

Kids’ summer camps may have fallen by the wayside last year in the wake of COVID-19, but kids and parents are getting excited about this summer’s outlook. While safety is still the name of the game, camps are reopening and providing plenty of active fun for all ages.
There’s a wide array of possibilities—from hiking and camping to foreign language and science—all within driving distance and with COVID-19 precautions in place or a virtual option available. So, check out the list below for something that will appeal to your child this summer and beyond.
Nature and Outdoors
- Connor Prairie Adventure Camp: This camp runs all summer with week-long sessions for kids ages 5–15. (That means multiple children in one household can attend, making pick-up and drop-off easier.) Adventure Camp includes fun activities such as zip-lining, swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, and more.
- Girl Scouts: With a motto of “No Girl Left Inside,” camps run by the Girls Scouts of Indiana are sure to provide a proper outdoor adventure. A mix of day camps, resident camps, and “choose your own adventure” camps mean that girls of all ages and their families can enjoy being together. (Camps will have reduced capacity this year, so make sure to sign up early.)
- Boy Scouts: Like the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts’ camps offer a mix of day camps, overnights, and family camp experiences. Campers must be entering first grade for the 2021-2022 school year to qualify.
- Dunes Camp: The Dunes Learning Center is the education partner of Indiana Dunes State Park. If you’ve got an outdoorsy child, this is a great choice. Overnight camps provide the opportunity to stay in cabins and explore with new friends. Day camps also provide kids the opportunity to connect with nature. There are a variety of themes, including a farm experience and critter camp. Note that these are popular, so registering as soon as possible is a good idea.
Faith-based Camps
- Camp Lutherhaven: Lutherhaven offers overnight camps for grades 1–12 as well as family experiences. Younger campers can experience a shorter stay for an easier introduction to sleeping away from home. Outdoor activities, fun in the sun and faith education are included.
- Impact 2818: This program offers a multitude of camps in a faith-based environment. Offerings include family camps, mini camps for the youngest campers, impact camp for grade schoolers, and middle school camp.
Academics, Music, and Science
- The Spanish Advantage Club (TSAC): With a two-acre outdoor recreation area, this camp mixes fun activities with an opportunity to learn a new language. Children are immersed in the Spanish language as they enjoy a playground, tricycle track, mini golf course, basketball courts, soccer field, and tennis courts. Parents can choose how many days per week their child will attend, and they can also add in private tutoring.
- Virtual Woodwind Academy: Founded by two musicians, this online program offers music education for all ages and backgrounds. There are masterclasses, summer programs, and courses in jazz and classical genres. Contact them at virtualwoodwinds@gmail.com.
- Brain Chase Online Learning Challenge: Designed for ages 6–16, this program combines treasure hunting with academics in a fun and fast-paced race to win $1,000 in gold. Held online with six different program options, this will have your kids wracking their brains and leaving summer learning loss in the dust.
- ID Tech: If your kids love STEM activities, then this virtual platform might be the perfect thing. Take a variety of classes in everything from coding to robotics, game design, math, and more. Taught by instructors recruited from the top universities in the country, these courses will leave your child feeling inspired to be the next technological whiz kid.
Sports Camps
- Nike Sports Camps: Anything carrying the Nike name means business when it comes to athletics, and their youth camps are no different. Lacrosse, tennis, baseball, soccer, golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball and even running camps are available for kids all across Indiana. Every camp is different, so head on over to their website to find the one that works best for your child. Use their location tool to see which camps are closest to you.
- Breakthrough Basketball: This program runs camps all over the country, including Indiana. Players work on shooting, ball handling, drills, basketball essentials, elite skills, and playmaking.
- Forever Fit: This healthy lifestyle and weight-loss day camp will help campers will feel healthier and gain stamina with a range of fun activities, including swimming, field trips, dancing, gardening, biking, tennis, hiking, and more. Camp activities also include cooking and nutrition to give campers the building blocks of a healthier lifestyle.
Something Different
- Camp Little Red Door: As a partner of Hancock Health System, this online camp has a special space in our hearts. It offers space for those diagnosed with cancer to connect with a larger community. Check out the printable schedule for a list of events and times throughout the year.
Whether your child is a soccer star or wants to be the next Madame Curie, there’s a camp for him or her on our list. And while all the camps we’ve included are taking COVID-19 precautions, we encourage you to choose one that fits your family’s safety protocols. So, go ahead, secure your child’s spot and watch them thrive this summer!
Sources and External Links
Conner Prairie
https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/classes/camps/adventure-camp/Girl Scouts of Central Indiana
https://www.girlscoutsindiana.org/en/camp/explore-summer-camp.htmlCamp 2021 Resources for Crossroads of America
https://www.crossroadsbsa.org/resources/camp-2021/Dunes Learning Center
https://duneslearningcenter.org/summerCamp Lutherhaven
https://lutherhaven.org/program/summer/Impact 2818
https://impact2818.org/covid-19/2021 Youth Programming
https://www.littlereddoor.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-Camp-Save-the-Date.pdflittle red door
https://www.littlereddoor.org/clients/camp/Forever-Fit
http://foreverfitcamp.org/US Sports Camps
https://www.ussportscamps.com/search/results?sport=&q=greenfield%2C+inBreakthrough Basketball
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/camps/indiana.htmliDTech
https://www.idtech.com/home-vtcBrain Chase
https://brainchase.com/summer-2021-programs-2/Virtual Academy
https://www.ananelsonmusic.com/virtual-academySummer Camp
https://www.thespanishadvantageclub.com/summer-camp