Campers will have a chance to soar above the prairie in the new 1859 Balloon Voyage

FISHERS, Ind. (May 13, 2009) From exploring the sky above the prairie to fishing for a big-mouth bass to crafting clay creations, children at Conner Prairie’s summer day camps are always in for an adventure. Each week from June 8 through July 31, Conner Prairie’s Art and Adventure Camps are home to hundreds of children ages five to 14 who come to the interactive history park for new adventures.

Campers will explore the science and history behind ballooning in Conner Prairie’s newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage. After learning how coal gas works, trying their hands at ballooning in the Flight School and taking in the sights and sounds of 1859 Lafayette, Ind., the campers will have the option of soaring 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered, helium-filled balloon.

Both Art and Adventure campers will explore Conner Prairie’s historic areas, where they’ll discover what it was like to live and play in nineteenth-century Indiana, cozy up with animals big and small and see history in action. They’ll feel the heat from a blacksmith’s forge, jump in and help with farm chores and dance to the beat of a water drum.

“This camp rocks!” says ‘prairie pal’ Nick Campbell, age 6. “We do something different every day. It’s the best week of my summer!”

At Adventure Camp, children ages eight-14 will take on the White River with canoe trips and tubing excursions, while younger campers will explore Conner Prairie’s pond in pedal boats. Children will also hike through the backwoods of Conner Prairie and explore the wild outdoors. With age-specific activity groups for ages five to 14, Adventure Camp has outdoor fun for every child.

Children ages eight to 14 can sign up for Art Camp, where young artists will have the chance to explore painting, acting, pottery and weaving. From historical to modern crafts, campers will use the outdoors as inspiration for their work. Nature hikes and creative mediums will keep kids active while their inner artists take flight.

Adventure Camp and Art Camp run Monday through Friday, June 8 through July 31, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Early arrival beginning at 8 am and late departure until 5:30 pm are available. Camps are $185 per week, $170 per week for members. Additional children in the same family enjoy a $5 discount. For more information or to register, please call Guest Services at 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836 or e-mail info@connerprairie.org. You may also register online at www.connerprairie.org. 


Conner Prairie interactive history park created by Eli Lilly in 1934 is Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit, opening June 6, 2009. 1859 Balloon Voyage educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission to Conner Prairie: $12 adult, $11 senior, $8 youth ages 2-12, free for members. For more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.

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Media Contact: Angela Tuell (public relations manager)
(office) 317.214.4732, (cell) 410.430.9518, Tuell@connerprairie.org