7th–8th grade camps

For campers entering 7-8th grades in fall 2026

Adventures of Lewis and Clark (7-8th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered weeks 2-4

Become an explorer as you embark on an adventure in early 19th-century Iowa! Get your expedition started, then follow Lewis and Clark’s trek across the Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, learn the skills of mapmaking, archery, plant and animal identification, surveying, and stewardship of the land.

Special note for week 4: Leading up to July 4th, all camps will include special activities relating to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

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. 

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.  

Deer Run (7th-8th grades)

Full day: 9am–4pm

Offered weeks 6-10

Explore the daily lives of Indigenous Peoples from all over North America. Campers step into the traditions, skills, and daily life of Native American people in a respectful, educational, and hands-on way. Try open-fire cooking, archery, and crafts and games. Each day, explore a different region of the continent to gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse Indigenous Peoples of North America.

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

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.