Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis - please register early to ensure your space in the camp. One Eco Camp registration form must be completed for each child. Registration forms can be downloaded from the website or you can call 480-481-8146 to request a form be mailed, faxed or emailed to you. It is very important that all pertinent health information is included on the form so that we can best accommodate each camper. Once your registration information has been received and processed, confirmation will be sent by mail.
Please note that campers will be grouped into age-appropriate classes based on their current age and/or the grade they are entering in Fall 2008. When ages are listed, campers must be the appropriate age by the first day of camp. We regret that we cannot make exceptions to this policy.
Many of our camps fill early! Once a particular class has filled, we will update the camp listing on the website. If you register for a camp that is full, we will add you to the waitlist and contact you by phone to notify you. If a spot opens up, we will notify you by phone and process your registration at that time.
All campers must be checked-in and checked-out of camp by a parent, guardian or other authorized person every day. Upon checking-in, we will ask you to verify who will be picking up your child at the end of the day. We require written permission from the parent or guardian for any person who may be picking up your child. Camp check-in begins 30 minutes before the camp starts. It is very important that all campers arrive on-time and are picked up promptly once camp is over.
Afternoon Care runs Monday – Friday from 3:00 -5:30 p.m. and is offered after the Riverside Wonders and Solar Science day camps. The fee is $40 for the entire week and is not available as a daily rate. An additional fee may be charged if campers are not picked up by 5:30 p.m.
In order to provide the best possible experience for all campers, there is a maximum of 15 campers per class. Each class is led by one Desert Botanical Garden staff teacher with the assistance of one adult volunteer and one teen volunteer.
Our camp curriculum is unique and carefully crafted around a specific environmental theme to allow the campers to delve into desert topics in a fun and engaging way. A typical day at camp includes: outside guided exploration in the Garden (occurring first thing in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures), a healthy morning snack, a special craft or other hands-on activity, environmental games or other movement activities, storytelling, journaling and fun songs. Guest presentations and/or field trips are also a cornerstone of our camps and allow us to further enrich the camper’s experience by incorporating additional community resources and partnerships into our curriculum.
Healthy, peanut-free snacks are provided at every camp. If your child has food allergies, please specify the details on the registration form. While we work to accommodate all campers’ needs and often have back-up snacks available, please pack alternative snacks if you suspect your child will not be able to eat the snacks provided.
Phoenix summers are intense and we work to minimize these affects on our campers in a variety of ways. All outside activities will primarily be conducted first thing in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and reduced sun intensity. On the first day of camp, each child is given a refillable lexan water bottle and access to cool, filtered water to ensure they stay well-hydrated throughout the day. We also ask that all campers wear sunscreen and bring (and wear!) sun-protective clothing every day. See the Arizona Department of Health Services SunWise website http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/sunwise/ for additional sun safety suggestions. Late morning and afternoon activities primarily take place in our cool classrooms and other indoor spaces.
Dress appropriately for the weather as the campers will be spending time outside every day. This includes wearing sunscreen and closed-toe shoes as well as bringing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Eco Camp shirts will be distributed on the first day of camp. Please have your child wear their camp shirt every day. All personal items should be marked with the camper’s name. Campers must bring a lunch that does not require refrigeration every day.
Desert Botanical Garden Eco Camp is committed to providing quality experiences for all children. If you have a child with special needs, please specify the details on the registration form and/or call 480-481-8123 to further discuss your situation.
All Desert Botanical Garden members receive 20% off camp registration rates for their children and grandchildren. If you are not already a member, visit http://dbg.org/index.php/support/membership/membershipform to join online or call 480-481-8117 to take advantage of this great discount!
Day camp registrations may be cancelled for a full refund up to five business days prior to the first day of camp, less a $20 administrative fee. We are not able to give refunds for cancellations with less than 5 business days notice. Overnight camps require notice of 30 days for a refund. If your child misses camp due to a medical emergency, you may receive a refund (less the $20 administrative fee) by providing a doctor’s note. Refunds cannot be issued for missed camp days. The Garden reserves the right to cancel a camp due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstance and will fully refund all registrations should such a situation arise.
