Wander Where the Water Is
We'll go on a journey to discover how water shapes life, from a grand planetary scale to the tiniest hidden habitats within our local creeks and ponds.
Eco-Discovery Camp...
- uses children's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for the outdoors to help them understand important ecological concepts,
- creates an open space where campers can ask and answer their own scientific questions,
- exposes campers to the field of Ecology, and
- supports children as they develop confidence in their ability to use science to understand and positively impact the world.
Two unique middle school sessions that expand the Eco-Discovery experience!
Art & Science (1-week; grades 6-8): Campers will explore the “Wander Where the Water Is” theme through the lens of both science and art. Through creative observational practices such as sketching, collage, and watercolor, campers will deepen their understanding of ecology.
Eco-Investigators (2-weeks; grades 6-8): Is your child ready to more intensively build their scientific knowledge and skills? Eco-Investigators spend two full weeks taking a deeper dive into the “Wander Where the Water Is” theme with a hands-on field experiment.
Camp Schedule 2026
We are offering two different rates aligning with income as a way to offer more equity to our camp families. For households with an income of <$75K/yr, [B] fees apply.
Early-bird rates apply through March 31. After March 31, standard rates apply.
In addition to fee options, we are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify thanks to funding from the Dyson Foundation and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, as outlined by federal income eligibility guidelines, are eligible.
An early drop-off (8:30am)/late pick-up (4:30pm) option is available for an additional $50/week fee ($40 for the [B] fee option) and an early drop-off or late pick-up for $25/week ($20 for the [B] fee option). During early drop-off and late pick-up periods, campers are expected to calmly partake in self-directed activities like reading, puzzles, or games.
Note:Each week of Eco-Discovery Camp follows the same curriculum, so campers may participate for one session only. The two exceptions are the new grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp” children may register for both of those sessions. Registration closes 2 weeks before each session.
| Session | Dates | Grades | Before 3/31 | After 3/31 | Fee [B] |
| Eco-Discovery 1 (4 days) | June 29-July 2 | 2-4 | $360.00 | $380.00 | $236.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 2a | July 6-10 | 2-4 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 2b | July 6-10 | 5-7 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 3a | July 13-17 | 2-4 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 3b | July 13-17 | 5-7 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 4 | July 20-24 | 5-7 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 5a | July 27-31 | 2-4 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 5b | July 27-31 | 6-8 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Investigators (2 weeks) | August 3-14 | 6-8 | $900.00 | $950.00 | $590.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 6 | August 10-14 | 5-7 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Eco-Discovery 7 | August 17-21 | 2-4 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
| Art+Science | August 24-28 | 6-8 | $450.00 | $475.00 | $295.00 |
Note: Each week of Eco-Discovery Camp follows the same curriculum, so campers may participate for one session only. The two exceptions are the grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp;” children may register for both of those sessions.
How do campers spend their week?
At Cary Institute's Eco-Discovery Camp, children have a unique opportunity to experience ecological science with our skilled ecology educators and research scientists. During Eco-Discovery Camp, children entering grades 2-8 explore the hills, valleys, forests, and streams of our 2,000-acre Dutchess County campus. Throughout each 1-week session campers conduct scientific investigations, learn about the natural history of the area, and participate in games and art activities.
Each year the camp has a different theme, allowing our many returning campers to have unique experiences year after year. Past camp themes have included: Bugs, Bacteria and Beyond (2017), “What’s In Our Water?” (2018), The Secret Life of Forests (2019), Spectacular Streams (2022), Soil Sleuths (2023), Wonders of the Woods (2024) and Micro-Worlds! (2025).
Lunch is not provided, but we provide light snacks. Campers must bring their own sack lunch, and water bottle.
How old are campers?
Each week of camp will have approximately 12 campers and will be dedicated to either younger campers (entering grades 2-4) or older campers (entering grades 5-7 or 6-8).
Who teaches camp?
Two educators with extensive experience in ecology and education will teach each week. We're also fortunate to have one junior counselor and two high school-aged Eco-Leader volunteers helping with camp each week. A high mentor-to-camper ratio is something we value at our summer camps.
How long are the sessions?
Eco-Discovery Camp for runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. An early drop-off (8:30am) and a late pick up (4:30pm) option is available for an additional $50/week fee ($40 for the [B] fee option). During early drop-off and late pick-up periods, campers are expected to calmly partake in self-directed activities like reading, puzzles, or games.
Can campers attend multiple sessions in one summer?
Unfortunately, demand is so high for Eco-Discovery that we are only able to invite each camper to attend for one session per summer (see exception below). In addition, each week of camp follows the same curriculum, and therefore campers may participate for one session only. We typically fill each session to capacity, so be sure to reserve your preferred week early.
The two exceptions are the grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp” children may register for both of those sessions.
How much does it cost?
We are offering two different rates aligning with income as a way to offer more equity to our camp families. You will be able to self-select on the registration form.
Household income <$75,000
Tuition: $295
Early drop-off/late pick-up: $40/wk
Early drop-off or late pick-up: $20/wk
Household income >$75,000
Tuition: $475
Early drop-off/late pick-up: $50/wk
Early drop-off or late pick-up: $25/wk
Refund Policy
Cancellations received on or before June 1 will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after June 1, except as noted below.
Late Registrations (After June 1): For campers who register after June 1, cancellations made at least three (3) weeks prior to the first day of camp will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee.
Cancellations made within three weeks of the camp start date are non-refundable.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email and are effective on the date received.
Camp Scholarships
Through the generosity of community members and grant funding from the Dyson Foundation, Northeast Dutchess
Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify.
To be eligible for a scholarship students must qualify for free or reduced lunch, as outlined by federal income eligibility guidelines. Applications from families residing in the Mid-Hudson Valley counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster will be considered. Scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply early.
Please fill-out the online application or download the application and return to us via email (alreda@caryinstitute.org) or mail (2801 Sharon Turnpike, PO Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545).
Online scholarship application
Scholarship application (english)
Scholarship application (spanish)
For more information about scholarships, contact Ashley Alred at alreda@caryinstitute.org.
What about older campers?
Eco–Leaders Program
Our Eco-Leaders Program is for students entering grades 9-12. Each Eco-Leader assists educators during one Eco-Discovery camp session while also leading their own activity and assisting in data collection. This is similar to a junior counselor program, and includes a required training session prior to camp.
Eco-Leaders must apply to the program by March 6. Applicants will be notified of their status approximately March 20.
For more information about the Cary Institute's Eco-Discovery Camp, contact Ashley Alred alreda@caryinstitute.org.