Micro-Worlds!
Campers will uncover the unseen this summer at Eco-Discovery Camp! Under logs, high in the trees, within blades of meadow grasses, and among the rocks of the stream - fascinating tiny worlds of mosses, lichens, and fungi wait to be explored.
Eco-Discovery Camp...
- uses children's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for the outdoors to help them understand important ecological concepts,
- creates an open space where campers can ask and answer their own scientific questions,
- exposes campers to the field of Ecology, and
- supports children as they develop confidence in their ability to use science to understand and positively impact the world.
New this summer: Two unique middle school sessions that expand the Eco-Discovery experience!
Art & Science (1-week; grades 6-8): Campers will explore the “Micro-worlds” theme through the lens of both science and art. Through creative observational practices such as sketching, collage, and watercolor, campers will deepen their understanding of ecology.
Eco-Investigators (2-weeks; grades 6-8): Is your child ready to more intensively build their scientific knowledge and skills? Eco-Investigators spend two full weeks taking a deeper dive into the “Micro-worlds” theme with a hands-on field experiment.
Camp Schedule 2025
We are offering two different rates aligning with income as a way to offer more equity to our camp families. For households with an income of <$75K/yr, [B] fees apply.
In addition to fee options, we are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify thanks to funding from the Dyson Foundation and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, as outlined by federal income eligibility guidelines, are eligible.
Note: Each week of Eco-Discovery Camp follows the same curriculum, so campers may participate for one session only. The two exceptions are the new grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp” children may register for both of those sessions.
Registration closes 2 weeks before each session.
| Session | Dates | Grades | Times | Fee | Fee [B] |
| 1 | June 30-July 3 | 2-4 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 2 | July 7-11 | 2-4 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| Eco-Investigators (2 weeks) | July 7-18 | 6-8 | 9am-4pm | $790 | $590 |
| 3 | July 14-18 | 5-7 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 4 | July 21-25 | 5-7 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 5 | July 28-August 1 | 2-4 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 6 | August 4-8 | 2-4 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| Art & Science | August 4-8 | 6-8 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 7 | August 11-15 | 5-7 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 8a | August 18-22 | 2-4 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 8b | August 18-22 | 5-7 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
| 9 | August 25-29 | 6-8 | 9am-4pm | $395 | $295 |
Note: Each week of Eco-Discovery Camp follows the same curriculum, so campers may participate for one session only. The two exceptions are the new grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp;” children may register for both of those sessions.
How do campers spend their week?
At Cary Institute's Eco-Discovery Camp, children have a unique opportunity to experience ecological science with our skilled ecology educators and research scientists. During Eco-Discovery Camp, children entering grades 2-8 explore the hills, valleys, forests, and streams of our 2,000-acre Dutchess County campus. Throughout each 1-week session campers conduct scientific investigations, learn about the natural history of the area, and participate in games and art activities.
Each year the camp has a different theme, allowing our many returning campers to have unique experiences year after year. Past camp themes have included: Nature’s Structures (2016), Bugs, Bacteria and Beyond (2017), “What’s In Our Water?” (2018), The Secret Life of Forests (2019), Spectacular Streams (2022), Soil Sleuths (2023), and Wonders of the Woods (2024).
Lunch is not provided, but we provide light snacks. Campers must bring their own sack lunch, and water bottle.
Visit the camp Flickr photo gallery to see just how much fun our campers have!
How old are campers?
Each week of camp will have approximately 12 campers and will be dedicated to either younger campers (entering grades 2-4) or older campers (entering grades 5-7 or 6-8).
Who teaches camp?
Two educators with extensive experience in ecology and education will teach each week. We're also fortunate to have one junior counselor and two high school-aged Eco-Leader volunteers helping with camp each week. A high mentor-to-camper ratio is something we value at our summer camps.
How long are the sessions?
Eco-Discovery Camp for runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. An early drop-off (8:30am) and a late pick up (4:30pm) option is available for an additional $50/week fee ($40 for the [B] fee option). During early drop-off and late pick-up periods, campers are expected to calmly partake in self-directed activities like reading, puzzles, or games.
Can campers attend multiple sessions in one summer?
Unfortunately, demand is so high for Eco-Discovery that we are only able to invite each camper to attend for one session per summer (see exception below). In addition, each week of camp follows the same curriculum, and therefore campers may participate for one session only. We typically fill each session to capacity, so be sure to reserve your preferred week early.
The two exceptions are the new grades 6-8 “Art & Science Camp” and “Eco-Investigators Camp” children may register for both of those sessions.
How much does it cost?
We are offering two different rates aligning with income as a way to offer more equity to our camp families. You will be able to self-select on the registration form.
Household income <$75,000
Tuition: $295
Early drop-off/late pick-up: $40/wk
Household income >$75,000
Tuition: $395
Early drop-off/late pick-up: $50/wk
Refund Policy
Withdrawal from camp by the following deadlines will be refunded the total fee less $25 for administrative costs:
June 6, 2025: Sessions 1-4, including Eco-Investigators Camp
June 27, 2025: Sessions 5-9, including Art & Science Camp
Refunds for these sessions will not be issued after the stated respective deadlines.
Camp Scholarships
Through the generosity of community members and grant funding from the Dyson Foundation and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who qualify.
To be eligible for a scholarship students must qualify for free or reduced lunch, as outlined by federal income eligibility guidelines. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 28, so please apply early.
Scholarship application (english)
Scholarship application (spanish)
Please return the application form to us via email (alreda@caryinstitute.org) or mail (2801 Sharon Turnpike, PO Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545).
For more information about scholarships, contact Ashley Alred at alreda@caryinstitute.org.
What about older campers?
Eco–Leaders Program
Our Eco-Leaders Program is for students entering grades 9-12. Each Eco-Leader assists educators during one Eco-Discovery camp session while also leading their own activity and assisting in data collection. This is similar to a junior counselor program, and includes a required training session prior to camp.
Eco-Leaders must apply to the program by March 7. Applicants will be notified of their status approximately March 21.
For more information about the Cary Institute's Eco-Discovery Camp, contact Ashley Alred alreda@caryinstitute.org.