Teen Courses

Course List

  • Hiking Merit Badge
    Let miles of walking trails at The Morton Arboretum roll beneath your feet as you experience and discover the wonders of nature and earn your Hiking Merit Badge. Two Sundays, May 6, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and August 26, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Bird Study Merit Badge
    Study the characteristics, behavior, and significance of birds as you earn your merit badge at The Morton Arboretum. Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Citizenship in the World Merit Badge
    Learn what it takes to be a good citizen in the world. Compare the rights we have in the United States with the rights of two other countries. Two Tuesdays, June 12 and July 17, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

  • Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge
    How much do you know about your national government? In this merit badge class, held at The Morton Arboretum, explore the three branches of our national government. Two Wednesdays, June 13 and July 18, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

  • Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge
    How much do you know about government where you live? Just as ecosystems within The Morton Arboretum are a complex web, you live in a complex web of government units. Two Thursdays, June 14 and July 19, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

  • Natural History Bike Tour
    Learn the geologic history of the Midwest as we cycle the the roads of the Arboretum. Friday, July 13, or July 27, 2018, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

  • Filming in the Forest-5th-8th grade-Camp
    If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a video worth? Capture the movements of nature from falling leaves to crawling caterpillars and make a moving story out of the natural world at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday June 11 through 15, or July 23 through 27, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Nature Photography I-5th-8th grade-Camp
    Use your nature observation skills and get creative with digital photography at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 4 through 8, or July 16 through 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Acting at the Arb-5th-8th grade-Camp
    With the forest as the stage, act out the drama (or comedy) of the natural world. Explore the history of the Arboretum, the natural drama of animal survival, and create a tree-mendous performance. Monday through Friday, July 9 through 13, or July 30 through August 3, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Vitamin N-5th-8th grade-Camp
    Just a spoonful of nature makes a happier and healthier you! Try out some natural ways to work towards a healthy body and mind, including nature walks, yoga, journaling, coloring, and much more as we take time for wellness at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 25 through 29, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Nature Photography II-5th-8th grade-Camp

    Capture nature from a new angle! Take the time to play with mirrors, water, shadows, and light in this photography class at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 18 through 22, or August 6 through 10, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Arboretum Invaders-7th-8th grade-Camp
    Uncover alien species that have invaded the woodlands, prairies, and wetlands of Illinois. Learn how to remove these invasive species and develop ways to prevent their return at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 18 through 22, or July 16 through 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Arboretum Invaders-7th-8th grade-Camp
    Uncover alien species that have invaded the woodlands, prairies, and wetlands of Illinois. Learn how to remove these invasive species and develop ways to prevent their return at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 18 through 22, or July 16 through 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Eco-Challenge-7th-8th grade-Camp
    What can you accomplish when you take on an eco-challenge? Build your leadership skills as you take on team building and STEM challenges in this camp, while exploring the natural world at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 25 through 29, or July 23 through 27, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Animal Engineers-7th-8th grade-Camp
    From intricate birds nests to astounding beaver dams, animals are engineering all around us. Take a closer look at the construction techniques used in the animal kingdom and take on wild STEM building challenges at The Morton Arboretum. Monday through Friday, June 11 through 15, or July 9 through 13, or July 30 through August 3, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.