Ladew Summer Nature Camp 2026

Ladew camps provide an entertaining and educational experience for children aged 3 to 14 years.  Ladew’s beautiful 250-acre property includes formal gardens, a native butterfly and caterpillar house, forests, meadows, ponds and streams.  Staffed by our year-round, adult environmental educators and art instructors, we provide a low teacher/volunteer to camper ratio and incorporate engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities throughout our curriculum.

Ladew is a Maryland Certified Youth Camp (MCYC) through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

Space is limited. Full payment is due at registration. For questions or to be added to the wait list, contact Sheryl Pedrick at 410.557.9570, x226 or spedrick@LadewGardens.com.

 Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4 for Members and Wednesday, February 11 for Non-members

 All membership levels have the benefit of advanced registration. However, only members at the Family level and higher receive the discounted price. 

CAREGIVER & ME NATURE CAMP  (formerly Nature Tots Camp)

Parents, grandparents, and/or caregivers are invited to share in the wonder of discovering nature through the eyes of a preschooler. We’ll explore the gardens, ponds, Nature Walk trail, and Butterfly House. We’ll incorporate activities practicing fine motor skills, counting, colors, shapes, ABC’s and more. Songs, stories, games, and snack time are part of every day. 

Ages:  3 – 4 years (with an adult; one child only per adult)

Time:  9:15 am – 11:45 am

Fees:  $165 Members / $200 Non-members

Session 1: June 15 - 19

Sessions 2: June 22 - 26

Please note:  Each registered child must have their own accompanying adult. Only one child permitted per adult.  No additional younger or older siblings are permitted.  

NATURE PALS - Little Fledglings

Hop, run, fly! Explore the gardens, meadows, forests, and wetlands in search of our feathered friends.  We’ll encounter many birds that call Ladew home and learn what makes them special. Activities include outdoor discovery walks, story time, crafts, games and puppet shows.

Ages:  4 - 5 years

Time:  9:00 am - 12:00 noon (no lunch time; snack time is included)

Fees:  $195 Members / $235 Non-members

Session 1: June 15 - 19

Sessions 2: June 22 - 26

NATURE DETECTIVES CAMP - Living Dinosaurs: Our Feathered Friends

From T-Rex to turkeys, we’ll start the week exploring the connections between dinosaurs of the past with birds of today.  Throughout the week, we’ll investigate birds in various habitats and discover their unique adaptations. We’ll note the differences between birds of prey, songbirds, woodpeckers, owls, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Activities include outdoor exploration, arts & crafts, experiments, stories, puppet shows, and games.

Ages:  6 - 7 years & 7 - 9 years

Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fees:  $300 Members / $340 Non-members

Session 1: July 13 – 17

Session 2: July 20 - 24

SCIENCE CAMP - Avian Adventures.

Let your mind soar! Using STEAM principles, experiments, and art-incorporated projects we will explore various groups of birds – from their adaptations to ways in which they have inspired modern day engineering.  

Ages:  9 - 12 years

Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fees:  $300 Members / $340 Non-members

Dates:  July 20 - 24

ART IN NATURE CAMP - Wings & Wonder 

Creativity awaits us as we take inspiration from the birds in flight around us.  In this camp, we will experience the animals, plants, and landscape of Ladew's gardens, butterfly house, meadows, and forest.  We will take inspiration from birds that create intricately woven nests, colorful songs and calls, and showcase a stunning array of colorful feathers.  Using recycled, found, or professional art materials, we will create sculptures, paintings, prints, sketches, and more.  The week will culminate in a group art show in Ladew's Barn Gallery.  

Ages:  9 - 11 years & 12 - 14 years

Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fees:  $315 Members / $365 Non-members

Session 1 :  July 27 - 31   / Ages 9 – 11 years

Session 2:  August 3 – 7   / Ages 12 – 14 years