Preschool Summer Camp
Don't wait! Spots fill quickly for the Ijams summer day camp specifically designed for ages 3-5!
Preschool Summer Camp Registration Opens for Everyone on January 31st at 6:00pm EST!
Preschool Summer Camp focuses on child-led, age-appropriate experiential learning for children ages 3-5. 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.
Each session is a combination of outdoor play, nature hikes, and animal presentations. Special crafts, art projects, and/or hands-on activities throughout the week allow campers to explore different topics based on their interests.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Ages: 3-5 who are fully potty-trained at time of camp.
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Homebase: Ijams Miller Building
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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).
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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
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​Please read through our Sumer Camp FAQ's for additional information.
Camp Resources
WEEKLY CAMP THEMES
Week 1: June 2-6 | Feathered Friends
Feathered friends are all around at Ijams, making it the perfect place to learn about these creatures! Campers will learn about birds native to East Tennessee, and meet a few of Ijams’ ambassador animals this week.
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Week 2: June 9-13 | Creepy Crawlies
If your camper likes bugs, this is the week for them! Campers will turn over logs, dip for aquatic insects, and study the invertebrate world up close with a magnifying lens.
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Week 3: June 16-20 | Fungi Fun
Campers will discover mushrooms, fungus, and even lichen this week! Where do these things like to live? How do they feel? By the end of this week, your camper will know the answer to these questions and more!
Week 4: June 23-27 | Earth Rocks!
There are so many trees and plants at Ijams. Campers will learn about tree life cycles, the parts of trees, and maybe hug a tree! Discussions about the forest and its role on Earth will introduce the importance of caring for the environment.
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Week 5: July 30 - July 2 | Mammal Mania
Lots of mammals call Ijams home, making it a great place to learn all about these furry friends! Campers will learn about the mammals of East Tennessee, and meet an Ijams animal ambassador this week.
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Week 6: July 7-11 | Scaly and Slimy Creatures
Many reptiles and amphibians live at Ijams, making them the perfect topic for a week at camp! Campers will try to catch amphibians in the pond, find reptiles sunning in the river or the forest, and meet a few of Ijams’ scaly animal ambassadors.
Week 7: July 14-18 | Wet 'n' Wild
Campers will experience water up close and personal this week! They’ll explore Lotus Pond and the creek, and see some of the animals who call these places home. Sprinklers and water games are also a highlight of this week!
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Week 8: July 21-25 | Wet 'n' Wild
Your camper will experience water up close and personal this week! They’ll explore Lotus Pond and the creek, and see some of the animals who call these places home. Sprinklers and water games are also a highlight of this week!
Current Camp Specials
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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).
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Multi-Child Discount: When registering multiple children, save $10 per session for each additional child in the same household.
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Multi-Session Discount: When registering for multiple sessions, save $10 on each additional session.