Adventure Camp Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a camper ages 5–7, you will use the Guest Parking Lot to drop off your child and pick up at Bayt Pavillion, next to the Apple Store. If you have a camper ages 8–13, you will use the Bus Parking Lot to drop off your child and pick up at Hilltop Pavilion. Access the lot by making the first right turn after entering from Allisonville Road and follow the road. Look for signs to guide you to your camper's designated area with flags indicating the group name and ages.

• Farm Friends: age 5, check in at Bayt Pavilion
• Prairie Pals: ages 6-7, check in at Bayt Pavilion
• Trail Blazers: ages 8-9, check in at Hilltop Pavilion
• River Runners: ages 10-11, check in at Hilltop Pavilion
• Wayfarers: ages 12-13, check in at Hilltop Pavilion

Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 8:55 a.m. Camper groups will leave their drop-off area by 8:55 a.m. to begin their Adventure Camp activities.  

You will pick up your camper at the same location as drop-off. 

Camper groups will be arriving at their pickup tables around 3:15 p.m. Pick-up is no later than 3:30 p.m. Please pick up your camper promptly. Campers picked up after 3:45 p.m. will be charged a $50 late fee. If you need your camper before 3:15 p.m., please request an early pick-up. 

Conner Prairie counselors will check IDs every day at pick-up. For your camper's safety, anyone picking up a camper MUST be listed on their Authorized Pickup Form and MUST have ID. If you need to add someone to their Authorized Pick-up Form

camp@connerprairie.org.

For your campers safety, we will ask you to go back to your vehicle for your ID.

Pick-up is no later than 3:30 p.m. Please pick-up your camper promptly. Campers picked up after 3:45 p.m. will be charged a $50 late fee.  Please call Guest Services at 317-776-6000 ext. 3 to communicate the late pick-up. All campers must be picked up by 4 p.m.  

If your camper is ill and cannot attend camp, please email camp@connerprairie.org to report an absence.

Please call Guest Relations at 317-776-6000 ext. 3. You can also let your camper’s counselors know about this early pick-up when you drop-off your camper in the morning. Early pick-up locations are at Hilltop Pavilion or Bayt Pavilion. We will communicate your camper's location.  
 

Please call Guest Relations at 317-776-6000 ext 3. You can also let your camper’s counselors know about this early pick-up when you drop-off your camper in the morning. Early pick-up locations are at Hilltop Pavilion or Bayt Pavilion.  We will communicate your camper's location.

Buddy requests are submitted in the Jotform that were due March 1, 2025. New camp policy for 2025: For the safety and security of campers, we will not be taking buddy requests after the March 1, 2025, deadline.

On the first day of camp, your counselor will give you a ½ sheet of paper with the following information:

Information for the Rest of the Week

Drop-off 8:30 a.m. and Pick-up between 3:15–3:30 p.m.

Welcome to Camp! Your camper is a member of the ___________________________ team. Your counselors are: ________________________ & ______________________. Each morning, please park and walk your camper to check in with their counselor. Be sure to have a photo ID for pickup. If you need to add someone to your camper’s authorized pickup list, please email camp@connerpririe.org. New 2025 Policy: There will be no verbal requests to add authorized pick-ups.

Daily Schedule

Each team of campers has a unique daily schedule, which is subject to change due to weather, program availability, and other factors. Water Activities for the week (towel, swimming suit, and water shoes):

Canoeing on: _________________ Swimming on: _________________ River Crossing: _________________

Stuffie Friday: Farm Friends ages 5 only. All ages are encouraged to bring their favorite book each day.

• We strongly suggest wearing old gym shoes (closed-toe shoes and socks) during camp activities. No flip flops, sandals, or Croc type shoes should be worn for safety reasons.
• Old clothes/jackets/raincoats that can get wet and dirty - weather appropriate.  
• Please have your camper come with sunblock and insect repellent applied.  Practice with your child on how to reapply later in the day. Counselors will not be able to apply sunscreen to campers for safety reasons.  

The following items should be brought every day, including the first day of camp. Please mark all items with your camper’s name 

• A backpack with the following items: (please note: your child should be able to carry their backpack for walking throughout the day)  
• A water bottle (will be carried and refilled throughout the day).   
• A ready-to-eat lunch in a small, soft cooler/lunch box. Refrigeration and microwaving are not available.   
• A swimming suit, towel, and water shoes. Water shoes MUST be worn for ALL water activities, including swimming & river activities.  
• Extra sunblock and insect repellent to self-apply.  
• Any needed medicine. Medicine must be in the original container with camper’s name, instructions, and be listed on the online registration form.   
• A complete change of clothes.
• Please do not send any electronic devices or items of value.   

Lost and Found will be kept until the end of the following camp week, and then it will be donated or discarded. Please email campcoordinator@connerprairie.org to inquire about lost and found. The lost and found box is located at Hilltop Pavilion. Please check this box before inquiring about your camper's item. 

2025 Adventure Camp is designed as an outdoor action-packed program. When faced with weather not conducive to an outdoor program, preplanned alternative indoor activities will be offered instead. Camp will not be canceled due to weather in 2025. Please note that indoor activities will not be of the same caliber as our typical outdoor experiences.  

Check the website for Conner Prairie weather and emergency policies. In the event of unsafe conditions at 8:30 a.m., drop-off will be delayed until the Conner Prairie all-clear weather safety protocol is met. 

You can find the JotForm registration link at: https://form.jotform.com/243033180316142   All campers must complete an online registration form filled out in May 2025.  Campers attending multiple weeks only need to submit one form. The form includes the health information and authorization, special needs information, waiver release of liability, and camper pickup authorization. Please communicate any changes to Guest Relations by emailing camp@connerprairie.org, or by calling 317-776-6000 ext. 3. 

Please contact Guest Relations by phone at (317) 776-6000 Please note our cancellation policy.    

• To cancel your camp registration and receive a refund, notify Guest Relations at least two weeks prior to your camp start date. This notification can be made by phone and also by email to camp@connerprairie.org. You will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation/change fee per camper. No refunds will be given for cancellations with less than two weeks' notice.  

• To reschedule your camp registration, notify Guest Relations no later than two weeks prior to your camp start date. Your week of camp may be rescheduled based on camp availability and a $50 cancellation/change fee per camper will be charged. Rescheduling requests with less than two weeks' notice will not be considered.  

• If your child is unable to attend camp due to medical reasons, you may receive up to a 50% camp refund (minus a $50 cancellation/ change fee) at any time prior to or during camp by providing a doctor’s note.  

• We are unable to refund you the missed days of camp for personal reasons. Conner Prairie reserves the right to cancel any session of camp. In the event of a session cancellation by Conner Prairie, you will receive a full refund. In the event of a partial cancellation, you will receive a prorated refund. 

Please check the website. 
 
If you have questions about camp, please contact Guest Relations. 

Anytime: camp@connerprairie.org

Daily: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., by phone at (317) 776-6000, or in person at 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 

The intent of this information is to provide camp health care personnel the background to provide appropriate care. Any changes to this form should be provided in writing to camp health personnel upon your child’s arrival at camp. Please provide complete information so that the camp staff can be aware of your needs. 

On the JotForm you fill out for your camper, you will list ALL medications (including over the counter or non-prescription drugs) taken routinely. Bring enough medication to last the time of camp. Keep it in the original packaging that identifies the prescribing physician (if a prescription drug), the name of the medication, the dosage, and the frequency of administration. Please identify any medications taken during the school year that your camper does not take during summer. 

By default, parent/guardian will be notified of camp happenings at pick-up. A parent/guardian will only be contacted (by phone and/or email) during the camp day if: 

• A camper requires additional care beyond the scope of what can be provided at camp and needs to be picked up. Example: a camper twists its ankle and should be seen for urgent care. We cannot have x-rays at camp, but an ambulance is not necessary. 

• A camper is ill and not able to return to camp programming and needs to be picked up. Example: a camper has a headache that is not resolved with hydration, 30 minutes of rest, and a children’s ibuprofen (you will be notified if any over the counter medication is recommended - see below) 

• A camper is injured and treated by an EMT and/or an ambulance is called. Example: a camper sustains a head injury and loses consciousness. 

When the first aid specialist determines a camper requires OTC medication, a parent/guardian will be called. The need will be discussed with the parent/guardian, or if a parent/guardian cannot be reached, a message will be left with the name, time, and dosage of medication that was administered. 

If a camper is treated for injury/illness and returns to the program, the parent/guardian is informed at pick-up but will not be called. Example: A camper has a stomachache which is treated with hydration and rest. The camper returns to their group. The parent/guardian is notified at pick-up. 

The following is the Conner Prairie and Adventure Camp Waiver form that was signed on JotForm.   

This health history is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. The person herein has permission to engage in all camp activities as noted. I hereby give permission to the camp to provide routine health care, administer medications and seek emergency medical treatment including ordering x-rays or routine tests. I agree to the release of any records necessary for insurance purposes. I give permission to the camp to arrange necessary related transportation for my child or me. In the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the camp to secure and administer treatment, including hospitalization, for the person named above. This completed form may be printed for trips out of camp. 

Waiver 

In consideration of Conner Prairie allowing the undersigned Participant to participate in the Program, Participant, as well as each parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if Participant is a Minor, agrees as follows: 

1. Assumption of Risks: Participation in the Program can be physically demanding, hazardous and involves risks, known and unknown, inherent and otherwise, that cannot be eliminated, and which can cause injury, illness, paralysis or death to Participant or other persons and/or property damage. Such risks include, without limitation, obvious and hidden facility and premises conditions, equipment failure, known or unknown medical conditions, and/or the acts, omissions, or negligence of other the Released Parties and others involved with the Program. Each undersigned accepts(s), and Participant voluntarily assumes all risks that may be connected with participation in the Program and acknowledges that the Participant is voluntarily participating with knowledge of these risks. Participant is physically fit to participate in the Program and may cease participation at any point. The term "Released Parties" includes Conner Prairie Museum, Inc., Conner Prairie Foundation, Inc., 1859 Balloon Voyage LLC, Aerophile SAS and all of their directors, officers, trustees, employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, sponsors, related entities, affiliates, subsidiaries, and/or any other person or entity associated in any way with the Program.
2. Release: Each undersigned agrees to waive and release the Released Parties from and against all claims, damages, injuries, losses, actions (whether arising by statute, at law, or in equity), suits, proceedings, expenses, and attorney fees that they or anyone on their behalf (which includes but is not limited to heirs, representatives or next of kin) have or might have for any death, injury, or other damage (e.g. physical, psychological, emotional or property) arising out of or relating to Participant's participation in the Program, including, but not limited to any claim that the act or omission complained of was caused in whole or in part by the strict liability or negligence in any form of any of the Released Parties.
3. Indemnification: Each undersigned agrees to reimburse and be responsible for (defend, indemnify and hold harmless) the Released Parties from and against all claims, damages, injuries. losses, actions, suits, proceedings, product or strict liability actions, wrongful death actions, expenses, and attorney fees that the undersigned, anyone on undersigned’s behalf (including but not limited to heirs, representatives or next of kin) or any third party have or might have for any fatal injuries, injury, claimed injury, or property damage arising out of or relating to Participant's participation in the Program, including, but not limited to, any claim that the act or omission complained of was caused in whole or in part by the strict liability or negligence in any form of any of the Released Parties.
4. No Responsibility for Personal Property: Each undersigned acknowledges that the Released Parties are not responsible for any personal property lost, damaged or destroyed while attending the Program. Participant assumes all responsibility for safeguarding personal property while participating in the Program.
5. Adherence to Rules: Participant agrees to abide by all Program rules and will follow all oral or written instructions and directions given by the Released Parties. In no case will such rules or instructions modify this waiver and release.
6. Medical Treatment Authorization: In the event that Participant is injured or becomes ill during the Program, each undersigned authorizes the Released Parties to secure first aid and/or the services of any legally qualified physician or hospital for Participant. Each undersigned agrees to assume any financial obligations resulting jointly and severally from the provision of such medical assistance and services.
7. Right of Personal Likeness Use: Each undersigned agrees that Conner Prairie and its successors and assigns shall have and own the sole and exclusive right to commercially exploit the Program including all rights to all photographs, video reproductions, audio reproductions, films, motion pictures, digital images, and other reproductions or depictions of the Program or any portion thereof, including without limitation descriptions, pictures, likenesses, images, name and sound of Participant alone or with other persons, through any and all media whether now known or hereafter discovered, and all rights to copyright, reproduce, distribute, display, perform, sell, license or otherwise dispose of same for any purpose whatsoever. Participant also grants to Conner Prairie a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use Participant’s rights of publicity (or similar), and full permission to any and all uses of Participant's likeness, including photographs and videotape for publicity and advertising purposes without compensation.
8. Customer COVID-19 Representation: Each undersigned is not aware of a Participant being exposed to any individual in the last four weeks who has received a COVID-19 diagnosis, has been suspected of having COVID-19 or has experienced COVID-19 symptoms. If at any time prior to, during or within fourteen days after completion of the Program, undersigned becomes aware of such exposure, they shall immediately contact Program personnel and shall not return to the Program without authorization.
9. Acknowledgment and Assumption of COVID-19 Risks: In addition to the risks listed in the “Assumption of Risks” section above, Program participation during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique health and safety risks and dangers, known and unknown, inherent and otherwise, that cannot be eliminated and which can cause injury, illness, paralysis or death to Participant, Participant’s family members and other third parties. Some, but by no means all, of the risks presented include: (i) COVID-19 is highly contagious; (ii) individuals frequently do not develop COVID-19 symptoms until after they are contagious; (iii) exposed individuals may have more serious symptoms due to other known and unknown medical conditions; (iv) those involved the Program’s failure to take proper actions to prevent or minimize exposure and/or failure to have and/or use proper protective equipment; and (vi) the acts, omissions and negligence of the Released Parties. Each undersigned accepts and acknowledges Participant is voluntarily participating in the Program even with knowledge and appreciation of these risks.
10. Parents/Guardians Execution: If the Participant is not yet 18 years of age, then each parent or guardian of the above minor must also sign this Agreement. Participant and each parent or legal guardian signing this Agreement are an “undersigned”).
11. Force Majeure: Each undersigned agrees that in the event Conner Prairie is either unable to or deems, in Conner Prairie’s sole discretion, it imprudent to, begin or continue with the Program due to COVID-19 concerns, government regulation, supplier or contractor delays or other events or occurrences beyond its control, Conner Prairie shall be entitled to suspend performance and any delay shall be excused without penalty or liability for damages or return of Program fees.
12. Governing Law and Venue: This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Indiana. Any litigation between the parties relating to this Agreement shall be filed and litigated only in the Indiana Commercial Court located in Marion County or if such Court no longer exists, in a federal or state court located in Hamilton County, Indiana. If one or more portions of this document are found to be unenforceable, the remainder of the document will remain enforceable.

**READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING, YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ARE AFFECTED** 

Overarching philosophy: Campers benefit from experiencing camp with their peers. While campers of the same age can have different maturities and abilities, we have set guidelines to ensure age-appropriate activities and engagement. Moving campers outside of their typical age group can negatively impact the camp experience for that camper and other campers.

Generally, campers should be the following age by the first day of their week at camp:

• Farm Friends (Age 5)
• Prairie Pals (Ages 6 and 7)
• Trailblazers (Ages 8 and 9)
• River Runners (Ages 10 and 11)
• Wayfarers (Ages 12 and 13)

We will not make any exceptions to the following:

• Campers must be at least 5 years old by the first day of their week at camp to attend Adventure Camp.
• Campers must be at least 8 years old to be a Trailblazer and canoe on the White River.
• Campers must be at least 12 years old to be a Wayfarer.

The following exceptions do not require approval from the Camp Director:

• Moving Down One Age Group: A camper may be registered for the group lower than their age (a 6- or 7-year-old can be a Farm Friend, an 8- or 9-year-old can be a Prairie Pal, a 10- or 11-year-old can be a Trailblazer, a 12–13-year-old can be a River Runner). Please note that dropping age groups will negatively impact the camper’s experience; 8- and 9-year-olds will miss out on canoeing on the White River, and 12–13-year-olds will miss out on specialty Wayfarer programming including the all-day canoe trip.
• But They’re Almost Old Enough: (only applies to almost-Prairie Pals and almost-River Runners):
  • A camper that will turn 6 years old within 2 weeks of their first day of camp may be registered as a Prairie Pal.
  • A camper that will turn 10 years old within 2 weeks of their first day of camp may be registered as a River Runner.

For any other exceptions, please check with the Camp Director before booking the registration.

For your child’s safety and enjoyment, a CERTIFIED THERAPIST OR LEGAL GUARDIAN is permitted to attend camp (at no additional charge) with your special needs camper. This person must check in with the camp director on the first day of camp.   

All campers are expected to behave in a manner that supports the delivery of our mission. 

• Adventure Camp’s mission is to provide everyone with a safe, equitable and exciting journey that builds lasting community and empowers personal growth under the skilled leadership of stellar mentors. 

Our behavior management plan has been developed on the beliefs that: 

• Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for young people to grow and develop, and part of that growth and development includes making mistakes and relating actions with consequences. 

• We have an obligation to provide an excellent program to all campers. One camper’s behavior will not be allowed to negatively impact the experience of their peers. Every camper deserves the opportunity to learn from their choices. 

• A camper’s observable behavior is a result of their invisible motivation and intention. All three of these factors are considered when enacting a behavior management response. 

• Consequences for misbehavior will be logical and intended to be developmental, not strictly punitive. 

• Under no circumstances will a camper be shamed, humiliated, or physically injured as part of a behavior management response. 

The following camper expectations are shared and discussed on the first morning of camp with each camp group: 

• Be safe and have fun. 

• Show respect for yourself, counselors, fellow campers, and your environment. Treat others as you want to be treated. 

• Stay with your counselors and follow their directions. 

• Tell your counselors right away if something upsets you or you need help. 

• Keep your lunch food to yourself- no sharing or trading. 

• Try new things, and do your best.

As a parent/guardian, you can expect our staff to: 

• Prioritize the safety of all campers in our care. We believe in safety as necessary.  

• Respect your camper regardless of demographic characteristics, special needs, past behavioral incidents, or any other identifying feature. 

• Clearly establish and consistently enforce all rules and expectations. 

• Deliver a planned program, modified as needed to meet the needs of campers and weather. 

• Use positive and supportive language that is delivered clearly and calmly. 

• Involve campers in the problem-solving process. 

Adventure Camp staff will work with your camper on a progressive discipline plan. When a camper engages in behavior that is not consistent with the expectations listed above, the camp staff will implement the following progressive discipline steps: 

1. The staff member will provide the camper with a verbal reminder of the expectation, and explain why the expectation exists. 
2. The staff member will have a 1:1 conversation with the camper (in view of other staff), informing the camper that a repeated choice not to meet the expectation will result in temporary removal from the group and missing out on scheduled activities. 
3. The staff member will remove the camper from the group and notify the camp inclusion specialist or camp coordinator. The camp inclusions specialist/camp coordinator will work with the camper and staff members to understand the choices made and determine whether or not the camper can be returned to the group. With guidance from the camp director or manager, the camper may then be: 
   a. immediately returned to the group
   b. returned after having some time to regain their composure and consider their choices, or
   c. not returned to the group. In such cases, the parent/guardian will be notified to pick up their camper. An alternative program will not be provided, and refunds will not be issued. 

Depending on the severity of the behavior, we may implement the above steps in any order that we deem necessary. Specifically, behavior including, but not limited to: physical or verbal assault, bringing or threatening to bring weapons to camp, threats or acts of violence, racial/ethnic/sexual language, and property theft will result in immediate implementation of step #3. Parents/guardians will be held financially responsible for intentional damage to facilities or equipment caused by their camper. 

Adventure Camp’s mission is to provide everyone with a safe, equitable and exciting journey that builds lasting community and empowers personal growth under the skilled leadership of stellar mentors. 

We highly recommend that all electronic devices and phones stay at home. Campers will not be allowed to use their devices throughout the day. Camp days are packed with activities, adventures, and nature. These items could get lost or damaged. Please keep these at home, but feel free to bring your favorite book to enjoy in our NEW Learning Garden.

Tie-Dye Washing & Care Instructions:

After Dyeing – First Wash:

1. Let it Set: Keep your tie-dye item wrapped in plastic or sealed in a bag for 6–24 hours to allow the dye to set.
2. Rinse: Remove rubber bands and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Then switch to warm water to help rinse out excess dye.
3. First Wash: - Wash the item by itself (or with other tie-dyes). - Use hot water and a small amount of mild detergent. - Run a full cycle in the washing machine.
4. Dry: Tumble dry on low heat or hang to air dry.

Ongoing Care:

• Wash in cold water to preserve colors.
• Use mild detergent (no bleach or harsh chemicals).
• Turn inside out before washing.
• Wash with similar colors.
• Dry on low heat or hang dry.

Tip: A little fading over time is natural—that’s part of the charm of handmade tie-dye!