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Youth Education

20,000+
Students annually
150+
School partners
12
Camp programs
98%
Teacher satisfaction

Programs for Every Age

Outdoor learning experiences from toddlers through teens.

School Field Trips

Pre-K – 12th Grade

Curriculum-aligned outdoor learning experiences led by trained naturalists. Programs connect classroom science to the living world.

NC Standards aligned
Guided by certified educators
2–4 hour programs
Free for Title I schools

Nature Discovery

Ages 3–8

Playful, hands-on nature programs where young explorers investigate insects, plants, water, and wildlife through guided discovery.

Sensory-rich experiences
Parent-child options
Seasonal themes
Indoor/outdoor activities

Summer Camps

Ages 6–14

Week-long nature immersion camps with hiking, gardening, art, and science exploration in the Arboretum’s forests and gardens.

Full-day & half-day options
Small group sizes
Outdoor skills & nature art
Before/after care available

Teen Conservation Corps

Ages 14–18

A leadership program where teens contribute to real conservation projects while earning community service hours and career skills.

Trail restoration projects
Community service hours
Leadership development
College application support

Summer Camp Schedule

Registration opens February 1 — early bird discounts for members

Program
Ages
Dates
Time
Price
Status
Little Explorers Camp
Ages 4–6
📅 Jun 9–13
9 AM – 12 PM
$185
Open
Garden Scientists
Ages 7–9
📅 Jun 16–20
9 AM – 3 PM
$295
Open
Forest Adventures
Ages 10–12
📅 Jun 23–27
9 AM – 3 PM
$295
Filling Up
Nature Photography Camp
Ages 11–14
📅 Jul 7–11
9 AM – 3 PM
$320
Open
Conservation Leaders
Ages 13–16
📅 Jul 14–18
9 AM – 4 PM
$350
Waitlist

Plan a School Field Trip

Bring your classroom to the Arboretum for a curriculum-aligned, hands-on outdoor learning experience. Our programs are designed by educators and led by expert naturalists who make science come alive.

🎓

NC Standards aligned

👥

Groups of 15–120 students

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Trained, background-checked staff

📍

Indoor & outdoor classrooms

Students on a field trip

Trusted by Educators Across the Region

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“My students talk about their Arboretum field trip all year. The naturalists make complex science accessible and exciting.”

Ms. Rodriguez
Asheville City Schools
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“The curriculum alignment is excellent. I can use the field trip as a springboard for weeks of classroom learning.”

Mr. Patterson
Buncombe County Schools
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“Summer camp transformed my daughter’s relationship with nature. She went from screen time to creek time!”

Parent — Amy L.
Henderson County

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Our education team is ready to help you plan the perfect program for your students.