Kids Summer Pollinator Camp

A Hands-On Adventure into the World of Bees And Pollinators Join us for an unforgettable week where kids dive deep into the fascinating world of honeybees, native pollinators, and the flowers they love! This 5-day camp combines science, art, nature exploration, and real beekeeping experiences. Camp Sessions: June 15-19, 2026 / July 6-10, 2026 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (includes lunch break) Ages: Rising 2nd graders through rising 6th graders Expectations: This is a fun camp with lots of hands-on activities both indoors and outdoors. We expect all kids attending to be respectful of one another and the instructors. Including the ability to sit, listen, and follow instructions at all times. Lunch: Campers are expected to bring a lunch and a clearly labeled water bottle. We have a refrigerator on site if necessary. We do have a bottle filler and water fountain on-site. Pickup/Dropoff: Please check your kids in and out with the staff. You can drop off between 15 minutes before the camp starts and 15 minutes after the camp ends.  Location: Foxhound Bee Company - 300 Honey Lane What to Expect Each Day Monday: Introduction to Bees and Pollination We'll start by getting to know each other and asking the big questions: What is a bee? Why do bees matter? Kids will create and decorate their own flower press, then head outside to pick flowers and search for bees in action. We'll dissect flowers to see how pollination works, create flower art, and taste honeysuckle nectar to understand what bees are after. The day wraps up with a sweet watermelon snack! Take home: Flower art Tuesday: Bee Anatomy and How Bees Work Time to get up close! Using magnifying glasses and microscopes, campers will examine real bees and learn about their amazing body parts. We'll observe pollination in the garden, talk about pollinator conservation, and create bee artwork. Kids will also make leaf and flower-pounded t-shirts and bookmarks using natural dyes from plants. Take home: Bee painting/drawing and pounded bookmark Special guests: Pollinator census expert and garden guide Wednesday: Inside the Hive - Beekeeping Day! This is the day campers become beekeepers! We'll explore products of the hive by tasting honey and pollen, examining beeswax and propolis, and learning how beekeepers use their tools. In small groups, kids will suit up for real hive tours, watch a smoker being lit, and see honey extraction in action. While rotating through activities, they'll also make their own beeswax lip balm and soap to take home. Take home: Jar of honey, handmade soap and lip balm Special activity: Live hive tours with experienced beekeepers Thursday: Beyond Honeybees - Native Pollinators and The Power of Hexagons Not all bees live in hives! We'll learn about mason bees, leafcutter bees, and other native pollinators, then search for them in the wild. A special guest will teach us why native plants matter. Kids will make hand-dipped beeswax candles and explore the mathematical magic of hexagons through art and hands-on projects. Take home: Hand-dipped candles and a hexagon art project Special guest: Local young candle maker Friday: Celebration Day! We'll wear our flower-pounded t-shirts for a group photo and create beautiful luminaries using the flowers we pressed on Monday. Through games and activities, we'll celebrate everything we've learned. Kids will get to gently interact with drones (male bees, which do not have stingers), share their experiences on camera, and present the group project we've been building all week. Take home: Flower luminary and memories to last a lifetime! What's Included All materials, supplies, and take-home projects White t-shirt for flower pounding (we'll collect sizes at registration) Daily snacks and hands-on activities Expert instruction from experienced beekeepers and educators Guest speakers and specialists Real beekeeping experience with hive tours What to bring: Lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and curiosity! Note: Please inform us of any allergies (food or bee stings) at registration. While we work safely around bees, participants should be comfortable with outdoor activities and insects. Limited only to 20 kids! This camp will fill up quickly, so register early to secure your child's spot in this one-of-a-kind pollinator adventure.