Come to summer camp at the Flagstaff Arboretum

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Arboretum at Flagstaff continues to expand its day camp offerings for children this summer. There are half-day programs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for children ages 4-7. There are new themes this year for returning campers. Children can either stay for a whole day on Wednesday or come twice in one week. A full schedule and detailed information is on the Web site, thearb.org.

There are three programs offered for 8-12 year olds. During the Nature Trekkers Camp, aspiring naturalists will start each day with bird-watching and identification. They will collect plants for pressing and classification and learn animal tracking techniques. A weeklong "Wilderness Survivors" program focuses on day hikes with techniques for building shelters, collecting edible wild plants, and making useful objects from nature. Participants in "I came, I saw, I created" will learn about pastel, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic painting, and clay sculpture techniques with local artist Larisa Aukon. The group will gain inspiration for their artistic creations from the pond, meadow, forest and gardens at The Arboretum.

The Junior Raptor Camp will return this year for middle school students who want to work with birds of prey. Participants in the raptor camp will learn about owls, falcons, and hawks and have the opportunity to work directly with the birds. To register for The Arboretum's Summer Adventure Program, please call (928) 774-1442, ext 123.

The Arboretum is a botanical garden, research center, and nature preserve dedicated to educating the public about the plants and plant communities of the Colorado Plateau. It is located four miles south of Route 66 on scenic Woody Mountain Road in west Flagstaff. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October. General admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6-17, and free for children under the age of 6. For more information, visit thearb.org or call

(928) 774-1442.