2026 Discovery Camp: Week 2

Membership Information:

Membership discounts cannot be added retroactively, please read the following and be prepared with the proper information before checking out: To activate your membership discount at checkout, you must enter your member promo code and click "apply", before checking out your cart. Please note that your promo code is not the same as your member ID. If you have questions regarding your membership or promo code, please contact Membership at [email protected] or call 828-665-2492.

Discovery Camp Cancellation Policy:

Eventbrite service fees and processing fees are non-refundable. If you choose to issue a refund more than 30 days prior to the program start date, you will be refunded the full ticket price; however, Eventbrite will keep the service and processing fees. If you cancel your purchase(s) 30-11 days prior to the program start date, half the total fee is refundable. If cancellation occurs 10-0 days prior to the start date, none of the total fee is refundable.

Waitlist Information:

A link to our Discovery Camp 2026 waitlist will be posted when Open Enrollment begins on February 25th.

Camps Running June 15th -19th:

Rising K/1st Grade

Natural Wonders (Session 1)

Explore the world of creative play in the great outdoors! Throughout the week we will make whimsical crafts from found objects, play imaginative games, and design and build fairy houses or gnome homes from natural items. To end the week, we'll head to the creek to send off our pine cone pioneers and acorn adventurers on a miniature rafting ride!

Rising 2nd/3rd Grade

Eco Detectives (Session 2)

Animals are everywhere at the Arboretum, but seldom seen. Learn how to spot the many critters that live in the mountains and discover how to identify them. Through interactive games and hikes, we will further grasp the importance of these animals to their habitats. We’ll look for tracks and other wildlife signs as we explore the homes of lizards, birds, and mammals that inhabit our ecosystem.

Advanced Nature Rangers (Session 2)

Join our Nature Ranger team! Learn all about many animals that live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, how to spot them and where they live. Observe salamanders, insects and fish as you explore Bent Creek. Scout for tracks and other wildlife signs as you explore the homes of lizards, birds and mammals. Special wildlife mysteries will put you to the test as you examine evidence left behind by creatures of the forest. You never know what animals we may encounter!

Rising 4th/5th Grade

Natural Artists (Session 1)

Many artists have found inspiration in nature, and through journaling, sketching, and painting, you’ll have a chance to commune with a multitude of animals and plants in the national forest. Take a hike on a trail to sketch a mountain vista and observe live animals to inspire the artist within you. Get in touch with your creative side as you paint and draw from nature, using the rippling streams and majestic mountains of the Arboretum as your muse. Make an original masterpiece every day!

Rising 6th-8th Grade

Science Trek (Session 1) Off-Site & Optional Overnight

Forget the lab coats – this camp is all about getting outside and exploring the world around us! Spend the week immersing yourself in the vibrant scientific community of Western North Carolina through exciting field trips, engaging guest speakers, and hands-on demonstrations. We’ll have a blast while discovering the science behind WNC’s natural wonders – and by the end of the week, you'll be a better scientist for it!

Disclaimer: In this camp we’ll be exploring different locations around the Asheville area. Campers should be ready and able to spend up to 2 hours of travel time in the car as we journey to these exciting destinations

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Host or Publisher The NC Arboretum: Youth Education Programs