Living History Farms offers week-long day camp sessions throughout the summer for youth entering grades 1-9. The 2008 Summer Day Camp brochure with camp descriptions and registration forms will be mailed in February to museum members, past participants and those on our mailing list.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL CAMPS
Registrations are accepted on a strict "first come, first served" basis using registration forms. Phone or e-mail registrations are not accepted. To request a camp brochure and/or registration form call 515-278-5286, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can click here to download a copy (PDF document). The $20 processing fee is non-refundable and covers administrative costs.

VISA/MasterCard accepted. Total camp fee is charged when credit card is used.

Living History Farms members are entitled to early registration! Summer Day Camp registrations received from members on or before Friday, February 29, 2008 will be processed in the order received. Registrations from non-members will be processed beginning March 3, 2008. It’s easy to become a member!

SIX CAMPS OFFERED IN 2008
Download a full brochure here! (PDF)

This summer, we are offering these unique camp programs:

Kindercamp (entering 1st - 2nd grades)
Discover Nature Through History Camp (entering 4th grade)
Hands On History Camp (entering 3rd - 6th grades)
Deer Run Camp (entering 7th grade)
Camp of Discovery (entering 8th grade)
Camp Victoria (girls entering 7th - 9th grades)

KINDERCAMP (Camp Code: KC - entering 1st - 2nd grades)
This program is designed to introduce young children to the day camp experience. Campers spend their mornings or afternoons enjoying nature, frontier town life and farm life. Each group will include ten children with a trained counselor.

DISCOVER NATURE THROUGH HISTORY CAMP (Camp Code: NAT - entering 4th grade)
This program explores the ways early Americans and pioneers used and lived with nature. Weather signs, animal tracks, uses of native plants and shelters. Campers will learn to use all five of their senses while exploring the wonders of nature.

HANDS ON HISTORY CAMP (Camp Code: HOH - entering 3rd - 6th grades)
Campers entering 3rd & 4th grades spend one day on each of five themes: Native American Heritage, Pioneer Family Life, Town Life of the 1870s, Family Life on a 1900 Farm, and Iowa’s Heritage. Campers entering 5th & 6th grades also focus on the five themes but may not visit each historic site. Each grade level will be in a separate group with a trained counselor.

DEER RUN CAMP (Camp Code: DR - entering 7th grade)
The program, "Among Many Nations" provides a hands-on experience while campers investigate the cultural differences of several Native American peoples. We explore community life, social customs, food and clothing preparations, games and challenges. Participants learn various crafts and outdoor skills. Meals are included.

CAMP OF DISCOVERY (Camp Code: COD - entering 8th grade)
Campers have an adventure as they become 1800s explorers and learn how to travel in an expedition. Campers will learn vital exploring skills such as cartography (map making), botany (plant identification), and trail blazing.

CAMP VICTORIA (Camp Code: CV - For young ladies entering 7th - 9th grades)
This program will allow campers to experience the domestic education of young American girls in the late 19th century. It was important for all young ladies to learn proper manners, handwork, baking, courtship, etiquette and the art of serving an elegant tea.

Facilities:
Living History Farms is located on 550 acres of rolling prairie interspersed with timber and a small stream. This outdoor setting provides a practical landscape for camp experiences. If you have any questions about Summer Day Camp, call the Day Camp Director at 515-278-5286.

Placement:
Our policy is to place campers in their appropriate groups according to grades on a "first come, first served" basis. Our day camp provides an excellent opportunity to meet and make new friends! (There is no assurance that campers will be placed in the same group with friends. However, we may upon request place two or three friends in the same group. Four or more will be divided into two groups.)

Health/Consent Form:
Children registered to take part in camp must have a health statement from a parent or guardian regarding allergies, chronic illnesses or medications. A physical exam is not required.

The Farms will also request parent/guardian consent to use a camper's photographed or video taped image for promotional use. Consent to use a child's photographed or video taped image is not required for participation in Summer Day Camp.

Daily Schedule: Please drop-off and pick-up your child on time each day. Living History Farms cannot assume responsibility for supervising children outside of camp program hours.

Location: In the city of Urbandale, 10 miles NW of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Exit #125 (Hickman Road/Highway 6) on the combined Interstates 35/80.