As a former elementary teacher, I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t just belong in the classroom; it belongs everywhere. Learning happens when the world itself becomes the teacher. You experience it when you see a child's hand muddy from discovery, when a spark of curiosity turns into a brave question, and when connection turns challenge into confidence. That’s what we see every summer at Adventure Camp.
Here, camp becomes a classroom without walls. Grades are not a factor, and our grounds become a place where curiosity meets courage. Kids learn to take safe risks, lead with empathy, and move through each moment with intentionality. When you sign up for a week at camp, we invite campers to practice courage, leadership, and intentionality. They may try something new or foster care for their community. Camp is about exploring and engaging with the world around them.
Whether they’re hiking wooded trails; splashing in the river; soaring down the zip line; testing their balance on the obstacle course; or spending quiet, reflective time in the Learning Garden, our campers are building lifelong skills in the most joyful way possible.
Our Belonging Team works side by side with counselors to ensure every camper feels seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are. Together, they create an environment where,
- Every child can explore freely
- Children form a deep connection with the land and community
- Each individual feel what it means to truly belong
It’s in these small moments—helping a friend paddle a canoe, cheering on a camper learning to bike, or encouraging a teammate on the field—where empathy, friendship, and confidence come to life.
Extending the Camp Experience Inside the Museum
This year, that spirit of discovery expands into the Museum Experience Center—a natural extension of the exploration that begins outdoors, connecting history with nature. Inside, they see how these experiences fit into our larger origin story and how place plays an important role. Through interactive experiences like Power of Place, Wellspring, and TORN: A Family Portrait, campers find new ways to imagine, question, and reflect, deepening the same curiosity that fuels their outdoor adventures.
For me, this shared space between camp and the museum brings education full circle. Campers who learn teamwork while guiding a canoe down the river or challenging themselves on the obstacle course can then step into the Museum Experience Center’s immersive exhibits to see their place within both history and community. The spark that starts in a week of camp continues to grow in homes, classrooms, and everyday moments of discovery.
Adventure Camp has never been just about summer; it’s about nurturing skills and spirits that last a lifetime. Here, we help children believe in their capability, curiosity, and courage. Friendships are built, and memories are made. And now, through spaces like the Museum Experience Center, those lessons will keep unfolding all year, and all life long.
Because at Conner Prairie, whether you’re exploring the woods, crossing the pond, or stepping into a new gallery, discovery begins the same way: with an open heart, a curious mind, and the confidence to say, “I wonder . . .”
Ready to begin your child’s next great adventure?
Join us this summer at Adventure Camp, where learning, laughter, and belonging come to life. From the quiet wonder of the Learning Garden to the thrill of the zip line, each moment builds courage, leadership, and intentionality that last well beyond summer. Explore upcoming sessions and register today at Conner Prairie’s Adventure Camp.