Garden Camp 2021
Garden Camp 2021 is SOLD OUT
Spaces have been held for scholarship recipients - see below for scholarship program information.
Garden Camp is back for an exciting summer of outdoor fun and learning for children ages 5 to 10. Connecting children to plants and each other through structured activities and unstructured play amidst plants from around the world, Garden Camp is a place for curious minds, active bodies, and budding artists. With experiences anchored in gardening, ecology, art, and wellness, we strive to enrich the āwhole childā and develop deep appreciation for plants, comfort with outdoor learning, and a lifelong love of San Francisco Botanical Garden.
2021 Dates
Each session of Garden Camp is three weeks long, with hours from 9am-4pm.
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Session 1
June 7 - June 25
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Session 2
June 28 - July 16
*no camp Monday, July 5
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Session 3
July 19 - August 6
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Please note: Campers may only attend for one session of Garden Camp.
2021 Fees
In 2021 we are excited to move to a Tier System for the Garden Camp program. Please consider selecting the highest level you can afford, knowing that, in doing so, you are enabling others to participate as well - and our community benefits from greater diversity.
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Tier A - $1575: This most closely reflects the market rate of camp pricing and helps enable us to provide a subsidized rate for families in need.
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Tier B - $1155: Partially subsidized for families needing some support to make camp more affordable. Suggested for families that make less than $128K* annually.
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Tier C: Scholarship program only - see details below.
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PLEASE REMEMBER: All campers receive the same high quality camp experience regardless of payment tier chosen. Your selection is kept confidential. Members will receive a 10% discount regardless of their chosen tier, which will be applied through a discount code sent out prior to registration.
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*median household income for a family of 4 in 2020
Scholarships
Garden Camp strives to be accessible for all and offer meaningful scholarships to families in need.
Partial scholarships (25%-75%) will be available as funds are raised through donations. It is our hope to provide some assistance to everyone in need, however, funds may be limited. To help establish need and understand you and your child's interest in Garden Camp, please complete a Scholarship Application. Please note that submission of a scholarship application does not guarantee an award.
Scholarship Application Period:
Applications must be received between Feb 22 and May 10. The first Award Period will consider applications received between Feb 22 and April 2. Applications received between April 3 and May 10 will be included in the second and final award period.
Award Period 1 recipient notification: April 6
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Award Period 2 recipient notification: May 14
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COVID-19
Garden Camp was thrilled to run during the 2020 summer season despite the ongoing pandemic. We were able to adapt our program to meet all requirements outlined by the Department of Public Health for an exciting summer.
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We are looking forward to continuing our commitment to a safe summer camp season.
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A few of our adapted procedures are listed here:
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Campers and counselors must clear a temperature check and health screen before entering the program.
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Campers and counselors are required to wear masks.
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Campers are kept in stable pods no larger than 12 campers, with 2 counselors each.
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Campers are required to stay 6 feet apart from each other during lunch and snack, as well as any time they may need to take their masks down.
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Counselors and Lead Staff participate in regular surveillance testing for COVID-19.
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If you have any specific questions or concerns related to COVID-19ā please check your confirmation email for more information before contacting us at [email protected]

Become a Garden Member today!
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Already a member?
Discount code will be sent to Members via email.
Any issues or questions, contact [email protected]
Have additional questions?
See FAQs below or contact Garden Camp
(415) 661-1316 x427
Garden Camp FAQs
Are there scholarships available for families in need?
At this time we are able to offer partial scholarships to some qualifying applicants as funds come in through donations. Please contact [email protected] to request a Garden Camp Scholarship Application.
What is the class size and adult:child ratio?
No Garden Camp group will exceed a group size of 12. Each group will have two adults assigned to it for the duration of the 3 week session.
What does a typical Camp day look like?
Campers will arrive and check-in at the front of the Garden around 9am. After a temperature scan and a symptom check, campers will be permitted to join their groups.
All summer camp groups have the ability to change and adapt their activities based on what their campers are interested in. All groups will have gardening and ecology lessons, as well as arts and crafts to spark their creativity, and lots of exploration through the Garden.
Lunch will be eaten around noon each day after thoroughly cleaning our hands.
Campers can expect to be on their feet and walking much of the day and also to get their hands dirty! Between games and singing songs, Garden Camp campers spend their time learning and growing, just like the plants we cultivate.
At the end of the day, campers will return to the pick-up zone for easy retrieval and to re-cap their days.
What is your refund policy?
Within 24 hours of your registration, 100% refund is available. After 24 hours, cancellations made until one week prior to your camp start date qualify for an 80% refund. There are no refunds available within one week of your camp start date.
This policy applies for both camp week fees and extended care fees. This refund policy holds for instances of illness or family emergencies. Cancellations must be requested in writing via email. The date stamp on the email will serve as the time marker for your request and will establish potential refund, if any.
What if I need to change my childās camp week after registering?
Change requests must be submitted in writing via email and a $25 change fee will be charged upon change. Each camper is limited to 2 changes per camp season. We will do our best to accommodate changes, but in the event that your desired change cannot be accommodated, the refund policy will apply to any cancellations.
How does drop-off and pick-up work?
More information will be included in camper confirmation emails. Thank you!
My child would like to attend Garden Camp with a friend, is that possible?
Yes! Include the name of the friend during registration, or send an email to [email protected] to make sure we know of your request.
Can Garden Camp accomodate children of all abilities?
The Garden is a place for children with all abilities. If your child requires an aide at school, please contact [email protected] to speak to a staff member to learn more about daily schedules, activities, and to ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of your child. Aides attending with children will need to undergo a background check in advance of accompanying their camper to camp.
Do Garden members receive benefits related to Camp?
Yes! SFBGS Members will receive a discount code on standard camp fees and the opportunity to register early through a camp pre-sale, starting Febraury 11th, 2021.
How many sessions may I sign my child up for?
Due to limited registration slots and our desire to serve as many campers as possible, children may only register for one session of Garden Camp per summer. Thank you for understanding!
What is the Tiered Payments system?
We have shifted to the Tiered Payment system for our Garden Camp program with the hope that this will allow greater diversity of participants in our program from the community.
Tier 2: Partially subsidized for families needing some support to make camp affordable
Tier 3: Subsidized rate, supported through contributions from individuals
Are there Wait List options?
Garden Camp pauses in August.
For more information our our Garden Camp: After School program, please click here.