Below are descriptions of UTG Knoxville summer camps. Register at the link below or by clicking on the camp name.
Pricing:
Early Bird: $230 UT Gardens Members / $245 Non-members (valid through February 29, 2024)
After February 29th: $260 UT Gardens Members / $275 Non-members
All youth campers are expected to bring their own snacks and lunch each day.
Activities vary depending on the week’s theme, but each week will involve planting activities and a nutrition lesson. Additionally, all youth camps include play time, games, etc. in the Gardens.
Camp takes place primarily outside; children should dress accordingly.
Youth camps are Monday through Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm.
There is no before or after care available.
Camp forms must be completed by 8:30am on your campers’ first day of camp. If they are not complete, they will not be permitted to stay at camp.
If your camper attends more than one week of camp, you did not need to complete the paperwork again unless there have been important changes that should be noted.
Pricing:
Early Bird: $120 UT Gardens Members / $135 Non-members (valid through February 29, 2024)
After February 29th: $150 UT Gardens Members / $175 Non-members
All teen campers are expected to bring their own snacks and lunch each day of camp. The final day of teen camp will not include a lunch time.
Teen campers are encouraged to bring a smartphone and/or camera to take pictures during camp. Our staff will work with campers on understanding how to utilize technology (like smartphones) to take photos, identify plants, and more.
Teen campers may also bring a tablet and/or laptop to view and edit photos and learn basic computer tips (like file naming conventions, utilizing a cloud-based software like Google Drive or iCloud for storage).
Campers will also participate in a planting activity and will be able to take the plant home.
Teen camp takes place Monday through Wednesday.
Wednesday is only a half day.
Monday and Tuesday camp days will be from 8:30am-3:30pm, but Wednesday will be from 8:30am-12:00pm.
Early Bird: $230 UT Gardens Members / $245 Non-members (valid through February 29, 2024)
After February 29th: $260 UT Gardens Members / $245 Non-members
Lunch for adult camp is included for both full days of camp.
Lite snacks will be provided all three days.
Please let Whitney Hale know of any food restrictions by emailing her at whitneyhale@tennessee.edu.
This camp will involve being both indoors and outdoors and some moderate walking outdoors.
Please dress comfortably for the weather and indoor/outdoor activities.
Adult camp will take place Thursday through Saturday.
Camp will be from 8:30am-3:30pm Thursday and Friday, and Saturday will be from 8:30am-12:00pm.
Youth Camp
Join camp staff on an adventure of colossal proportions as we discover plants that have been around since the dinosaurs! Campers will learn and play in UT Gardens while also learning about the role of plants in ancient (and current ecosystems).
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
Have you ever played an instrument or sang a song? Many instruments are made from plants and landscape architects even consider the soundscape when creating their designs for a space. Learn about the importance of sound in the garden and be prepared to make some noise!
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
This week is all about celebrating plants around the world! Campers will create artwork inspired by or made from plants as seen in various cultures throughout history and today. They will practice plant identification and will take a plant-based trip around the world just at UT Gardens!
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
Venture back in time with us to learn how people have utilized plants throughout time. We will make designs with plant dyes, design historic gardens, and create toys using only plants we can find.
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
How do rainy days end in rainbows? Campers will learn how light is refracted and reflected and how this plays out in the garden. We will dive into the study of color and will create artwork and garden designs that highlight color. Also, plants aren’t the only ones in the garden with colorful characteristics; campers will study how animals use color to camouflage, attract others, and so much more in this colorful camp!
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
Let’s go on an adventure! Campers will make maps, practice knot tying, and identify useful plants in the landscape. They will learn basic first aid principles and create a packing list for future adventures.
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
During Plant Detectives week, campers will be encouraged to learn to think about plants like a botanist… and then use their skills to solve a plant mystery! We will play games that inspire creative problem solving and even consider how plants can help people solve mysteries, too.
Ages 6-12
8:30am-3:30pm
Monday-Friday
Teen Camp
Campers will visit the Gardens for 2.5 days and will learn how to evaluate light, angles, and more to capture people, plants, and animals- all with a phone camera! Each camper must bring their own camera, preferably in the form of a smartphone. We will also showcase different green industry careers that utilize the skill of photography such as marketing professionals, plant health monitors, and plant curators.
Ages 13-17
8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Tuesday
8:30am-12:00pm Wednesday
Adult Camp
Summer camp just for adults? Yes, please! Learn how to make plant-based mocktails, tour the Gardens, make seasonal wreaths and floral arrangements, too. This two and a half day camp will be a great way to make friends, let loose, and just get outside this summer in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee! An exclusive local field trip will be included in this experience as well.
Ages 18+
8:30am-3:30pm Thursday and Friday
8:30am-12:30pm Saturday