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
Early-bird rates apply through March 31. After March 31, standard rates apply.
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. In addition to fee options, we offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify.
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.
Important Registration Notes: Each week of Eco-Discovery Camp follows the same curriculum, so campers may participate for one Eco-Discovery session only.
Grades 6-8 options: Campers in grades 6-8 must choose one of the following paths: 1) One Eco-Discovery session only, or 2) Art+Science and/or Eco-Investigators. Eco-Discovery cannot be combined with Art+Science or Eco-Investigators.
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 |
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