Growing Tree Stewards

As a child, Sarah Hitzemann spent her summer studying the texture of trees, counting insect legs under microscopes, and catching butterflies around Lake Marmo at The Morton Arboretum.

Sarah, now 17, is one of many Summer Science Camp participants who's explored the natural world through hands-on experiments at the Arboretum-discovering that science is not only enjoyable, but also exciting.

The goal of Summer Science Camp is to engage children with nature through hands-on activities that raise their curiosity about science and the natural world.  Kids age 4 to 14 participate in the weeklong camps.  Topics range from encouraging preschoolers to learn the sound of bird calls and the smell of roses, to teaching seventh and eighth graders how to restore native woodland habitats.  In 2008, a record enrollment of 1,200 children participated in the program.

Beyond Summer Science Camps, The Children's Garden attracted a record 378,285 visitors in 2008, inspiring children and families with fun, outdoor experiences with trees and nature. Last year, the Arboretum reaches out to young students through its school science program. Nearly 38,000 students toured the Arboretum, attended field programs, and participated in lab experiences designed to meet Illinois State Learning Standards through our school programs. The Arboretum actively participates in the Leave No Child Inside campaign, championed by Chicago Wilderness in the Chicago region.

According to Angelique Dunning, Manager of Youth & Family Programs, The Morton Arboretum's vision is that kids visit The Children's Garden at a young age, then enroll in Summer Science Camp, and as they get older they become Science Camp assistant counselors and instructors. Our goal is to develop a continuum that nurtures an appreciation for nature into adulthood so that the next generation knows how to care for this Earth.