Registration for camp 2026 is open.
Campers at Cary Institute spend a week as ecologists and experience the joys of exploration, immersion in nature, and discovery. Our Ecology Camps are special opportunities for children to work with cutting-edge scientists and educators in our unique setting.
Camp Schedule 2026
Important! Each week of camp follows the same program. Campers may attend 1 session only. Exception: Art+Science and Eco-investigator campers can be registered for 1 or both sessions.
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 able to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify thanks to funding from Dyson Foundation, Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community 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.
Eco-Discovery Camp runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
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 |
Support Cary’s Youth education programs including scholarships for campers who otherwise could not afford to attend
Sponsor
