2026 Summer Sprouts Camp
June 1, 2026 @ 9:00AM — August 7, 2026 @ 3:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206 Get Directions
Calling all nature lovers going into second through fifth grades...we want YOU to be part of our Summer Sprouts Camp!
The Civic Garden Center is excited to welcome ten incoming 2nd to incoming 5th graders to Hauck Botanic Garden for a week-long immersive day camp experience! Led by our experienced Youth Education Team, campers will work together to garden, cook, explore nature, play outdoor games, make eco-friendly crafts and more.
Summer Sprouts will run for two five-day sessions. We highly encourage campers to sign up for both weeks so they can experience and enjoy the full summer cycle of the garden!
- JUNE 1-5: Campers will plant seeds and seedlings in our onsite vegetable garden.
- AUGUST 3-7: Campers will harvest what has been planted and tended throughout the summer from our onsite vegetable garden.
The camper-to-staff ratio will be at most five to one.
TIMING
- Camp drop-off is from 9-9:15am each day, and camp pick-up is from 2:45-3pm.
- We are not able to offer before or after care.
- Parents and caregivers are invited to join us at 2pm on the last day of each session for a camper-led showcase of their highlights from the week!
WEATHER
- Camp will be held outside as much as possible, rain or shine. Please make sure campers are dressed appropriately!
- In the case of severe weather (e.g., storms, extreme heat, unsafe air quality), camp activities will take place indoors as needed.
FOOD & DRINK
- A light afternoon snack will be provided each day.
- Campers should bring their own packed lunch and water bottle.
- Water will be available for refilling water bottles as needed.
WHAT TO BRING
- Campers should bring sturdy footwear that can get dirty and hold up to outdoor exploration, clothing suitable for the weather, a packed lunch (low waste if possible), a water bottle, a hat.
- Please don't send your camper with electronics, valuables, toys, or anything they would be sad to lose or get dirty.
- The CGC will have bug spray and sunscreen available. Please be sure to sign and return the Medications, Bug Spray and Suncreen form linked in your confirmation email if you would like your camper to have access to these.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
The specifics will vary, but in general, here's what a day at Summer Sprouts will look like:
- 9-9:15am - Drop-off
- 9:15am - Morning Circle Time
- 9:30am - Activity block (gardening, harvesting, outdoor exploration, crafts)
- 11:30am - Lunch and outdoor play
- 12:30pm - Activity block (cooking, outdoor exploration)
- 1:45pm - Nature Journals
- 2:15pm - Community jobs, closing circle, snack
- 2:45-3pm - Pick-up
BONUS PLANTING DAY
Gardens are constantly changing, and we want campers to experience as much of that seasonal transformation as possible! All registered camp families are welcome to join us for a spring planting day at the CGC on Saturday, March 14 from 11am-12pm. We will be planting crops in the Summer Sprouts beds that campers will have the opportunity to tend and harvest from during their camp week(s). On the registration form, you'll be asked to indicate whether or not you plan to attend this event.
COMPLETING YOUR REGISTRATION
After you register your camper(s), please keep an eye out for a confirmation email with links to additional forms. These must be filled out and submitted or returned via email within one week of registering to secure your camper's spot.
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to Ellie, our Youth Education Coordinator: youtheducation@civicgardencenter.org