Lyonia Environmental Center Announces 2026 Summer Camps for Youth

Posted On: April 29, 2026

Lyonia Environmental Center is inviting children and teens ages 6 to 15 to explore nature, science and creativity through its 2026 summer day camps, offered June through August.

The themed camps include live animal encounters, guided hikes through Lyonia Preserve, games, arts and crafts, and hands-on learning experiences. Each camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is designed for specific age groups. Prices vary by program.

Camp highlights include:

• Science Masterminds (June 22-26, ages 7-9, $100 per week): Campers will explore science and nature through hands-on experiments designed to build knowledge and skills in a fun, engaging environment.
• Time Travelers (July 6-10, ages 10-12, $125 per week): Travel through the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s to learn about and compare ways of life. The camp will focus on environmental milestones and issues through the decades. It will include off-site field trips to DeLeon Springs and Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens/Port Orange Riverwalk Park splash pad.
• Critter Keepers (July 13-17, ages 10-12, $125 per week): This camp offers a behind-the-scenes look at the care, feeding and enrichment of the center's reptile ambassadors and marine invertebrates. Participants will also learn about conservation efforts for species such as the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise. The program includes off-site field trips to the Marine Science Center and Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet.
• Color Me Happy (July 20-24, ages 10-12, $125 per week): Gain a greater connection with the Earth and each other through nature-themed mindfulness techniques, forest bathing, nature journaling and creative expression using various art mediums. The camp will include off-site field trips to the Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ponce Preserve Park, Lighthouse Point Park, Turtle Mound and Bethune Beach.
• H2O Adventures (July 27-31, ages 12-15, $125 per week): Campers will explore freshwater, saltwater and brackish habitats, the species that inhabit them, and water conservation practices. Field trips include visits to the Marine Science Center, Lighthouse Point Park and Blue Spring State Park for swimming and snorkeling.
• Rockin' the Rainforest (Aug. 3-5, ages 7-12, $25 per day): Participants will learn about rainforest ecosystems, including animals such as jaguars, sloths and poison dart frogs, and the importance of rainforest conservation.

Additional five-day, three-day and single-day camps are available, though many are full or nearing capacity. For a full list of camps, availability or to register, visit https://volusia.info/registerlec. For more information or to make a payment, contact Shari Smith at [email protected] or 386-789-7207, ext. 21026.