Earth Academy Day Camp awakens your child's innate curiosity while encouraging an environmental ethic and appreciation of the natural world! This nature-based day camp is held at Morningside Nature Center and uses hands-on fun to focus attention on natural and cultural history. Instructors are career educators and science professionals experienced in working with children. Earth Academy Day Camp is offered to rising 1st- 6th grade children.
Camp is offered in one-week sessions during Alachua County School's summer break. In addition to a variety of theme-based, multidisciplinary projects, campers have fun with character development through our Youth Resiliency program. Camp tends to fill quickly, and space is limited so be sure to register early! Sign up for our mailing list below to receive updates and reminders!
Registration Information
- Summer Camp registration opens Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m. for city residents.
- Summer Camp registration opens for all on Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m.
- Summer Camp registration closes Monday, June 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Space is limited and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes one week prior to camp. If camp is filled, you may sign up for our waiting list. Under-registered sessions may be canceled with a full refund.
Summer Session 1: June 8th - 12th
Game ON! - Explore nature at play through team games and individual challenges! How will you play this summer?
Summer Session 2:June 15th - 18th
*Please note that in observance of Juneteenth, we will not have camp on Friday, June 19th*
Game ON! -Explore nature at play through team games and individual challenges! How will you play this summer?
Summer Session 3: June 22nd - 26th
Let's Celebrate! - Every day is a reason to celebrate! Learn about worldwide holidays and nature-centered celebrations throughout the year.
Summer Session 4: July 13th - 17th
Creative Creatures Camp - Let your creative side shine! Through art, we'll explore the beauty of nature and how we can stretch our creativity.
Summer Session 5: July 20th - 24th
Creative Creatures Camp- Let your creative side shine! Through art, we'll explore the beauty of nature and how we can stretch our creativity.
Fees: City residents $155.14; non-city residents $193.92. Proof of residency (GRU bill or voter ID card) is required at the time of registration. Fees are due at the time of registration (Prices effective Oct. 1, 2025).
If you are registering for the first time and your address is within city limits, you may get a “non-resident fee” applied to your registration charge. If you experience this, please call 352-334-5067 and we can confirm your address and make the appropriate changes in our system. Please do not proceed with the check out, as this is not refundable once the transaction is completed. We recommend you double check this information before registration day on March 7th by calling 352-334-5067 during business hours.
Lunch is not provided; campers should provide their own lunch that does not require heating. Two snacks are provided daily.
Scholarships
Scholarships for 2026 will open February 1st! Please check back shortly for the updated scholarship form!
Friends of Nature Parks, our non-profit support group, is proud to support Earth Academy Day Camp programs by offering a limited number of scholarships(PDF, 191KB) that cover 100% of registration fees to successful applicants. Scholarships are based on availability and eligibility. Scholarships are available for families that qualify through the School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) for free or reduced lunch. You may request proof of free or reduced lunch through your child’s school by calling the SBAC’s Food Service Office at 352-955-7539, extension 1569. Ask that the letter of proof be emailed to earthacademy@gainesvillefl.gov.
Apply for a Scholarship(PDF, 191KB)
EADC Junior Naturalists
Rising 7th-12th graders are eligible to apply for the Junior Naturalist Program. Junior Naturalists volunteer from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for one-week camp sessions and assist with camp activities. Additional volunteer opportunities are available for special events and programs throughout the year.
- Fill out the 2026 Junior Naturalist Application. Applications close Friday, March 13th! (PDF, 63KB)
Junior Naturalist Application(PDF, 63KB)
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In order to participate, candidates must complete an application each year. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Applicants will be interviewed, and successful candidates must attend an orientation on Saturday, June 6 to participate in the program.
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Junior Naturalists who have volunteered previously may apply to volunteer for multiple sessions. First year JNs are eligible for just one session.
- For more information, please call 352-393-8240 or email earthacademy@gainesvillefl.gov.