Camps

Ijams campers experience the wonder of nature with outdoor adventures, make friends, sing songs, and play games. Children learn about the connections between the land, plants, animals, and humans through exploration and play.

Camp Resources

Summer Camp FAQs

Summer Camps

Registration for 2025 Summer Camps will open on Friday January 24, 2025 at 6:00pm EST for Members who are level Trailblazer and above, and Friday January 31, 2025 at 6:00pm EST for everyone.

NEW IN 2025: Ijams is offering four unique camp programs for campers ages 3-15! Camps will have separate drop-off and pick-up locations, and experiences tailored to each age group and camper needs. All camps in 2025 will be 5-day sessions, with the exception of the week on July 4th which will be a 3-day session. Please see 2025 Summer Camp Dates and Rates and Summer Camp FAQs for more information.

2025 Camp Dates & Rates

Summer Camp FAQs

Preschool Camp

Looking for an all-day camp experience for your preschooler? Preschool Summer Camp gives kids ages 3-5 more time for child-led, age-appropriate, experiential learning. Most of the day is spent outdoors, exploring nature and making a strong connection with the environment. Children learn through play, discovery, and inquiry. Not only do children develop a solid foundation for lifelong learning but also cultivate a love of nature that is the basis for a conservation ethic later in life.

Ages: 3-5 who are fully potty-trained
Homebase: Miller Building
Cost per Session: $300. This year, the week of June 30-July 2 will be a 3-day camp. The cost of that week will be $180.
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost of $150 per session (or $90 for June 30-July 2).
Visit HERE fore more details on weekly preschool summer camp themes.

Discovery Camp

Discover the natural world at Ijams! Campers explore creeks, explore rocks at Mead's Quarry, hike trails, build shelters, play games, create arts and crafts, and much more! All campers ages 6-9 are eligible to participate in Navitat, which is reflected in the increased cost for those sessions. The Navitat experience will be split into age groups of 6-7 and 8-9 to accommodate the different needs of the groups during their time on course.

Ages: 6-9
Homebase: Ijams Visitor Center
Cost per Session: $335. This year, the week of June 30-July 2 will be a 3-day camp. The cost of that week will be $215. Campers will still participate in Navitat if they are enrolled in the 3-day camp week.
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost of $150 per session (or $90 for June 30-July 2).

Adventure Camp

Adventure camp allows children to participate in adventures and activities that build on previous experiences and supports more robust development of skills in areas such as canoeing, fire building, species identification, and leadership. Campers in these sessions are eligible to participate in Navitat which is included in the cost of the session!

Ages: 8-12
Homebase: Visitor Center Overflow Parking Lot
Cost per Session: $335. This year, the week of June 30-July 2 will be a 3-day camp. The cost of that week will be $215. Campers will still participate in Navitat if they are enrolled in the week of June 30-July 2.
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost of $150 per session (or $90 for June 30-July 2).

Wilderness Camp

*NEW!

Wilderness Quest is an exciting new adventure for teens! This camp is designed to build on outdoor experiences while offering new challenges to develop skills and leadership. Teens will take part in hands-on adventures like canoeing, fire building, species identification, and wilderness navigation—all while fostering independence and teamwork.

With each activity, campers will gain confidence and learn to appreciate the natural world in a deeper way. Wilderness Quest provides the perfect opportunity to explore, grow, and connect with nature alongside like-minded adventurers.

Campers in these sessions are eligible to participate in Navitat which is included in the cost of the session!

Ages: 13-15
Weeks Offered: July 14-18 and July 21-25
Homebase: Ijams Quarry
Cost per Session: $335 (These sessions include the cost of Navitat.)
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost of $150 per session.

Re-Discovery Camp (21+)

*NEW!

Re-Discovery Camp brings all the fun of summer camp—minus the kids! This three-day adventure is designed for adults ages 21+ who want to relive the magic of childhood summer through a new lens, complete with outdoor activities, nature exploration, and an optional overnight camping experience. Bring a partner or a friend and make new connections while immersing yourself in the beauty of Ijams Nature Center.

Age: 21+
Days Offered: July 4-6, 2025
Homebase: 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
Cost per Session: $400 (Optional Natitat Add-on +$35)
Session Duration:
- Friday, July 4: 9 AM - 5 PM
- Saturday, July 5 - Sunday, July 6:
  - July 5: 9 AM Start Time
    - Overnight Experience
  - July 6
    - Camp ends at 2:30 PM (with Navitat)
  - Camp ends at 11:30 AM (without Navitat)
Learn More HERE

Spring Break Camp 2025 Registration is OPEN!

Give your camper age 6-12 the ultimate spring break experience and open their eyes to the beauty and wonder of the changing seasons! Spring break campers will search for early signs of spring and celebrate the end of winter by learning basic winter survival skills and winter ecology, with an emphasis on how plants, birds, and other animals use their unique adaptations and keen survival skills to endure the harsh conditions of winter months.

Dates: March 17-21, 2025
Ages: 6-12
Cost per Session: $335
Session Duration: 5-day session, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.

Spring Camp Details

Fall Break Camp 2025 Details Coming Soon!

Give your 7- to 12-year-old the ultimate fall break experience that opens their eyes to the beauty and wonder of the changing seasons. The crisp, cool air and spectacular colors of autumn make this one of most enjoyable times of year to explore Ijams' 318 acres of protected wildlife habitat, trails, scenic overlooks, limestone features, nature playscapes, creeks, Mead’s Quarry, and the Tennessee River.

Dates:
Ages: 7-12
Cost per Session: $335 for non-members; members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options. (Cost INCLUDES Navitat Knoxville)
Session Duration: 5-day session, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.

Fall Camp Details

Winter Break Camp

Give your 7- to 12-year-old the ultimate winter/holiday break experience that opens their eyes to the wonder of nature in winter. Winter is a unique time to explore Ijams with the cool air and fallen leaves. Ijams tends to be quieter in the winter, lending the opportunity to make deeper observations on the 318 acres of protected wildlife habitat, trails, scenic overlooks, limestone features, nature playscapes, creeks, Mead’s Quarry, and the Tennessee River.

Dates: December 21-22, 2023
Ages: 7-12
Cost per Session: $120 for both days or $75 for one day; members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
Session Duration: 2-day session, Thursday-Friday 9 am-3 pm After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.

Winter Break Camp Details

Current Camp Specials

Ijams Member Discount: Current Ijams members at the Explorer level or higher receive a 5% discount on camp programs, including After Care. If you qualify, you will receive an email with a unique code to use at checkout. Memberships must be must be current at the time of camp to take advantage of this discount. Members are not eligible for two consecutive summers' worth of discounts for one annual membership (e.g., 2021 Adventure Camp and 2022 Adventure Camp).

Multi-Child Discount: When registering multiple children, save $10 per session for each additional child in the same household

What are parents saying about Ijams camp counselors?

"I appreciate that the staff really tries to learn the kids' names. We live in Blount County, and my son does not know many children at the camp. This makes him feel more included."

Why do campers return every year?

"Excellent staff. Excellent activities. Ijams Nature Aventure Camps are the jewel of Knoxville. I know the boys' love for the great outdoors and adventure will be nurtured without having to drive all the way to the mountains each day. Phenomenal!"