Camps
Ijams Camps Are Fun!
Ijams campers experience the wonder of nature during 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.
Summer Camps
NEW IN 2023: Ijams is offering unique programs for campers ages 3-15! Camps will have separate drop-off and pick-up locations, smaller camper-to-staff ratios, and experiences tailored to each age group and camper needs. Ijams also is launching new two-week sessions for campers ages 13-15!
Preschool Summer Camp - Half Day -FULL-
Preschool Summer Camp - Half Day focuses on child-led, age-appropriate, experiential learning for ages 3-5. Kids have a wonderful time spending most of the day outdoors, and learn through play, discovery, and inquiry.
-
Ages: 3-5 who are fully potty-trained
-
Homebase: Miller Building
-
Cost per Session: $180 for non-members; members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday 9 am-12 pm
NEW! Preschool Summer Camp - Full Day -FULL-
Looking for an all-day camp experience for your preschooler? Preschool Summer Camp - Full Day gives kids ages 4-5 more time for child-led, age-appropriate, experiential learning.
-
Ages: 4-5 who are fully potty-trained
-
Homebase: Miller Building
-
Cost per Session: $300 for non-members; members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm
Discovery Camp
Discover the natural world at Ijams! Campers explore creeks, scramble across rocks, hike trails, build shelters, play games, create arts and crafts, and much more! Discovery Camp sessions are split between sessions for ages 6-7 and sessions for ages 8-9. Campers ages 8-9 are eligible to participate in Navitat, which is reflected in the increased cost for those sessions.
-
Ages: 6-9
-
Homebase: Ijams Visitor Center
-
Cost per Session
-
Ages 6-7: $300 for non-members
-
Ages 8-9: $335 for non-members (These sessions include the cost of Navitat.)
-
Members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.
Adventure Camp
This two-week 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, caving, and leadership without starting over every week. PLUS: Campers in these sessions get to explore Navitat TWICE during each session!
-
Ages: 10-12
-
Homebase: Mead's Quarry
-
Cost per Session: $665 for non-members (These sessions include the cost of 2 days of Navitat.) Members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 10-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.
NEW! Mini-Ventures Camp
This camp has the convenience of a 5-day program like Discovery Camp blended with the thrill of adventure-based activities, including Navitat! Very small groups, a new forested home base, and amazing opportunities to explore in nature mean this camp will fill very fast! Activities may include canoeing, fire building, species identification, and caving.
-
Ages: 8-12
-
Homebase: Ijams Quilt Barn Overflow Parking Area
-
Cost per Session: $335 for non-members. Members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 5-day sessions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.
NEW! Leadership Quest
In this immersive, two-week program, campers build naturalist skills, develop leadership ability, and apply interpretive methods to guide other campers in nature-based discoveries. An example of this might be learning advanced paddling skills and then co-teaching basic skills to younger campers. Leadership Quest campers also will push their boundaries while caving, test their spirit of adventure with Navitat TWICE, learn to boulder, and go behind the scenes to help care for Ijams animal ambassadors. It's perfect for teens who are ready to experience life as an Ijams naturalist!
-
Ages: 13-15
-
Homebase: Visitor Center Overflow Lot
-
Cost per Session: $665 for non-members (This one-time session, held only June 19-30, includes the cost of 2 days of Navitat.) Members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 10-day session, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm. After Care is available from 3-5 pm for an additional cost.
Spring Break Camp
Give your camper age 7-12 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.
-
Ages: 7-12
-
Cost per Session: $335 for non-members; members receive 5% discount on all camp sessions and session options.
-
Session Duration: 5-day session, Monday-Friday 9 am-3 pm After Care is available from 3-5 pm for additional cost.
Current Camp Specials
-
Ijams Member Discount: Current Ijams members receive a 5% discount per individual registration for all camp sessions and session options, including After Care. To take advantage of this discount, use coupon code Member at checkout during online registration. Membership must be at the Family level or higher and be current at the time of camp to take advantage of this discount (NOTE: If your membership is not current and you use this code, you will be billed to update your membership accordingly). 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!"