Fir Camp

WHO:  Rising 1st – 3rd graders, typically youth aged 6 – 8

WHEN: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; after care available from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Each camp session is two weeks long. See the schedule below for dates.

WHERE: Washington Park Arboretum or Center for Urban Horticulture (see

COST: See session costs below

Discount available for current UW employees, current UW students, and Arboretum Foundation members

Financial aid available

Make new friends and explore the outdoors with the UW Botanic Gardens! Our Fir Camp is designed to promote environmental conservation through education and recreation, while having a ton of fun. Fir Camp has daily, nature and STEM-based themes that allow our instructors to follow the ebbs and flows of camper interests, community needs, and emergent natural opportunities. Camp activities focus on hands-on exploration, play, and experiential learning.

Our 2026 Summer Camp Lottery registration is open now through 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Summer 2026 Lottery Application

If you have questions about our camps, please email uwbgeduc@uw.edu.

Camp locations

Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH): Located on the northern shore of Lake Washington’s Union Bay, the Center for Urban Horticulture features demonstration gardens and adjoining natural areas. At this site, campers will explore Union Bay Natural Area, Yesler Swamp, and UW Farm.

Washington Park Arboretum (WPA): Located on the southern shore of Lake Washington’s Union Bay, the Washington Park Arboretum features collections of plants from around the world and many trails. At this site, campers will explore these trails and gardens, from Foster Island marsh to the forested areas, and everywhere in between.

2026 Sessions

Space is limited. Each camper may attend one session.