Forest Explorers: Nature Skills Camp – Waitlist only
Have your keiki spend spring break immersed in the forest at Lyon Arboretum! We invite young explorers to build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to nature through hands-on learning and outdoor adventure.
Throughout the week, campers will hike through the Arboretum’s lush trails, learn to observe and identify plants, and explore how people interact with the natural world. Guided by caring staff, the children will practice basic outdoor skills, work together on creative nature challenges, and learn how to use natural materials thoughtfully and responsibly.
Campers will also take part in stream exploration, where they’ll learn about freshwater ecosystems and help remove invasive fish and crawfish while discovering why caring for native habitats matters. Activities are designed to be active, educational, and fun. They will also encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for the ʻāina.
No prior outdoor experience is needed, but your child should be comfortable outside. It does rain in the back of Mānoa Valley, and there are mosquitoes. Please talk to your child about these conditions and make sure they are comfortable with our environment before signing them up. Most importantly, they should be curious, willing to explore, and adventurous. Rain or shine, campers will spend their days learning, moving, and making memories in one of Mānoa Valley’s most special outdoor classrooms.
WHEN: March 16th – 20th, 2026
TIME: Camp runs from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm each day. Children may be dropped off no earlier than 8:00 am each morning and must be picked up by 2:45 pm at the latest.
WHO: The camp is open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Your child must be enrolled in Kindergarten this school year (2025-2026).
Campers should be comfortable and physically able to participate in outdoor activities regardless of the elements (Sun, rain, mosquitoes, mud—no problem!).
Camp participants are expected to take direction and follow guidance from the Lyon Education Staff, and to work together constructively and safely in large or small groups with up to 14 other children of varying ages and backgrounds.
The maximum number of campers is 15.
COST: $360.00 – Payment will be due 1 week after your registration confirmation.
REFUNDS: If Lyon Arboretum needs to cancel the camp (e.g., for Covid-related situations), all families will be refunded in full. If a family that has already paid needs to cancel their registration & withdraw their campers, the refund policy will be as follows:
- More than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the camp session in question: A full refund will be issued.
- Less than 2 weeks prior to the first day (even if registering later): a 50% refund of the camp cost will be issued.
- On or after the first day of camp: no refund or credit will be issued.
If you need to withdraw your camper(s), please notify the Business Office immediately at 808-988-0456 and email LyonEdu@hawaii.edu. Please leave a message with the Business Office if they are unable to answer the phone.
REGISTRATION DATES: Registration opens Monday, January 19th and closes February 23rd.
- We will accept forms starting at 12:00 am, January 19th.
- Any forms sent in before 01/19 will NOT be accepted.
- We will send a courtesy email informing you to resend the forms on the correct date.
HOW TO REGISTER
- Complete the Children’s Registration (click to open PDF)
- We prefer you send us a typed, electronically filled version of this form, but if you need help, please call or email us.
- If filling the forms out electronically is difficult, you can drop off the registration in-person. Please drop it off to the Lyon Business Office (enter through the Gift Shop). We are open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
- Please name your file using this format: Last Name_Camper First Name_Registration
- We prefer you send us a typed, electronically filled version of this form, but if you need help, please call or email us.
- Complete the Minors Waiver for Camp Form (click to open PDF)
- Please name your file using this format: Last Name_Camper First Name_ Waiver
- You must upload the forms using UH File Drop (You do NOT need a UH email address to use this system).
- Full instructions to use UH File Drop can be found here.
- More information can be found on the UH ITS website: https://www.hawaii.edu/askus/673
- AFTER confirmation of acceptance into the camp, payment can be made. DO NOT make a payment until instructed to do so.
- We no longer accept credit card payments over the phone.
- Checks can be mailed or dropped off at the Lyon Business Office in person. We are closed on state and federal holidays, and weekends. See our home page for upcoming closures.
- Checks must be made to the UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI.
- Please note that your child’s registration is NOT complete until payment has been received.
ONCE REGISTERED: We will send an informational packet a few days before the first day of camp. The information will include drop-off/pick-up information, a packing list, tax information, and other details. camp at lyonedu@hawaii.edu.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? CONTACT US!
Call or email the Education Department at 808-988-0461 or LyonEdu@hawaii.edu. E-mail is our primary form of communication for any questions or concerns regarding Nature Cam
EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT UPCOMING CAMP REGISTRATIONS
If you would like to sign up for email notifications before each camp, please fill out the form here: