make a donation to the bursary program and give a child the opportunity to go to camp, contact our Development Team at ddrapeau@vandusen.org

Contact Us

Have questions about the programs, or having difficulty registering online? Call 604-257-8443 or email us.