Instead of just reading about natural science topics in school books, children from Camp Eco Kids came to visit the South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG) where they learned by seeing, touching and smelling while in a free environment.

“The camp is mostly about exploration,” said Lisa Wagner, SCBG director. “This camp basically extends the classroom.” The gardens at Clemson University hosted the summer day camp June 26. About 50 kids come out of Greenville, S.C., every year. Camp Eco Kids is only one of many summer day camps that travel to the botanical gardens during the summer.

Campers were involved in two different day camps while visiting the gardens: the first was at the Nature Center where the children learned about the life-cycle of butterflies; the second focused on flowers and the different bees that help to pollinate them. 

“The children always light up when they see the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly,” Wagner said. “Releasing the butterflies into the open air is always so much fun.” 

Many workers and volunteers dedicate their time to work with Wagner in guiding the campers through their explorations.

The 300-plus acres that make up the botanical gardens are a rich resource composed of natural habitats, gardens, streams and wildlife that children of all ages can enjoy at their leisure. 

"Camps like Eco Kids are so important because kids these days aren’t able to get outdoors as often as they used to," Wagner said. “This gives them the opportunity to explore the natural world in a non-threatening way.” 

The other advantage of the botanical gardens is that it offers kids — and everyone else — a chance to explore plant and wildlife specific to South Carolina. In school, students learn about basic plant and animal life all over the world, but through the camp and the gardens, they are able to expand their knowledge about the life right outside their back door. 

The South Carolina Botanical Gardens are available to the public and are a great opportunity to experience the diversity of wildlife habitats. 

“The ability to share that wild life with visitors young and old, and possibly teach them something they didn’t know before, is our passion,” Wagner stated. Visit the  Botanical Gardens web site or email Lisa Wagner at lwagner@clemson.edu for more information on camps and tours.