Summer Camp

Get Ready for Summer Camp 2024!

The Institute for American Indian Studies is planning for summer camp in 2024.  Join experienced educators and camp staff on a journey through one, or several, themes related to our museum’s mission. We anticipate registration will open in Mid-March. If you have any questions, or if you would like to be emailed when registration opens, please email [email protected]. We hope to have your camper(s) join us!

Each week, while hiking in the woods, playing games, doing crafts, and making friends, campers will work together to complete a group project. By doing so, campers will not only learn valuable life skills, but will also have a positive impact on future visitors, students, and campers. 

Summer Camp Mission

To encourage children to practice team building skills, increase their appreciation for nature, and connect with a culture that has more than 12,000 years of history.

2024 Details

Who: Children Ages 6 – 12

When: Monday – Friday (9:00am – 3:00pm), specific dates listed below.

Where: The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT

Pricing: $315 for Members, $375 for Non-Members. Camp pricing includes a deposit of $100, to be paid at the time of registration.

Camp Registration will open in early March. Please check back soon!

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call (860) 868-0518, ext 453.

2024 Camp Sessions & Dates

Getting In Touch With Your Senses

 June 24 – June 28

In order to thrive in the Eastern Woodlands for thousands of years, Native American people had to be deeply in tune with the natural world and their sense of place within it. During this week, campers will become more familiar with their physical senses, as well as their sense of self, sense of surrounding, and sense of community. By participating in group dynamic activities and experiencing different sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures, campers will become more familiar with themselves, each other, and the environment.

Planting the Seeds for Growth: Project Week

July 8 – July 12

Traditionally, life skills for Native American children are passed down through generations and learned through observation and firsthand experience. Centuries ago, children had to be able to help with building, sewing, foraging, hunting, weaving, and much more. Want to learn some valuable skills in fun and exciting ways? Campers who attend this week will create lasting memories as they work on wigwam construction, weave fishing nets, nurture plants in our garden, and craft projects out of clay. By working on both individual and group projects, campers will leave a lasting impression on the museum itself and carry the skills they learn into the future. Note: Due to the dexterity and patience required for many of these projects, this week is recommended for children 8-12 years old.

A Play on Words: Imagination and Learning Through Storytelling

July 15 – July 19

Treasured memories of childhood often include hearing about the past from your parents and  grandparents. Since time immemorial, this is how Native American children have learned about the world around them: lessons being passed down from one generation to the next. In this week’s camp session, campers will learn about various ways of recording, passing on, and interpreting information. From beading to decoding puzzles, listening to stories and theatrical experiences, children will be engaged in storytelling activities all week long. 

Power of the Eighth Generation: Eco Survival Skills

July 22 – July 26

In many Native American communities there is a belief that decisions should be made in the interest of seven generations into the future, along with a recognition that the prior seven generations made decisions on your behalf. Campers who attend this week will learn about indigenous ways of thinking that have been passed down through the generations as they are empowered to make personal and community decisions to benefit those who come after them. Along the way, campers will practice survival skills, such as navigation, carving, and lashing, and explore technology that Native Americans used to thrive in the Eastern Woodlands, such as atlatls and bow and arrows. Please note: We will be spending a significant amount of time outdoors involving lengthy physical activity.

Time Travel: Understanding the Past, Present and Future

July 29 – August 2

How do we understand the past and solve its mysteries? How do different cultures throughout the world think about time and their place within it? Campers in this week’s session will learn about scientific methods, storytelling principles, and various ways of documenting the past. Through mock digs, campers can put the scientific method into practice. Through storytelling, they’ll learn the power of the oral tradition. Campers will be taught how to incorporate both of these perspectives through games and activities, and learn how to better connect with their own culture.

Ecological Explorations: Two-Eyed Seeing in the Natural World

August 5 – 9

Two-Eyed Seeing, or Etuaptmumk, is a term that suggests using both traditional indigenous ecological knowledge and western science concepts to more fully understand the natural world. In this week’s camp session, campers will become familiar with how Native Americans traditionally utilized the natural world, and their stewardship of the land and water. Campers will also practice plant and animal identification, learn about animal adaptations, and engage in outdoor explorations and exciting group activities. Our camp staff will facilitate face-to-face interactions with the natural world for a unique and memorable experience.

Questions? Let us know!