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1013 W State St, Ithaca, NY

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Summer Camp

Experience a Summer of Outdoor Adventures!

Uncover the joys of nature, friendship, and learning at Ithaca Children’s Garden’s Summer Camp.

The 2026 Summer Camp lottery opens February 9. Check back soon for details!

2025 Summer Camp Overview

Acorns (Join the Waitlist!)

Ages 3-5*

Dates: June 30 – August 22

Time: Half day, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

(Complimentary early drop-off begins at 8:30 AM)

Cost: $220 for June 30 – July 3 | $275 for all other weeks

Acorns camp is truly child-led! To allow for flexibility each week, mentors will repeat daily themes with different activities offered week to week. Children will explore the entire Garden, build structures in the Anarchy Zone, garden among the herbs and vegetables, show off their artistic skills, get wet and muddy, and search for fairy houses. Come enjoy this Acorn experience where each week is exciting for new campers and experiences are built upon for repeat adventurers.

*Children must be 3 years old by June 1, 2025. 

Cornell Graduate Student shows ICG Willow campers insects hiding within the Garden

Willows (Join the Waitlist!)

Ages 6-10*

Time: Full day, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

(Complimentary early drop-off begins at 8:30 AM)

Expand weekly themes below for details on dates and costs. 

Willows camp at ICG, designed for ages 6 to 10, combines eco-exploration with creative arts. Weekly themes range from habitat adventures and garden magic to artistry with natural materials. It’s a world of discovery and creativity for young minds, fostering environmental awareness and artistic expression. 

*5-year-olds who complete kindergarten in June 2025, and will be 6 years old by December 1, 2025, may register for Willows.

Maples (Join the Waitlist!)

Ages 10-12*

Time: Full day, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

(Complimentary early drop-off begins at 8:30 AM)

Expand weekly themes below for details on dates and costs. 

Maples Camp at ICG, for ages 10 to 12, is a blend of outdoor skills, artistic expression, and garden stewardship. Campers engage in survival techniques, create with natural materials, and learn the cycle of gardening. Each week is a new journey in building, creating, and nurturing, as they connect deeply with the land and their creativity.

*Must have completed 4th grade

Counselors-in-Training (CIT)

Ages 13-16*

Dates: June 30-August 22, Monday – Friday

Time: Full day, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

(Complimentary early drop-off begins at 8:30 AM)

Cost: $365

Join our fun, creative, and collaborative CIT Crew! Practice your leadership skills as you role- model, help, play, and learn alongside campers and camp mentors! You’ll build relationships with your peers as you get silly with songs and stories, get dirty in the Garden and Anarchy Zone, and explore the camp themes each week! CITs get to spend some time each afternoon as a peer group, helping to prepare and serve camp snacks, hanging out, and reflecting on their experiences.

*Must have completed 7th grade. 

Additional program information and FAQs can be found in ICG’s 2025 Summer Camp Guide. Please contact register@ithacachildrensgarden.org with any questions.

Scholarships

At ICG, we believe in a summer of adventure, learning, and fun for every child, regardless of financial circumstances. The scholarship program ensures camp prices never stand in the way of an unforgettable experience, giving every child the chance to thrive, explore, and create lasting memories in nature for everyone.

  • Standard Scholarship:
    • 30% off for families who qualify for the Federal Reduced Lunch program.
    • 50% off for families who qualify for the Federal Free Lunch program (based on income and household size).
  • Flexible Scholarship:
    • We will work with you to determine a scholarship amount that suits your needs.

Testimonials

“Counselors are AMAZING! Seeing the same ones week after week was very comforting to our kids. The kids loved their outdoor time and all the activities. We love there is a theme every week and activities to go along with it!”

“We love the outdoor play and the ability to learn through play.”

“Child-led play at its best! ICG’s Summer Camp allows kids to engage in various ways, whether it’s a mellow exploration or more active adventures, and encourages children to embrace getting dirty and simply having a fantastic time.”

“Wonderful counselors, thoughtful protocol, communication, healthy and fun snacks. I never worried about our child’s well-being at ICG camp.”

Fan of Thematic Adventures
Fan of Thematic Adventures
Proponent of Play-Based Discovery
Proponent of Play-Based Discovery
Enthusiast of Unbridled Play
Enthusiast of Unbridled Play
Guardian of Wholesome Fun
Guardian of Wholesome Fun