Preschool Summer Camp
Don't wait! Spots fill quickly for the Ijams summer day camp specifically designed for ages 3-5!
Preschool Summer Camp is Fun!
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
Half Day Camp:
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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-12 pm
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Cost per Session: $170 for Members | $180 for Non-Members
NEW! Full Day Camp:
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Ages: 4-5 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
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Cost per Session: $290 for Members | $300 for Non-Members
WEEKLY CAMP THEMES
Week 1: June 5-9 | Feathered Friends (Half Day; Ages 3, 4, 5)
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.
Week 2: June 12-16 | Creepy Crawlies (Full Day; Ages 4, 5)
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.
Week 3: June 19-23 | Fungi Fun (Half Day; Ages 3, 4, 5)
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 26-30 | Earth Rocks! (Full Day; Ages 4, 5)
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.
Week 5: July 3-7 | Mammal Mania (Half Day; Ages 3, 4, 5)
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.
Week 6: July 10-14 | Scaly and Slimy Creatures (Full Day; Ages 4, 5)
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 17-21 | Wet 'n' Wild (Half Day; Ages 3, 4, 5)
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!
Week 8: July 24-28 | Wet 'n' Wild (Full Day; Ages 4, 5)
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 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 INCMEMBER4CAMP 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).
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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.