Join us at Lyon Arboretum for two weeks of outdoor adventure and hands-on learning in Mānoa Valley. Each week features a unique nature-based theme, with activities like hiking to the waterfall, stream exploration, and engaging lessons that connect keiki to the ʻāina. Families can sign up for one or both weeks. Learn more about each camp session below.
Session A: June 1–5
Hidden Connections of the Forest
Step into the wao (forest) and discover the unseen relationships that keep Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems thriving. During this week, campers will explore how our smallest creatures—like pollinators, decomposers, and other tiny forest helpers—play a vital role in supporting native plants and healthy habitats.
Through hands-on exploration, keiki will learn about the importance of pollinators such as bees, the impact of invasive species on our islands, and how everything in the forest is connected. We’ll take a closer look at leaf litter, soil, and the life beneath our feet to understand how nutrients cycle through the ʻāina.
As always, our adventures will take us along Lyon’s trails, including a hike to the waterfall and time spent exploring and fishing in the stream.
This session is perfect for keiki who are curious, enjoy being outdoors, and are ready to deepen their connection to the ʻāina by discovering the hidden connections all around them.
Session B: June 8–12
The World Up Close
E nānā pono—let’s take a closer look! In this week of camp, keiki will slow down and explore the natural world through observation, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
Using microscopes, campers will examine the tiny details of plants, water, and soil found right here in the valley. We’ll learn about aquaponics and how people in Hawaiʻi can grow food in sustainable, interconnected systems. Campers will also create their own terrariums, bringing a small piece of the forest home with them.
Of course, we’ll continue our Lyon traditions with hikes to the waterfall, stream exploration, and fishing along the way.
This session is perfect for keiki who love to observe, ask questions, and discover the beauty and complexity of the natural world—one small detail at a time.
CAMP DETAILS
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm (Drop-off from 8:00 am; pick-up by 2:45 pm)
Open to children who were enrolled in Kindergarten through 4th grade (2025–2026 school year).
Campers must be comfortable participating outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to follow directions and work cooperatively in a group setting.
Enrollment is limited to 15 campers per session.
Cost: $360 per session. Payment is due one week after registration confirmation.
Refunds: If Lyon Arboretum needs to cancel the camp (e.g., due to COVID-19), all families will receive a full refund. 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 Sunday, April 12th, and closes Sunday, May 17th.
We will accept forms starting at 12:00 am, April 12th.
- Any forms sent in before 04/12 will NOT be accepted
- We will send a courtesy email informing you to resend the forms on the correct date.
HOW TO REGISTER
- Fill out our Google Form, which opens on APRIL 12th. Further instructions will be found on the form. If you send in the form before April 12th, it will not be accepted. The submission timestamp cannot be earlier than April 12th, 12:00 am.
- There are two documents you will need to have completed along with the Google Form. Instructions for submitting the documents are in the Google Form. As a courtesy, you can download and fill out the documents to have ready to upload on April 12th. DO NOT SEND THEM PRIOR TO APRIL 12th. Here is the link to the two forms:
Click the button to access the form
Receipt of the forms does not confirm the registration. If your child(ren) are accepted into the camp, we will send a confirmation email.
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