Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
10 am – 4 pm daily
Schumacher Library
10 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri
10 am - 1 pm, Sat
Garden Naturalist Camp
Ages 7-12
Anyone can be a garden naturalist! In this camp, young naturalists will explore the diverse animal and plant life at Olbrich and how it connects to their own lives through observation and reflection. Campers will engage in a variety of nature-based activities including plant and tend to seeds, create unique art, and record their discoveries and questions in journals to bring home. Join us for a week full of fun!
Additional Information
Garden Naturalist Camp
The Garden Naturalist Camp is a week-long exploration of the diverse community of animals and plants living at Olbrich. Through observation and reflection, campers will dive into the world of scientific journaling, art in nature, and connections in the natural world. Campers will have an opportunity to engage in activities in the Frautschi Family Learning Center, outdoor gardens, Bolz Tropical Conservatory, and the Children’s Kitchen Garden. Camp days start at 9 am and end at 2:30 pm. Aftercare is available from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm During this time, campers can participate in outdoor games, explore, play, or relax in the Children’s Kitchen Garden. For other questions or concerns, please email sbellis@cityofmadison.com.
Camp Snacks
Campers must bring a lunch (nothing that needs to be refrigerated or reheated) and water bottle and are encouraged to bring a snack for the afternoon. Please do not pack peanuts or foods with peanut butter.
What to Bring
Please wear comfortable clothing that can get dirty and closed toe shoes. Please bring a water bottle, lunch(nothing that needs to be refrigerated or reheated), a snack, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and a sweatshirt or rain jacket.
Camp Pricing
Week 1: $275 member/$300 non-member
Week 2: $220 member/ $240 non-member
Medical Forms
Health History (will have a hyperlink when form is completed)
After you register, you will be sent additional information including an Authorization to Administer Medication form.
Cancellation Policy
General Cancellation Policy - All cancellations must be made 6 weeks in advance to receive a refund minus a 20% processing fee. Cancellations made after this date are not guaranteed a refund.
Weather Info
The Garden Naturalist Summer Camp takes place in the Frautschi Family Learning Center, outdoor gardens, Bolz Tropical Conservatory, and the Children’s Kitchen Garden. In the event of inclement or hazardous weather, all activities will be moved indoors. Campers will be informed of emergency procedures related to weather during the camp introduction on the first day. Campers should come prepared for light rain, hot temperatures, and cooler temperatures as we will try to continue with planned outdoor activities.
Writing Camps
Available to students entering grades 3-8 and 9-12
Each summer, The Greater Madison Writing Project, in partnership with Olbrich Botanical Gardens, hosts camps for young writers (entering grades 3-8) and high school writers (entering grades 9-12). With the guidance and support ofthe Greater Madison Writing Project Fellows and experienced teachers, participants use the beautiful environment of the outdoor gardens and tropical conservatory for inspiration for their writing. At the end of each camp, young writers will share their favorite pieces of writing with their families and friends at an evening celebration and to be published in an anthology. For questions or to register, please email mdziedzic@wisc.edu.
