Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: Youth Programs

Recurring Summer Programs

Nature Journaling

Select Tuesdays at 2pm (about every other week). See our calendar for dates.

Observation skills needed but art skills are not. You may wish to bring your own journal and art supplies. Basic materials are provided.

Audience: All ages are welcome. Instruction level will be aimed at the late elementary/early middle school years but is accessbile to younger and even adult. This class is popular with homeschool families. Minors must have a responsible adult stay on site with them.

Location: Pavilion
Fee: none
RSVP: Not needed for summer sessions
Instructor and EJCA Contact: Kelli Hertzler, Education Coordinator. 540-568-3194 or GDXC5J@jmu.edu.

Person creating a nature journal page for two kinds of ferns

Storytime in the Understory

June 10-August 26, 2026. Every Wednesday, 10-10:30 a.m.

For our preschool visitors, we will read several short books at the seating area of the Family Garden. On June 24 and August 5, our Guest Reader will be Randy Ours, Children's Librarian for the Massanutten Regional Library. 

Audience: Pre-school visitors and their families.
Location: The Arboretum's Family Garden
Fee: None
Registration: None
Contact: Call the Arboretum at (540) 568-3194 or email ejcarboretum@jmu.edu.

Storytime in the Understory, Wednesdays at 10am

Children's Nature Activity

June 18 - August 6. Thursdays at 1pm at or near the pavilion.

Audience: Upper elementary (roughly 3rd through 5th grade)
Fee: None
Registration: None

A hands-on activity related to nature designed for elementary-aged children. Activity will vary by week. May involve a short story to inspire engagement, a hands-on activity at the pavilion or exploring another part of the Arboretum.

Summer Family Nature Series

Our Summer Family Nature Series is designed for families to enjoy a facilitated learning experience together. Minors (under 18) may NOT be dropped off and must have a responsible adults stay with them. Parents are asked to not merely be present but to also participate.

Fee: Yes, per child. See individual session for cost. Accompanying adults attend free of charge. If cost would keep you from attending this program, please reach out to us.
Registration: Required, then call to pay and hold your spot.
Location: Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center.
Contact: Kelli Hertzler, Education Coordinator. gdxc5j@jmu.edu or (540) 568-3194.

Insect Safari

June 17, 1 – 3pm.

We will construct an insect to learn about their anatomy, explore the variety of insect life by finding them in various life stages throughout the Arboretum.

Audience: This session is intended for upper elementary and middle school students and their parent(s)/guardians(s). Limited to 15 people total.
Fee: $15 per participating child/youth.

Registration

Pond Study, Elementary

June 22, 10am to noon

Get up close and personal with the Arboretum's pond. We will learn who lives in the pond starting with the obvious vertebrates, net and identify macro-invertebrates and then use stereoscopes to explore the aquatic life. We'll use our discoveries to explore the dynamics of pond life: energy transfer, population dynamics, water quality measures and effects. Expect to get dirty and maybe a little wet.

Audience: This session is for elementary students and their parent(s)/guardians(s). Limited to 15 people total.
Fee: $15 per participating child/youth.

Registration

Pond Study, Middle and High School

June 25, 1 to 3pm

Get up close and personal with the Arboretum's pond. We will learn who lives in the pond starting with the obvious vertebrates, net and identify macro-invertebrates and then use microscopes to explore the aquatic life that is normally invisible. We'll use our discoveries to explore the dynamics of pond life: biodiversity, population dynamics, water quality measures. Expect to get dirty and maybe a little wet.

Audience: This session is for Middle and High School and their parent(s)/guardians(s). Limited to 15 people total.
Fee: $15 per participating child/youth.

Registration

Printmaking with Nature, Upper Elementary

July 7, 10am to noon

We explore printmaking using natural objects. Techniques to include sun prints and rolling plant parts with printing ink to create botanical compositions.

Audience: This session is for children ages 9 to 12 and their parent(s)/guardians(s). Limited to 10 people total.
Fee: $20 per participating child/youth.

Registration

Printmaking with Nature, Middle and High School

July 9, 10am to noon

We explore printmaking using natural objects. Techniques include rolling plant parts with printing ink for create botanical compositions and linocut using easy-to-carve rubber printing blocks.

Audience: This session is for youth ages 12 to 18 and their parent(s)/guardians(s). Limited to 8 people total.
Fee: $20 per participating child/youth.

Registration

The Backpack Program

Pre-School - Elementary

Explore the Arboretum with themed activities! This program is FREE. Backpacks are located in the lobby of the Frances Plecker Education Center, Monday - Friday (8 AM - 4 PM)