Science Camps
Our Science Camps are held at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Sonoma Garden Park to provide children with the opportunity to connect with nature through adventures, explorations, and hands-on activities.
Photos by Austin Noble
Earth Explorers Camp
Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 7th Street East, Sonoma
Ages 6-11
$400 (scholarships available)
Session 1: June 8–12 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
Session 2: June 15–19 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
Session 3: June 29-July 3 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
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We invite you to a week full of discovery, creativity, and PLAY as an Earth Explorer this summer! Against the backdrop of Sonoma Garden Park—equipped with a nature-based playground, multiple child-friendly gardens, and shaded rest areas—campers are given a safe space to explore, learn, build, and create to the beat of their own drum. At Earth Explorers Camp, we believe play is the best way to learn about our environment, so we will have plenty of time to play games, make art, do STEAM experiments, and tell stories—enjoying special moments of team-building along the way that will nurture both new and old friendships.
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Registration for this camp is closed.
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Sonoma Ecology Center is committed to ensuring that our summer camp programs are accessible to all youth, irrespective of historical and systemic socioeconomic disparities. We strive to make camp an inclusive experience that reflects the diversity of our community.
Scholarships and partial scholarships are available to assist families who require tuition assistance. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the application BEFORE registering for camp. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the availability of funds. Scholarships will be granted on a rolling basis until all available slots are filled.
Each scholarship recipient is requested to make a minimum payment of $50 to secure their place in the camp program. Filling out the scholarship application does not guarantee approval. We kindly request that you wait for our Sonoma Ecology Center staff to contact you with a scholarship approval before proceeding with camp registration. Our goal is to ensure fair and equitable distribution of scholarships to those in need.
→ Apply
Creek Camp
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452
Ages 8-12
$400 (scholarships available)
Session 1: July 6-10 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
Session 2: July 13–17 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
Session 3: July 20–24 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
Session 4: July 27–31 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm)
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Join us at Creek Camp and learn all about local plants, animals, and the indigenous Wappo, Coast Miwok, and Southern Pomo peoples who have called Sugarloaf Ridge State Park home for generations, while exploring Sugarloaf’s trails and splashing around in the creek. Each day includes a balance of games, hiking, and storytelling, providing a wonderful opportunity for your child to unwind, recharge, and learn this summer without the distractions of screen time.
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Registration for this camp is closed.
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Sonoma Ecology Center is committed to ensuring that our summer camp programs are accessible to all youth, irrespective of historical and systemic socioeconomic disparities. We strive to make camp an inclusive experience that reflects the diversity of our community.
Scholarships and partial scholarships are available to assist families who require tuition assistance. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the application BEFORE registering for camp. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the availability of funds. Scholarships will be granted on a rolling basis until all available slots are filled.
Each scholarship recipient is requested to make a minimum payment of $50 to secure their place in the camp program. Filling out the scholarship application does not guarantee approval. We kindly request that you wait for our Sonoma Ecology Center staff to contact you with a scholarship approval before proceeding with camp registration. Our goal is to ensure fair and equitable distribution of scholarships to those in need.
→ Apply
Scholarships
Sonoma Ecology Center is committed to ensuring that our summer camp programs are accessible to all youth, irrespective of historical and systemic socioeconomic disparities. We strive to make camp an inclusive experience that reflects the diversity of our community.
Scholarships and partial scholarships are available to assist families who require tuition assistance. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the application BEFORE registering for camp. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the availability of funds. Scholarships will be granted on a rolling basis until all available slots are filled.
Each scholarship recipient is expected to contribute a minimum payment based on a sliding scale to secure their place. Filling out the scholarship application does not guarantee approval. We kindly request that you wait for our Sonoma Ecology Center staff to contact you with a scholarship approval before proceeding with camp registration. Our goal is to ensure fair and equitable distribution of scholarships to those in need.
You can make a difference for local children and teens by sponsoring Science Camp Scholarships.
Our Educators
Jonny Ehlers has been educating kids of all ages for over 30 years, both indoors and outside. Some might call him a Fun-Guy because of his love of fungus and the rest of the FBI (Fungus, Bacteria, and Invertebrates), or maybe it’s because you can tell he loves his work and tries to make it as fun as possible. Jonny’s passion for and knowledge of nature makes him a great resource for exploring and learning about the natural world around us.
Camille Sanchez began studying Early Child Development and quickly found fulfillment in nature-based learning. She uses her love of art and sustainability to facilitate connections to the natural world around us. Camille is a certified Naturalist, Climate Steward, and a Mother. She has led outdoor educational programs for almost nine years, channeling her inner child and using her passion to create an experience filled with curiosity and excitement for all ages.
Mickey Abate was born and raised in Sonoma Valley, and centered her undergraduate research in Interdisciplinary Studies on the land and stories of Sonoma. Before coming to the Sonoma Ecology Center, she worked at a K-8 Mandarin Chinese immersion school. Currently, she is working towards a master’s degree in Ecology, Spirituality and Religion from the California Institute of Integral Studies, with a focus on education and critical methodology.
Mario Coronado brings a strong background in environmental science and a passion for expanding access to the outdoors for Sonoma Valley’s Spanish-speaking community—in addition to his role on Sonoma Ecology Center’s Education Team, he also serves as the Program Assistant for Senderos Naturales, SEC’s bilingual outings program at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. In both roles, Mario excels at inspiring people of all ages to explore, learn from, and care for the natural world.