Adventure Camp Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for registering your camper for Adventure Camp 2026! Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to ensure your camper has the BEST week at camp.
Our mission is that every counselor is an inclusive leader. Every camper is a story worth knowing. Every moment is a chance to build belonging.
Dropoff and Pickup Information
Pick-up is no later than 3:30 p.m. Please pick-up your camper promptly. Campers picked up after 3:45 p.m. will be charged a $50 late fee. Please call Guest Services at 317-776-6000 ext. 3 to communicate the late pick-up. All campers must be picked up by 4 p.m.
For your campers' safety, we will ask you to go back to your vehicle for your ID.
Conner Prairie counselors will check IDs every day at pick-up. For your camper’s safety, anyone picking up a camper must be listed on the Authorized Pickup Form and must present a valid ID.
If you need to add someone to your camper’s Authorized Pickup Form, please log in to your CampDoc account and update the form.
If you have questions or need help accessing CampDoc, email support@campdoc.com
Camper groups arrive at their pickup tables between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Please keep in mind that camp programming continues until 3 p.m., so your camper may still be returning from an activity and may not be at their table right at 3 p.m. Popsicles are also delivered around this time.
Pick-up is no later than 3:30 p.m. Please arrive on time.
Campers picked up after 3:45 p.m. will incur a $50 late fee.
If you need to pick up your camper before 3 p.m., please request an early pick-up in advance.
Please call Guest Relations at 317-776-6000 ext 3. You can also let your camper’s counselors know about this early pick-up when you drop-off your camper in the morning. Early pick-up locations are at Hilltop Pavilion or Bayt Pavilion. We will communicate your camper's location.
If you will be dropping off your camper late, please call Guest Relations at 317-776-6000 ext. 3. Camp staff will be notified of your late arrival, and a camp coordinator will meet you at your drop-off location to escort your camper safely to their group.
If your camper is ill and cannot attend camp, please email camp@connerprairie.org to report an absence.
Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 8:55 a.m. Camper groups will leave their drop-off area by 8:55 a.m. to begin their Adventure Camp activities.
If your camper is in Farm Friends (age 5) or Prairie Pals (ages 6–7), please use the Guest/Apple Store Parking Lot for drop-off and pick-up. Check-in/out will take place at Bayt Pavilion, next to the Apple Store. Look for group flags and signage to help you find your camper’s check-in area.
If your camper is in Trail Blazers (ages 8–9), River Runners (ages 10–11), or Wayfarers (ages 12–13), please use the Bus Parking Lot for drop-off and pick-up. After entering from Allisonville Road, take the first right turn, follow the road, and look for flags and signage indicating each group’s location at Hilltop Pavilion.
If you have campers in both sections, you may park in either lot and then walk your other camper to their designated drop-off location.
Where do I pick up my camper?
Pick up your camper in the same location where you dropped them off. Parking remains the same for both drop-off and pick-up.
Check-in Locations by Group
- Farm Friends: age 5, check in at Bayt Pavilion
- Prairie Pals: ages 6-7, check in at Bayt Pavilion
- Trail Blazers: ages 8-9, check in at Hilltop Pavilion
- River Runners: ages 10-11, check in at Hilltop Pavilion
- Wayfarers: ages 12-13, check in at Hilltop Pavilion
General Information to Prepare Your Camper
Tie-Dye Washing & Care Instructions:
After Dyeing – First Wash:
- Let it Set: Keep your tie-dye item wrapped in plastic or sealed in a bag for 6–24 hours to allow the dye to set.
- Rinse: Remove rubber bands and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Then switch to warm water to help rinse out excess dye.
- First Wash: - Wash the item by itself (or with other tie-dyes). - Use hot water and a small amount of mild detergent. - Run a full cycle in the washing machine.
- Dry: Tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry.
Ongoing Care:
- Wash in cold water to preserve colors.
- Use mild detergent (no bleach or harsh chemicals).
- Turn inside out before washing.
- Wash with similar colors.
- Dry on low heat or hang dry.
Tip: A little fading over time is natural—that’s part of the charm of handmade tie-dye!
We highly recommend that all electronic devices and phones stay at home. Campers will not be allowed to use their devices throughout the day. Camp days are packed with activities, adventures, and nature. These items could get lost or damaged. Please keep these at home, but feel free to bring your favorite book to enjoy in our NEW Learning Garden.
Lost and Found will be kept until the end of the following camp week, and then it will be donated or discarded. Please email campcoordinator@connerprairie.org to inquire about lost and found. The lost and found box is located at Hilltop Pavilion. Please check this box before inquiring about your camper's item.
The following items should be brought every day, including the first day of camp. Please mark all items with your camper’s name
- A backpack with the following items: (please note: your child should be able to carry their backpack for walking throughout the day)
- A water bottle (will be carried and refilled throughout the day).
- A ready-to-eat lunch in a small, soft cooler/lunch box. Refrigeration and microwaving are not available.
- A swimsuit, towel, and water shoes. Water shoes MUST be worn for ALL water activities, including swimming & river activities.
- Extra sunblock and insect repellent to self-apply.
- Any needed medicine. Medicine must be in the original container with camper’s name, instructions, and be listed on the online registration form.
- A complete change of clothes.
- Please do not send any electronic devices or items of value.
- We strongly suggest wearing old gym shoes (closed-toe shoes and socks) during camp activities. No flip flops, sandals, or Croc type shoes should be worn for safety reasons.
- Old clothes/jackets/raincoats that can get wet and dirty - weather appropriate.
- Please have your camper come with sunblock and insect repellent applied. Practice with your child on how to reapply later in the day. Counselors will not be able to apply sunscreen to campers for safety reasons.
On the first day, your camper will receive a ½ sheet with the following information:
Daily Schedule:
Each camp group has a unique daily schedule, which may change due to weather, program availability, or other factors.
Water Activities for the Week:
Canoeing on: ___________________
Swimming on: ___________________
River Crossing (ages 5–7): ___________________
Water Exploration (ages 8–13): ___________________
Additional Notes:
Stuffie Friday: Farm Friends (ages 5 only).
All campers are encouraged to bring their favorite book each day.
Please leave phones and electronics at home.
Registration and Weather Information
No. For the 2026 Adventure Camp season, Conner Prairie will not accept buddy requests.
Adventure Camp is designed to help campers build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections. Rather than arriving in pre-formed groups, campers connect organically across neighborhoods, interests, and backgrounds. This approach supports growth, belonging, and inclusion for every child.
Families are encouraged to view our Camp Belonging Video to learn more about this philosophy:
Please check the website.
If you have questions about camp, please contact Guest Relations.
Anytime: camp@connerprairie.org
Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., by phone at (317) 776-6000, or in person at 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038
Adventure Camp is an outdoor, action-packed program. In the event of weather that is not suitable for outdoor activities, preplanned indoor alternatives will be offered. Camp will not be canceled due to weather, but please note that indoor activities may differ from the usual outdoor experiences.
For updates, check the Conner Prairie website for weather and emergency policies. If conditions are unsafe at 8:30 a.m., drop-off may be delayed until the Conner Prairie weather safety protocol has been cleared.
CONNER PRAIRIE MUSEUM, INC. PARTICIPANT WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY
This document includes details that impact your legal rights. Please take the time to read it carefully.
This Waiver, Release of Liability, and Agreement to Indemnify (the “Agreement”) is entered into by the undersigned Participant. If the Participant is under the age of 18, this Agreement is entered into by Guardian, both in their individual capacity and on behalf of the minor Participant.
1. Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks: I understand and acknowledge that the Program is potentially hazardous and involves risks, inherent and otherwise, that cannot be eliminated and which may cause injury, illness, paralysis, or death to myself, the minor Participant, other persons, and/or damage to property. Some of the risks associated with the Program include, but are not limited to, physical impacts, falls, muscle strains or tears, sprains, obvious and hidden facility and premises conditions, equipment failure, known or unknown medical conditions, improper use of equipment, and acts of others during the Program. I accept full and sole responsibility for all risks, both known and unknown, inherent or otherwise, related to the Program, and acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in or allowing the minor Participant to participate in the Program even with knowledge of these risks.
2. Liability Release: I hereby RELEASE AND DISCHARGE Conner Prairie Museum, Inc., Conner Prairie Foundation, Inc., 1859 Balloon Voyage LLC, and Aerophile SAS (together with their respective owners, shareholders, members, directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers, agents, sponsors, related entities, affiliates, and subsidiaries) (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against all claims, damages, injuries, losses, actions, suits, and proceedings in any way related to or arising from: (i) participation in the Program; and (ii) use of facilities, property, attractions, or programing owned or operated by the Released Parties (the “Released Claims”). For avoidance of doubt, this release and discharge applies even if the act or omission complained of was caused in whole or in part by negligence (including sole negligence and gross negligence) of the Released Parties.
3. Agreement to Indemnify: I further agree to INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or relating to: (i) participation in the Program; (ii) use of facilities, property, attractions, or programing owned or operated by the Released Parties; and/or (iii) any breach of this Agreement by Participant and/or Guardian. This obligation to indemnify and hold harmless applies regardless of whether such claims or liabilities are alleged to have arisen, in whole or in part, from the negligence (including sole negligence and gross negligence), strict liability, or other fault of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
4. Governing Law; Venue; Severability: This document is governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, and any cause of action relating to the interpretation or enforcement of this document is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of a court in Hamilton County, Indiana. If one or more portions of this document are found to be unenforceable, the remainder of the document will remain enforceable.
5. Arbitration: Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to the Program and/or this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Marion County (Indiana), conducted pursuant to the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration Rules.
6. Class Action Rights: Participant, in their individual capacity and on behalf of the minor Participant, waives any right to participate in a class action, collective action, or representative action against Released Parties, whether in court or arbitration.
7. Medical Treatment Authorization: In the event I am and/or the minor Participant is injured or become(s) ill while participating in the Program, I, on behalf of myself and/or the minor Participant, authorize the Released Parties to secure first aid and/or the services of any legally qualified physician or hospital, and I agree to assume any financial obligations incurred therewith. However, I acknowledge that the Released Parties are not responsible for and have no duty to provide any first aid, medical treatment or other assistance.
8. Right of Personal Likeness Use: I hereby grant to the Released Parties the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, record, film, or otherwise capture Participant’s (including any minor Participant’s) name, image, voice, likeness, and appearance in any media format (collectively, “Likeness”) in connection with participation in the Program. I further grant the Released Parties the unrestricted, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free right to use, reproduce, display, perform, distribute, edit, adapt, and create derivative works from such Likeness for any lawful purpose, including but not limited to promotional, advertising, educational, and commercial uses, in any and all media now known or later developed. I waive any right to inspect or approve any such use and acknowledge that I will receive no compensation for any such use. I release and discharge the Released Parties from any and all claims or liability arising out of or related to the use of my and/or the minor Participant’s Likeness as described herein.
9. Representations and Agreement to Terms and Conditions: I represent that: (i) I am at least eighteen (18) years old; (ii) if applicable, I am/we are the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of Participant with the power and authority to act on behalf of Participant; (iii) I have read this document; (iv) I have been given an opportunity to ask questions about its contents and/or to seek the advice of an attorney; (v) I fully understand its contents and the waiver of my legal rights contained therein; (vi) understand that the above release is intended to be as broad as permitted by applicable law; and (vii) voluntarily, and without any inducement, agree to the terms and conditions set forth therein.
By signing below, the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, either as the Participant or, in the case of a minor, as the Guardian acting on behalf of both themselves and the minor Participant:
Participant/Guardian (Typed Name)
Signature
Date
Please contact Guest Relations by phone at (317) 776-6000. Please note our cancellation policy.
- To cancel your camp registration and receive a refund, notify Guest Relations at least two weeks prior to your camp start date. This notification can be made by phone and also by email to camp@connerprairie.org. You will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation/change fee per camper. No refunds will be given for cancellations with less than two weeks' notice.
- To reschedule your camp registration, notify Guest Relations no later than two weeks prior to your camp start date. Your week of camp may be rescheduled based on camp availability, and a $50 cancellation/change fee per camper will be charged. Rescheduling requests with less than two weeks' notice will not be considered.
- If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons, you may receive up to a 50% camp refund (minus a $50 cancellation/ change fee) at any time prior to or during camp by providing a doctor’s note.
- We are unable to refund you the missed days of camp for personal reasons. Conner Prairie reserves the right to cancel any session of camp. In the event of a session cancellation by Conner Prairie, you will receive a full refund. In the event of a partial cancellation, you will receive a prorated refund.
Overarching philosophy: Campers benefit from experiencing camp with their peers. While campers of the same age can have different maturities and abilities, we have set guidelines to ensure age-appropriate activities and engagement. Moving campers outside of their typical age group can negatively impact the camp experience for that camper and other campers.
Generally, campers should be the following age by the first day of their week at camp:
- Farm Friends (Age 5)
- Prairie Pals (Ages 6 and 7)
- Trailblazers (Ages 8 and 9)
- River Runners (Ages 10 and 11)
- Wayfarers (Ages 12 and 13)
We will not make any exceptions to the following:
- Campers must be at least 5 years old by the first day of their week at camp to attend Adventure Camp.
- Campers must be at least 8 years old to be a Trailblazer and canoe on the White River.
- Campers must be at least 12 years old to be a Wayfarer.
The following exceptions do not require approval from the Camp Director:
- Moving Down One Age Group: A camper may be registered for the group lower than their age (a 6- or 7-year-old can be a Farm Friend, an 8- or 9-year-old can be a Prairie Pal, a 10- or 11-year-old can be a Trailblazer, a 12–13-year-old can be a River Runner). Please note that dropping age groups will negatively impact the camper’s experience; 8- and 9-year-olds will miss out on canoeing on the White River, and 12–13-year-olds will miss out on specialty Wayfarer programming including the all-day canoe trip.
- But They’re Almost Old Enough: (only applies to almost-Prairie Pals and almost-River Runners):
- A camper that will turn 6 years old within 2 weeks of their first day of camp may be registered as a Prairie Pal.
- A camper that will turn 10 years old within 2 weeks of their first day of camp may be registered as a River Runner.
For any other exceptions, please check with the Camp Director before booking the registration.
Medical Information
All campers are expected to behave in a manner that supports the delivery of our mission.
- Adventure Camp’s mission is to provide everyone with a safe, equitable and exciting journey that builds lasting community and empowers personal growth under the skilled leadership of stellar mentors.
Our behavior management plan has been developed on the beliefs that:
- Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for young people to grow and develop, and part of that growth and development includes making mistakes and relating actions with consequences.
- We have an obligation to provide an excellent program to all campers. One camper’s behavior will not be allowed to negatively impact the experience of their peers. Every camper deserves the opportunity to learn from their choices.
- A camper’s observable behavior is a result of their invisible motivation and intention. All three of these factors are considered when enacting a behavior management response.
- Consequences for misbehavior will be logical and intended to be developmental, not strictly punitive.
- Under no circumstances will a camper be shamed, humiliated, or physically injured as part of a behavior management response.
For your child’s safety and enjoyment, a CERTIFIED THERAPIST OR LEGAL GUARDIAN is permitted to attend camp (at no additional charge) with your special needs camper. This person must check in with the camp director on the first day of camp.
By default, parent/guardian will be notified of camp happenings at pick-up. A parent/guardian will only be contacted (by phone and/or email) during the camp day if:
- A camper requires additional care beyond the scope of what can be provided at camp and needs to be picked up. Example: a camper twists its ankle and should be seen for urgent care. We cannot have x-rays at camp, but an ambulance is not necessary.
- A camper is ill and not able to return to camp programming and needs to be picked up. Example: a camper has a headache that is not resolved with hydration, 30 minutes of rest, and a children’s ibuprofen (you will be notified if any over the counter medication is recommended - see below)
- A camper is injured and treated by an EMT and/or an ambulance is called. Example: a camper sustains a head injury and loses consciousness.
When the first aid specialist determines a camper requires OTC medication, a parent/guardian will be called. The need will be discussed with the parent/guardian, or if a parent/guardian cannot be reached, a message will be left with the name, time, and dosage of medication that was administered.
If a camper is treated for injury/illness and returns to the program, the parent/guardian is informed at pick-up but will not be called. Example: A camper has a stomachache which is treated with hydration and rest. The camper returns to their group. The parent/guardian is notified at pick-up. I signed an Adventure Camp/Conner Prairie Waiver form and Authorization.
In your CampDoc camper account, please list all medications your camper takes regularly, including over-the-counter or non-prescription drugs. Bring enough medication to last the duration of camp. All medications must be in their original packaging, clearly showing the prescribing physician (if applicable), the medication name, dosage, and frequency of administration.
If your camper takes any medications during the school year that they do not take during the summer, please indicate this clearly in your CampDoc account.
Yes! Adventure Camp is an inclusive camp, and we welcome campers with a wide range of abilities and needs.
After registration, families share their camper’s medical needs, learning supports, and accommodations through CampDoc, our camp information and medical management software. For campers who require additional support, camp leadership will connect with families before camp to create a Camp Success Plan in collaboration with our Camp Inclusion Specialist.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your child’s needs before registering, our team is happy to help.
