Design, Build & Grow Landscape & Horticulture
Summer Camp
Do you love nature, the environment, being creative, and working with your hands? If so, the green industry and the field of landscape/horticulture might be a great fit for you. Through workshops at the College’s Earth Science Center, you’ll learn about greenhouse techniques, plant identification and production, landscape construction, floral design, entomology, and more. Unsure if you enjoy art or science more? That’s ok. Horticulture combines both while allowing you to flex your creativity and spend time in the great outdoors.
Summer Camps
July 12-14, 2026
Age Group: Students entering grades 9-12
Fee: $250
Includes all activities, meals, and on-campus housing.
Registration: Opens March 1, 2026
Parent & Student Info
Please Bring
Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.
Workshops
Fundamentals of Floral Design
Explore the elements and principles of floral design. Learn the names and classification of the most commonly used flowers and foliage. Participants will even design and create several floral arrangements and take home their creations!
Greenhouse Techniques
Did you know that Penn College has over 6,500 square feet of greenhouse space? This workshop will introduce the greenhouse environment, use of greenhouse spaces, and the basic techniques of plant production. Learn how to sow seeds, transplant, harvest, and prepare cuttings. The process of a hydroponic food system will also be introduced.
Arboriculture Techniques
Arborists are those that work with trees, and not all trees can be properly managed from the ground, you might have to get up close and personal, meaning you might have to climb them. While you may have climbed trees before, you probably were not using ropes and saddles, but professionals do, and here you will get you in the trees and learn the basics of tree climbing using those techniques.
Equipment Operation
This workshop will discuss equipment that is essential to the landscape/horticulture industry. College-owned equipment includes a backhoe, front-end loader, a Toro Dingo, and hand and power tools. Participants will review safety protocol and have an opportunity to operate some pieces of equipment.
Plant ID and Landscape Design
What is the first step in designing a landscape? Basic plant knowledge and identification is essential. Participants will learn about common landscape plants and design their own landscape using the College’s up-to-date software.
Hardscaping
Is hardscaping a new word for you? It refers to the building of patios, and retaining walls in the landscape. In the “build’ section of this experience, you will get your hands dirty actually building! The hardscape is the solid foundation of any project, and knowing what goes into it, and how to build it, separates the amateur from the professional, and there is nothing more satisfying than building with your own hands.
Scholarships
Earn up to $2,000 off Penn College tuition
Did you know you can save money on your Penn College tuition if you attend one of our Summer Camps?
Here's how it works:
- Complete a Summer Camp during the summer before entering 9-12 grade.
- Or better yet, come for two Summer Camps. Pick a different program the second time around or come for the same one twice. Each year we mix things up.
- Attend Penn College and receive $1,000 off your tuition each year if you came for one camp.
- Or, get $2,000 off your tuition each year if you join us for two camps.