A New Leaf and Mr. Bond and the Science Guys Present

 the Arboterum Nature camp

🌲 Calling all adventure seekers! 🌲

AGES 6 - 12 YEARS OLD

Embark on an unforgettable journey this summer and discover where YOU truly belong – amidst the majestic wonders of the forest!  Join us at the Overall Creek Arboretum, where the magic of nature meets the thrill of exploration!

Nestled amidst nature's sprawling playground, our camp is a sanctuary for young adventurers who thirst for excitement and crave knowledge of the natural world.  We are partnering with the renowned Mr. Bond and the Science Guys stepping into an all-outdoor paradise and the captivating world of natural science and history. We invite you to forge a personal connection with the hidden life of trees.  

On this thrilling expedition campers will become the first to blaze new trails to create a majestic new arboretum for Nashville.

Together we will:

  • Discover the secrets of a magnificent 32-acre natural ecosystem in the fringes of Bellevue.

  • Play and just be in the forest and the creek.

  • Study forest and aquatic life-cycles of local flora and fauna. How many species will we discover? 

  • Learn to identify, measure, and catalog trees. 

  • Navigate with accuracy to map and engineer trails.

  • Even name a few trees after yourself!  

  • Learn about conservation and experiment with ungulate grazing to curb invasive plant species.

  • Hands-on activities include:

    • Learning orienteering and finding treasures

    • Carving and woodcraft

    • Art installations

    • Leaf and tree rubbings

    • Building bridges, dams, and forts

    • Making plans for a treehouse and eco-structures

    • Crafting your own special journey stick

  • Demonstrations and workshops include:

    • Basics of ornithology

    • Fossils, rocks, and minerals

    • Tree Physiology

    • Parts of plants

    • Micellar network

    • The kingdoms of life

    • Erosion

    • Owl pellet dissection

    • Edible plants

    • Animal prints

    • Invertebrate or vertebrate 

    • Biomes

    • Fibonacci sequence

  • Readings and discussions include:

    • Braiding Sweetgrass

    • We Are the Middle of Forever

    • The Hidden Life of Trees

    • Culture Bearers

Inclement Weather Policy:

Should inclement weather be forecasted for a large part of the day we reserve the right to close camp for the day. We will inform you by 7am at the latest.

You will be prompted to create a Brightwheel account (if you do not already have one). Once you have a Brightwheel account you will be prompted to fill out a form. Please complete a form for each child. We will allocate the spots on a first come first serve basis. 

Dates:

Session One:

July 8th - 19th (Monday - Friday)

Session Two:

July 22nd - August 2nd (Monday - Friday)

Arboretum address:

7520 CHARLOTTE PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN, 37209

Camp Hours:

9:00am TO 3:30pm

(drop off window - 9 to 9:30, pickup window 3:30 to 4:00)

Cost:

$730 per 2 week session

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Payments are due in full at the time of enrollment. The cost includes an $80 per week per child nonrefundable deposit. Any camp weeks canceled before March 1st will receive a refund for the balance. From March 1st to June 16th, we will refund half of the payment if you cancel and we cannot find you an alternative week. By June 16th until the end of the summer, we will not issue refunds; we will issue a half credit for the 2025 summer programs. Credit may only be used by the enrolled student or a sibling and is not transferable.