25 of the coolest summer camps around Indy

Gone are the days when going to camp meant days spent making lanyards in the craft cabin or playing capture the flag in the woods. Those camps still exist, but now a broad range of options are available to keep kids busy — and their minds and bodies developing — during the dog days of summer. These fun and unique central Indiana camps might even lure the young people in your life down a future career path! Find out what local summer camps sessions cater to what potential professions.

[These 25 camps not enough for you? Check out our full Summer Camps 2017 guide]

'Saturday Night Live' cast member

Summer Improv Camp: Comedy Sportz Indianapolis Theater, 721 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 951-8499, indycomedysportz.com/improv-summer-camps

• When: June 19-23 and July 10-14, depending on grade.

• Ages: Grades 6-12.

• Cost: $199 (scholarships available).

Kids who can’t stop telling jokes at the dinner table will love acting improv camp. If your offspring is an aspiring Kate McKinnnon or Kenan Thompson — or would benefit from a shot of self-esteem — the Mass Ave. improv outfit Comedy Sportz offers 4½ days of intensive workshops, followed by a showcase performance for loved ones. Free soft drinks and a camp T-shirt are included.

Forensic investigator

Crime Scene Indiana State Museum Camp: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., (317) 232-1637, indianamuseum.org/family-and-camps

• When: July 24-28.

• Ages: 10-14.

• Cost: $150 for members and $175 for nonmembers.

If your child looks up to Harriet the Spy or Encyclopedia Brown, investigate no further than the Indiana State Museum’s weeklong session on crime scene investigation. Aspiring gumshoes will get to follow clues in a case of missing museum artifacts while learning from experts about forensic science, including documenting crime scenes, identifying fingerprints and conducting ink analysis. The museum also is host to several othercamp programs focusing on fashion, food, archeology and more!

Timpani player in a symphony

IU’s Jacob School of Music Percussion Academy & Workshop: Indiana University, 1201 E. Third St., Bloomington, (812) 855-7998, music.indiana.edu/precollege/summer/percussion/index.shtml

• When: July 9-15.

• Ages: Grades 7-12.

• Cost: $715 tuition, $495 room and board, $70 application fee (scholarships available).

Ba dum bum bum! Serious percussion players can audition for this session at Indiana University’s elite Jacob School of Music that’s full of activities to drum up a child’s skills and passion for playing music. The program includes master classes and performances by internationally renowned percussionists, as well as instruction in audition techniques and career development. Auditions are not required, but participants must be able to read music.

Goalkeeper

Butler Bulldog Soccer Camp: Butler University, 510 W. 49th Street, (317) 366-5303, butlerbulldogsoccer.com/youth-summer-camp

• When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon various dates from May 30 to July 21.

• Ages: 6-14.

• Cost: $225 to $250.

From the beginner to the experienced player, athletes of any level can put a shine on their soccer skills at this Butler University camp. Campers will be assigned groups based on age and ability. Elite players between the ages of 9 and 14 can take the NEXT LEVEL session for advanced instruction tailored to the positions of goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or forward. A Nike shirt comes with participation.

Video game designer

Adventures in Coding & Game Design With Tynker: iD Tech at Butler University, 4600 Sunset Ave., (800) 368-6852, idtech.com/locations/indiana-summer-camps/indianapolis/id-tech-butler-university

• When: July 10-14 and July 24-28.

• Ages: 7-9.

• Cost: $879 and up.

Deploying the user-friendly programming tool Tynker, your little Minecraft maniac will build their own unique computer game during the course of this weeklong coding camp. Don’t worry, kids also get some of the traditional camp experience with additional outdoor activities and playtime. iD Tech offers a variety of other camps that focus on coding, game design, robotics, cyber security and more for kids ages 6-18. They also have a program just for girls ages 10-15.

Muckraking movie director

Documentary Filmmaking: Indiana University’s High School Journalism Institute, Franklin Hall 230, 601 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, (812) 855-0895, mediaschool.indiana.edu/hsji/students/student-workshops/documentary-filmmaking

• When: July 16-20.

• Ages: High school students.

• Cost: $425, which includes tuition, lodging, a $50 meal card and most supplies.

If your teen has a knack for nonfiction storytelling in the digital age, this intensive documentary video camp offers high school students instruction and hands-on experience. In addition to exploring the different roles involved in film production, students will learn how to use a camera and digital editing and recording techniques to produce a short film. The Journalism Institute also offers other overnight workshops in writing, photography, public relations and more. 

The next Claude Monet

Art+Nature Summer Camp: LINE+form Atelier, 5612 E. Washington St., Suite A, (317) 319-5482, lineandformatelier.com/camps

• When: 9 a.m. to noon (half day) or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (full day) July 10-14.

• Ages: 5-12.

• Cost: $115 and up.

“Art is a harmony parallel with nature.” Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne’s quote informs the mission of LINE+form Atelier, a historic Irvington-based art camp provider. This studio-based session for aspiring artists focuses on the natural world and art. Campers will find a space filled with flora and other natural materials to observe, draw, paint and more during weeklong half- or full-day workshops. The studio offers additional fine art-driven camp sessions focusing on painting, sculpture, insects, theater and storytelling from June 12 to July 28.

Guitarist in an all-girl rock band

Girls Rock! Indianapolis: Information and Communications Technology Complex at IUPUI, 535 W. Michigan St., (317) 643-0233, girlsrockindy.org/camp-2017

• When: July 10-15 and July 17-22.

• Ages: Girls 9-16.

• Cost: $325.

Your daughter can live the rock star lifestyle for a week at this popular music camp. Aspiring Adeles and burgeoning Beyoncés form bands with fellow campers and ultimately perform live on stage. No musical experience is required and instruments will be provided. In addition getting a weeklong crash course in how to play in a rock band, campers will participate in workshops that help build confidence. The capstone of the week is a showcase performance of original songs by all participants.

National park ranger

Summer Camp: White Pine Wilderness Academy, 841 W. 53rd St., (317) 774-6360, whitepinewilderness.com/youth-programs/summer-camps

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m various days between June 5 and Aug. 4.

• Ages: 6-17.

• Cost: $171 and up (with early-bird discounts through March 15).

Nature lovers will thrive at these Rocky Ripple-based camps that cover summer survival strategies including tracking, camouflage, navigation, wild edible plants, water purification and more. Campers are divided into groups of 10, led by one primitive skills instructor and an assistant. Storytelling, nature appreciation and games round out the agenda for this outdoor adventure camp. In addition to sequences for children ages 8-12 (“Coyote Scouts”) and 12-16 (“Warrior Scouts”), White Pines also offers half-day sessions for children ages of 6-8 (“Flying Squirrels”).

Best-selling author

Young Writers Workshop: University of Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Ave., (317) 788-2072, uindy.edu/summer/enrichment-camps

• When: June 11-16.

• Ages: Grades 10-12.

• Cost: $450.

This overnight camp experience offers opportunities for aspiring authors to work on their writing chops. Visits from guest readers are interspersed with directed writing sessions, creative workshops and peer critiques. Evening activities give campers the opportunity for free writing and socializing. The final day will include a public reading of participants’ work for family and friends. UIndy offers a variety of additional camps focusing on the arts, sports and sciences.

Graphic artist

Comics, Cartoons and Characters: Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., (317) 255-2464, indplsartcenter.org/artclasses/camps

• When: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 19-23.

• Ages: 6-11.

• Cost: $289 for members, $340 for nonmembers.

If your kid is a Marvel maven or a D.C. devotee, this class will captivate their inner cartoonist. Campers will study comics, cartoons and anime, and learn the basics of visual storytelling. As part of the program, kids will create their own original characters. Materials are provided. The art center also offers a variety of camps and classes in a diversity of art disciplines from calligraphy to ceramics.

Cultural anthropologist

Southern Studies: Park Tudor Summer Camps, 7200 N. College Ave., (317) 415-2700, parktudor.org/summer/southern-studies

• When:9 a.m. to noon June 5-16, with travel June 17-24.

• Ages: Grades 9-12.

• Cost: $1,250 includes tuition, travel expenses, hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinner.

This unique academic camp features a half-day seminar lasting two weeks, followed by a week of travel. Led by an English and social studies teacher from Park Tudor, the seminar explores the cultural identity of the American South through lessons in history, literature, art, architecture and more. A tentative itinerary includes such significant sites as the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn.; the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.; and the French Quarter in New Orleans. Participants also will need spending money for lunch and incidentals during travel.

Horse whisperer

Howdy Hooves Summer Horse Camp: Saddle Up Stables, 1738 S. 450 E, Avon, (317) 372-5645, saddleupstable.com/Camps

• When:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, and June 27 to July 1.

• Ages: 8-13.

• Cost: $275.

For aspiring ranch hands and rodeo stars, weeklong sessions at Saddle Up Stables teach the basics of horsemanship, from grooming and Western tack to the anatomy of a horse. In a safety-conscious environment, riders also will learn how to walk, trot and steer their individually assigned horse. This camp for equine enthusiasts also includes visitors and demonstrations, horse-themed crafts and a cookout and riding show on the last day for campers and their families. Sturdy shoes are required, but helmets will be provided.

Oscar-winning actor

Acting Bootcamp: Young Actors Theater, The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., (317) 694-0477, yatkids.org/summer

• When: 1 to 5 p.m. June 19-23 and July 10-14. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Ages: 13 and older.

• Cost: $200.

Parents of teens with theatrical talent take note: This summer marks the debut of this intensive acting workshop at YAT. This crash course in the performing arts covers acting techniques, scene study, monologues and instruction in the history of the craft. YAT also offers theater camps for younger students, including a session that focuses on fairy tales for kindergarten through third-grade students.

Skipper

Sailing Camp: Indianapolis Sailing Club, 11325 Fall Creek Road, (317) 409-7345, IndianapolisSailing.org

• When: 9 a.m to 4 p.m. various days from June 12 to July 28.

• Ages: 8-15.

• Cost: $200 for members or $320 for nonmembers (with discounts for additional weeks or siblings).

The Indianapolis Sailing Club offers weeklong courses teaching basic water safety and sailing for beginners, while experienced sailors can graduate to more advanced sailing and racing. Classes take place rain or shine, and activities will be substituted on foul-weather days.

Zoologist

Mission: SOS: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., (317) 630-2000, www.indianapoliszoo.com/conservation-and-education/education/family-youth-experiences/zoo-camps

• When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19-23.

• Ages: 9-10.

• Cost: $240 for members and $265 for nonmembers.

Animal lovers will go ape over an opportunity to spend five days on the Indianapolis Zoo’s White River campus learning about endangered species and how to help save them. The zoo hosts many other three- and five-day summer camps for kids of all ages, focusing on themes that include conservation, wildlife technology and animal habitats. Campers get to peek behind the scenes at the zoo, and participate in activities including crafts, animal presentations and more.

Inventor

Design, Make & Tinker Camp: 1st Maker Space, 1010 E. Michigan St., (317) 399-5001, 1stmakerspace.com/maker-camps

• When:9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. various dates in June and July.

• Ages: Grades 1-8.

• Cost: $199 to $225.

Do you think you have the next Steve Jobs living under your roof? Even if you don’t, this organization contends that “Every youth can be a maker,” and aims to engender interest in a broad range of disciplines, including technology, math, science, engineering and the arts. The 1st Maker Space’s program activities focus on creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. Location varies by age, but camps take place at Decatur Central High School, Fishers High School, Franklin Central High School and Zionsville Freshman Center.

Museum curator

Earth Art: Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road, (317) 923-1331, imamuseum.org/class/summercamp2017

• When: 1-4 p.m. July 10-14. 

• Ages: 4-5.

• Cost: $108 for members and $128.75 for nonmembers.

This course introduces young children to art by exploring the natural materials artists use to create their work. Campers will create a collaborative outdoor art project, gather materials for studio activities and read related books. The IMA offers a variety of art-related sessions throughout the summer for kids of all ages.

Opera singer

ChoralFest Music Camp: Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Butler University, Lilly Hall, 4600 Sunset Blvd., (812) 376-2638, icchoir.org/summer

• When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12-15 and July 17-21.

• Ages: Grades 1-8.

• Cost: $175 to $185 (early-bird discounts and financial assistance available).

The renowned Indianapolis Children’s Choir offers an immersive musical experience for grade school students who love to sing. Camp sessions include choral music and other activities, depending on the age group. Older campers will attend some instrument and movement classes. Students should bring a sack lunch each day, but snacks will be provided.

Tour de France team mechanic

Earn-a-Bike Program: Freewheelin’ Community Bikes, 3355 N. Central Ave., (317) 926-5440, freewheelinbikes.org/programs

• When:4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

• Ages: 10-18.

• Cost: $25.

What says summer more than riding a bike? While not a traditional camp, this introductory seven-week program teaches kids the basics of bicycle safety, mechanics and repair. During the workshop, campers get to choose and restore a bicycle from the stock at Freewheelin’, a used bicycle repair shop on the north side. By completing the program, kids earn a bike helmet and lock and become eligible for advanced mechanics open workshops. Campers wear four different color aprons as they graduate skill levels.

Contestant on American Ninja Warrior

Incrediplex Summer Camp: Incrediplex, 6002 Sunnyside Road, (317) 823-9555, incrediplex.com/public/family_entertainment/camps.cfm

• When:8 a.m. to 6 p.m. various days from May 30 to Aug. 4.

• Ages: 6-12.

• Cost: $225 a week.

For the kid who needs to burn off some energy, a week at Incrediplex should do the trick. This facility encompasses a broad range of amenities, including a climbing wall, sport courts, bounce houses, a four-story playground, a laser tag area and more. Half- and single-day sessions also are available.

Veterinarian

Boiler Vet Camp: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, (765) 494-7607, vet.purdue.edu/boilervetcamp

• When: June 11-17.

• Ages: Grades 8-9.

• Cost: $950.

If becoming a vet sounds like the cat’s meow to your child, Purdue University offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of animal science. This overnight camp includes presentations, demonstrations, lab experiences and hands-on activities that offer a window into the world of veterinary studies and careers at one of the country’s premier training programs for the field. Submit applications for next year starting in September to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Application decisions come out each February.

Engineer

POWER Camp: School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI, 799 W. Michigan St., (317) 274-2533, engr.iupui.edu/infofor/community/summer-camps/power-camp.php

• When: July 16-22.

• Ages: Girls grades 9-12.

• Cost: $250 (scholarships available).

POWER stands for “Preparing Outstanding Women for Engineering Roles,” and this immersive camp aims to energize girls for engineering careers. Attendees get to live on a college campus for a week while learning the ins and outs of the field of engineering. Girls gain hands-on experience conducting experiments, visiting local companies that employ engineers and participating in other learning and social activities. Visiting presenters include a diverse roster of professional women engineers and collegiate women training for careers in the industry.

Professional baller

Indiana Pacers Summer Basketball Camps: Various Locations, tnbabasketball.com/programs/pacers/?event=2017-pacers-summer-basketball-camps-all-locations-summary

• When: Various days June 5 to Aug. 4.

• Ages: 7-17.

• Cost: $225.

Sign up the your little hooper for motivational and instructive basketball camps coached by instructors from the National Basketball Academy. Sessions include stations, drills, skills contests and games. Each child will receive an evaluation and participate in an awards ceremony at the end of the week. Campers also take home a Pacers t-shirt, basketball and a ticket to a home game during the 2017-18 season.

Karate instructor

Martial Arts “Spar Wars” Camp: International School of Indiana, 330 N. Michigan Road, (317) 923-1951, isind.org/life-at-isi/summer-camps

• When: 1-4 p.m. June 12-16.

• Ages: Grades 1-8.

• Cost: $175.

For the junior Jedi Master, this half-day camp is out of this world! Participants are encouraged to attend in costume and bring related toys, such as light sabers and Nerf guns for this session, which incorporates agility, karate training and Star Wars activities. The International School hosts a diverse range of camps that focus on language study (French, Spanish and Mandarin), cooking, chess, pottery and more.