Camp Descriptions


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 March 9, 2024)

After March 9th: $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.

Early Bird: $230 UT Gardens Members / $245 Non-members (valid through March 9, 2024)

After March 9th: $260 UT Gardens Members / $245 Non-members

Lunch for adult camp is included for all three 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 Monday through Wednesday.

Camp will be from 8:30am-3:30pm each day.


Youth Camp

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Garden Chef Camp
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June 2-6, 2025
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Nature Art Camp
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June 9-13, 2025
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Fantasy Camp
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June 23-27, 2025

Campers will have fun harvesting items from UT Gardens and will have the opportunity to craft fun snacks from the garden. This week is a great chance for campers to learn more about where their food comes from and how they can connect with their food systems. Also learn some ways to use plants besides eating them, and all the critters that we need to get food from plants.  

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

Create artwork using natural materials, inspired by nature, and in nature during Nature Art Camp. A garden is a world of life, color, light, air, and sound; this week campers will gain inspiration and materials from nature. We’ll also explore soil science and art with clay. 

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

Marvel at the Gardens’ magic during fantasy camp. Campers will learn about fairy and gnome habitats, light, color, and sounds in nature. In the natural world, we’ll find inspiration and materials for stories, music, jewelry, and art.  

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

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Plant Science Camp
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July 7-11, 2025
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Tennessee Discovery Camp
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July 14-18, 2025
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Green Kids Camp
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July 21-25, 2025

Plant scientists study everything from how we grow food to how we can improve soccer fields. In the UT Gardens living laboratory, campers will investigate and experiment with the natural world around them. 

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

Campers will learn about native flora and fauna as well as geology and geography in the state of Tennessee. We have examples of Tennessee plants, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the gardens for campers to explore, in addition to the Tennessee River right next door.  

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

This week campers will learn all about sustainable living. They’ll create models of floating wetlands, learn about green roofs, and even propagate houseplants. Through STEAM, we will engage in hands-on exploration of various sustainable, research-based practices for a greener tomorrow. 

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

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Critter Camp
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July 28- August 1, 2025
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Naturalist Camp
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August 4-7, 2025

Campers will explore all the big and small animals that make their home in UT Gardens. We’ll learn about habitats, conservation, animal life cycles, and how everyone can contribute to healthy ecosystems for plants, animals, and people.  

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm

Monday-Friday

Campers will practice observation, create nature journals, and will learn to read nature’s signs as they gain a better understanding and appreciate of the world around them. We’ll explore the relationship between plants, animals, people, weather, and geology, how these things work together to make ‘nature’.  

Ages 6-12

8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Wednesday

8:30am-12:30pm Thursday