Cultivating Science
Summer Camp for Rising 6th through 8th Graders
Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27, 2025 – 8:30 am–4:00 pm
Register RegisterDive into a Week of "Ag-ventures" Exploring the Natural World.
Rising 6th through 8th graders will see nature and science from a new angle. This field trip based camp will present STEM topics in horticulture and agriculture to campers through hands-on building activities, experiments, recipes and field trips. This highly interactive camp aims to inspire a new appreciation and curiosity for everyday science and plant the seeds for a lifelong interest in horticultural and agricultural sciences.
Cultivating Science camp is based on a proven model of garden work, field trips, connections and learning developed through a partnership with 4-H, NC State University Department of Horticultural Science, and the JC Raulston Arboretum.
A new theme is explored each day through hands-on building projects and experiments like solar ovens, hydroponics systems, beehives and connected further with visits to local farms and industries where campers meet scientists, owners, researchers and farmers connected to the day's theme. In past years, campers have visited Bayer Bee Care, Sweet Pea Urban Farms, the Well-Fed Community Garden and toured the horticultural facilities at NC State among other destinations … and we have many more exciting destinations for this summer!
Camp is limited to 20 campers. Campers bring their own lunch and snacks. Campers will need to provide their own transportation to and from camp, but transportation for field trips throughout the day is included in the registration fee. This camp is on a multi-year rotation allowing campers to return year after year and experience new field trips and activities.
Ages
Rising 6th through 8th graders.
Cost
$360.00 per camper.
2025 Summer Camp Registration Information
Registration begins at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 for JCRA Members at the Family/Dual level or above. Public registration begins February 3.
Registration is completed through our online system, Reporter. Full payment for camp will be due at the time of registration. Camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. When a camp fills, a waitlist will be started.
You must have an active JCRA Family/Dual level or above membership by Monday, January 27 at noon in order to receive the email with registration links prior to registration opening. Become a JCRA Member or renew your membership today! Enjoy early camp registration and other year-long benefits through membership.
JCRA Members at the Family/Dual level or above will receive an email the morning of Tuesday, January 28 with early registration links and instructions. Emails will be sent to the email address on file in your membership record. If you have not received the email by 11:00 am on January 28, check your spam or junk email and search for an email from jcraprograms@ncsu.edu. If not there, please contact Elizabeth Overcash at elizabeth_overcash@ncsu.edu or 919-513-7011 before noon on January 28.
A JCRA Family/Dual level or above membership does not guarantee a spot in camp. If the camp you want is full, we encourage you to join the waitlist.
Registrations received during the members-only period (January 28–February 2) not associated with a current Family/Dual level or above membership will be refunded minus a 15% administrative fee. To make sure your registration is completed, join or renew now!
Waitlist
When a camp session fills, a waitlist will be started.
During the members-only registration period (January 28–February 2), only JCRA Family/Dual level or above members are placed on the waitlist. Nonmembers registering for the waitlist during this period will be reordered behind any JCRA Members registered for the waitlist during members-only registration.
If a space becomes available, families will be contacted and given the opportunity to accept or decline the space. The open camp spot will be held for 24 hours. Upon accepting the open space, payment will be due within 24 hours of acceptance.
- Cancellation
Participants wishing to withdraw from a camp must provide a written request by Friday, May 23, 2025 to Elizabeth Overcash, at elizabeth_overcash@ncsu.edu. If the withdrawal request is received by May 23, a refund will be processed minus a 15% cancellation fee per child per camp. No fees will be refunded if registration is canceled after May 23.
If the JCRA cancels a camp, a full refund will be made.
Memberships purchased in association with a camp registration are not refundable.
- Location
JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Camp drop off and pick up will be in the brick circle at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center.
- Directions
- Need directions? Click here.
- Questions
- Try our frequently asked questions, or contact Elizabeth Overcash, at elizabeth_overcash@ncsu.edu or 919-513-7011.