MUSEUM CAMPS

Inspire Lifelong Learning

Museum Camps Inspire Lifelong Learning

During school breaks and summer months, children and teens have a unique opportunity to experience Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites as a vibrant place for discovery, learning how to cook, building skyscrapers, mapping constellations, exploring nature and so much more. We increased our participation by 12% and welcomed 1,289 campers this past fiscal year. Summer programs, spread across all of our locations, have seen increasing numbers of young explorers joining in on the fun and learning. Your continued support enables us to foster these enriching lifelong learning experiences for young participants and strengthens vital community ties through education. Research demonstrates that children who interact with museums achieve higher scores in essential academic subjects than their peers who do not. These engagements also cultivate critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills among youth.Each camp day is designed to ensure no two are the same, maintaining a high level of engagement and curiosity among our campers. Our staff have observed first-day hesitancy transform into eagerness and confidence as the week progresses, a testament to the supportive and inclusive environment we cultivate. We pride ourselves on our inclusivity, ensuring every child feels valued and fully engaged in our offerings.Looking forward, we are excited about our new partnership with the University of Indianapolis for a Health and STEM discovery camp, among other innovations. By integrating our educational themes with our exhibitions and galleries, we aim to enhance the camp experience and deepen its hands-on learning impact. These efforts are designed to enrich our learning landscape, offering both new and returning campers unforgettable experiences that inspire and promote lifelong learning. ◆

Feedback from parents:

"My children loved their time at the museum so much they yearned to return each week. Every time we pass by the museum, they excitedly recount their adventures."

"The museum camps have brought our family closer," one parent shared. "Exploring history and science together has sparked a newfound enthusiasm in my child, something we continue to explore beyond the museum's walls."