"Our Cape Fear Kids Summer Day Camp is designed to provide a unique and valuable opportunity for children who might not otherwise be able to attend summer camp," says Cathy Linskens, education coordinator at the Botanical Garden.

The Garden has invited educators and other community leaders to refer children they feel might benefit from this experience.

All campers, who must be referred, get to attend free of charge.

Cape Fear Kids Day Camp is supported in part by a grant from the Cumberland Community Foundation, with additional support from Cargill, The Nimocks Foundation, the Pine Needles Garden Club and the Flora MacDonald Garden Club.

Camp sessions will be held in July and August, with the July session dedicated to participants from the Boys and Girls Club.

The weeklong camp experience includes activities such as nature exploration, hiking and learning to identify plants and "creatures."

According to Linskens, "Bug Day" is one of the most popular activities, as campers get to dig around in the mulch, grass and water to learn about various species.

"We also teach outdoor safety," she says, "and we incorporate arts and crafts to reinforce the nature education."

The kids write about their adventures and read about scientists and literary figures who have had similar experiences.

Camp Fear Kids Summer Day Camp is one of several educational programs offered by the Botanical Garden for people of all ages.

They include guided tours (reservations required), school field trips, "Second Saturday" adult workshops, Scout badge requirement projects and more.

Located on 85 acres where the Cape Fear River meets Cross Creek, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden features a sprawling pine and hardwood forest with a wide variety of indigenous plants, trees and wildlife.

Trails overlooking the Cape Fear River wind through the forest. The cultivated portion of the Garden includes more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and flowers, as well as the daylily and camellia "signature" gardens with hundreds of named varieties.

Other attractions include a restored 1886 farmhouse, a "water-wise" gardening exhibit, a children's garden and more.

Also available for catered events, the Botanical Garden provides a stunning setting for weddings and other festive gatherings.