6th grade camps

For campers entering 6th grade in fall 2026

Farm Power

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered weeks 1-3

“Farm power.” What does that phrase bring to your mind? Big tractors and combines? Large windmills? Horses pulling plows? This camp is about all of that, and much more. Explore many forms of power, including economic power, social power, and political power. Find out how things were made before electricity, and witness the effects of the Industrial Revolution on farming. See the changes in power from Native American to Victorian times and beyond through scientific discoveries, geographic explorations, and steam inventions.

Activities subject to change. On creek day your camper will get wet and muddy. Bring a towel or plastic bag for the car.

Movers & Shakers (5-6th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered week 4

As America celebrates 250 years, we reflect on what it means to be an American citizen. How have Americans participated in democracy throughout our history? Who has been included—and excluded? You’ll explore rural Americans’ role, from land purchases to voting to civic organizations to court cases. Throughout the week, you’ll prepare to re-create an election and a circuit court case for your family.

Don’t be late for court or to cast a vote! The family event takes place Friday at 3pm; arrive at 2:55 p.m. at the Learning Center, 11121 Hickman.

Activities subject to change. On creek day your camper will get wet and muddy. Bring a towel or plastic bag for the car.

Museum-ology (5-6th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered week 5

Have you ever wondered who puts museum exhibits together? A curator, that’s who! If you love history or museums, this is the camp for you. You will see items from the museum’s collections that are rarely on exhibit. Discover how the museum cares for these objects and what we can learn from them. Along the way, you will find out what it takes to create a museum exhibit and design your own tabletop exhibit about America’s 250th anniversary. At the end of the week, show off your exhibit to your family in a Grand Exhibit Unveiling.

The Grand Exhibit Unveiling takes place Friday at 3:15pm at the Learning Center, 11121 Hickman.

Note:  This camp does not include a creek walk. 

Activities subject to change.

Sounds of America (6th–8th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered week 5

Do you love music and learning how music impacts our daily lives? Study composers, musicians, and artists spanning over 300 years of history, all while preparing for a concert of your own to celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Campers will learn instrumental and vocal repertoire from Iowa composers, as well as dances from historic Iowa musicals such as The Music Man. Also, learn Iowa’s very own state song, “The Song of Iowa.”

Mornings will be spent learning about music in daily life during different periods of America’s history. Afternoons will be spent learning and practicing songs. On Friday, perform a concert for other campers and your family. Campers are also invited to perform in Living History Farms’ Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, at 3pm.

Note: This camp does not include a creek walk. 

Prerequisite:

Campers must have taken a minimum of one year of chorus, band, or orchestra at school.

Activities subject to change.  

Farm Olympics

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered weeks 8-10

Join us for our own farm-style Olympics! Try different farm-themed activities. See how much horsepower you can generate. Play 19th-century baseball. Put your mind to the test too with a spelling bee, scavenger hunt, and trivia contest. End the week with a unique Farm Olympics demonstration and Closing Ceremony for your family.

The Closing Ceremony will showcase the strengths of each camper and takes place Friday at 3:15pm. Meet at the Learning Center, 11121 Hickman.

Activities subject to change. On creek day your camper will get wet and muddy. Bring a towel or plastic bag for the car.

Victorian Centennial Garden Party (6-7th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered weeks 3-7

It’s 1876, and America is celebrating its 100th birthday! Victorians celebrated by throwing “George and Martha Parties,” named in honor of George and Martha Washington. Participate in activities to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of America. Learn etiquette, handcrafts, cooking, and social routines throughout the week. End the week by throwing a tea party that will take your guest back in time!

Note: This camp does not include a creek walk. 

The Garden Party will showcase campers’ handcrafts and cooking and takes place Friday at 3pm on the Flynn Mansion lawn. Party is for one invited guest. The guest will need to check in at the Learning Center, 11121 Hickman.

Activities subject to change. 

Wait list

• If a camp session is full, you may ask to be placed on a wait list.
• Be sure to indicate the name of the camp(s) and the date(s) you want.

Group Requests

When we have multiple camps of the same grade level, we cannot guarantee your child will be placed with friends. However, we will make every effort to accommodate up to two requests. Please keep the following in mind:
• Campers must be registered for the same camp, in the same week, and be in the same grade.
• Camp is about making friends. When large groups of friends are together, other campers can feel left out. We will split requests larger than 3 friends.