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Building relationships for 50 years
Relationships are the heart and soul of our two, three, and four day camp experiences. From the way we teach trails to the way we serve our meals, we’ve engineered every detail to strengthen the bonds of friendship in the classroom, and encourage the development of community back home. Meals served family style around a large table, opportunities for free play, hands-on team oriented activities, plenty of thoughtful discussion and a shared cabin all contribute to a healthy environment of relational development.
- 96 schools from all over Indiana and Illinois who came together as a group at Tecumseh in 2024.
- 1975 The first year of Outdoor Education at Camp Tecumseh. Serving communities for 50 years.
State Standards
Bringing State standards to life
Camp Tecumseh Outdoor Education experiences are more than just fun field trips. Each program is designed to seamlessly integrate with your curriculum by meeting state educational standards for every grade level we serve. We create unforgettable experiences in our natural, outdoor classroom, and our talented, highly trained staff members will help you and your school meet the goals of both your classroom and your administration. Harness the power of hands-on, experiential learning and bring your curriculum to life.
Foundations for Success
Building future leaders starts here
The world’s most influential people didn’t achieve success through sheer luck. Instead, they mastered a number of key skills that help them make decisions, navigate complex issues, and harness the power of the group.
In the Foundations for Success program, students are introduced to five of those key skills: leadership, trust, communication, problem solving, and self-confidence. Through a number of challenging, team-oriented activities, students will utilize these foundations in ways that will benefit them both inside the classroom and out.
for grades 5 - 8
Every activity encourages students to apply the five foundations in creative and insightful ways. In Camp Tecumseh’s outdoor classroom, students are challenged to negotiate tricky group dynamics, solve complex puzzles, and think on their feet while developing empathy for others.
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Communication Station
Interactive and thought provoking group activities that encourage students to think about the ways in which they communicate.
Communication Station
Interactive and thought provoking group activities that encourage students to think about the ways in which they communicate.
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Optimist Challenge
A uniquely designed obstacle course that promotes self-confidence and builds trust with classmates.
Optimist Challenge
A uniquely designed obstacle course that promotes self-confidence and builds trust with classmates.
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Survival Simulation
A demanding wilderness simulation that requires sound problem solving and leadership skills to succeed.
Survival Simulation
A demanding wilderness simulation that requires sound problem solving and leadership skills to succeed.
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Teams Course/Group Initiatives
Presented with a number of mind-boggling scenarios, students must use problem solving skills to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
Teams Course/Group Initiatives
Presented with a number of mind-boggling scenarios, students must use problem solving skills to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
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Mission Possible
An adventurous mission through the woods that will test problem solving and leadership skills.
Mission Possible
An adventurous mission through the woods that will test problem solving and leadership skills.
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Climbing Tower
A thrilling climb up the rock wall that instills self-confidence and encourages trust and communication.
Climbing Tower
A thrilling climb up the rock wall that instills self-confidence and encourages trust and communication.
More info for Foundations for Success
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State Standards for Foundations
Check out the standards that are met in our Foundations for Success program.
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Sample 3 Day Schedule
See the sample schedule of a 3 day trip.
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Sample 2 Day Schedule
See the sample schedule of a 2 day trip.
Pioneer Heritage
Bringing indiana in 1811 to life
Grades 3 – 5
In the early 1800’s individuals flocked to the Indiana Territory under the promise of a better life. While books and pictures tell part of that story, Camp Tecumseh brings the pioneer times to life through authentic, hands-on pioneer experiences. Build a log cabin; grind cornmeal and learn how to make biscuits over a fire; set a trap line and learn how to catch and trade the pelt of a fox; create an improvised bridge that you and your compatriots can cross; go fishing with nothing but a hook, some line, and a stick; care for barnyard animals; navigate through the woods using landmarks; explore the diversities of the indigenous cultures of Indiana; and so much more. The kids are in the center of the action as they learn to live life as a pioneer.
more info for Pioneer Heritage
Check out additional resources for the Pioneer Heritage program
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State Standards for Pioneer Heritage
Check out the standards that are met in our Pioneer Heritage program.
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Sample 3 Day Schedule
See a sample of a 3 day schedule.
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Sample 2 Day Schedule
See a sample of a 2 day schedule.
Earthship Journey
A HANDS-ON JOURNEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
In the Earthship Journey program, students get their hands dirty in our three different ecosystems as they discover the remarkable processes of nature and the value of environmental responsibility. The Earthship code is the guiding principle behind every activity. Consisting of cycles, sunlight energy, changes, relationships, communities, differences, and gifts, the code provides a framework for understanding the mechanisms behind the wonders of nature. Dig into the soil, investigate animal habitats, write tree themed poetry, learn how foresters calculate the amount of timber in trees, catch and investigate invertebrates living in the creek bed, and so much more.
for grades 4 - 6
In addition to these activities, each student also takes part in recreational activities including canoeing and archery.
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Pine Forest
An un-harvested Christmas tree farm planted in the 1940s creates an ideal environment to study the different stages of the soil cycle and learn about the effects of overpopulation.
Pine Forest
An un-harvested Christmas tree farm planted in the 1940s creates an ideal environment to study the different stages of the soil cycle and learn about the effects of overpopulation.
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Oak Forest
The massive oak trees that make up the oak forest provide the perfect setting for understanding the forest cycle and the relationships between living things. From rotten log investigations to tree-themed poetry, students gain a wider understanding of what happens in the forest over the long term.
Oak Forest
The massive oak trees that make up the oak forest provide the perfect setting for understanding the forest cycle and the relationships between living things. From rotten log investigations to tree-themed poetry, students gain a wider understanding of what happens in the forest over the long term.
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Nature Center
An interactive exhibit, the Nature Center is the perfect place to learn more about the surrounding ecosystem. Learn about reptiles and amphibians with real frogs, turtles, and snakes. Visit the inside of a beehive and play exciting games that illustrate the food chain.
Nature Center
An interactive exhibit, the Nature Center is the perfect place to learn more about the surrounding ecosystem. Learn about reptiles and amphibians with real frogs, turtles, and snakes. Visit the inside of a beehive and play exciting games that illustrate the food chain.
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Ghost Creek
Students have a hands-on learning experience as they search for macro-invertebrates in our aquatic ecosystem. They take on the role of water quality scientist as they determine the cleanliness of Ghost Creek based on temperature, pH testing, and the creatures they find.
Ghost Creek
Students have a hands-on learning experience as they search for macro-invertebrates in our aquatic ecosystem. They take on the role of water quality scientist as they determine the cleanliness of Ghost Creek based on temperature, pH testing, and the creatures they find.
more info for Earthship Journey
Check out additional resources for the Pioneer Heritage program
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State Standards for Earthship Journey
See the standards that are met in our Earthship Journey program.
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Sample 3 Day Schedule
Check out the sample of a 3 day schedule.
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Sample 2 Day Schedule
Check out the sample of a 2 day schedule.
Christmas in the Colonies
Celebrate the Holidays in Pioneer Style
Grades 4 – 6 | Only available in November and December
It’s Christmas on the homestead. Travel back in time to the 1800s and experience winter life in the Indiana Territory. While books and pictures tell part of that story, Camp Tecumseh brings the pioneer times to life through authentic, hands-on pioneer experiences. Build a log cabin, bake pioneer Christmas cookies; learn to sew quilt squares; make authentic pioneer toys; hunt for the Christmas feast; set a trap line and learn how to catch and trade the pelt of a fox; create an improvised bridge that you and your compatriots can cross; care for barnyard animals; explore the diversities of the Native cultures of Indiana; and so much more. The kids are in the center of the action as they celebrate Christmas as a pioneer.
Campfire
The magic of the night
Magic happens when the sun goes down at Camp Tecumseh. A roaring fire and wholesome entertainment will have you and your students singing and dancing, acting and laughing as our staff leads you through songs, skits, and jokes that will have your class telling stories for years. After campfire, take a hike through the woods without any light. Follow our staff as they teach you and your students how to navigate using your ears and your sense of touch. Lie on your back beneath a shimmering blanket of stars and learn about the constellations and the wide universe. Listen to the gleeful shouts of students as they shoot down the Bullet slide or the Black Hole slide in darkness. Witness the bonds of friendship forming in the cabin before bedtime as students, chaperones, and teachers recount the day’s events as they slowly nod off to sleep.
What Teachers Say
These field trips aren't just for kids, they're for teachers too. Don't just take our word for it.
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Nativity School Teacher
4th Grade
“When we come back from camp we are a more cohesive group. The kids have even more shared experiences to call on when interacting. They refer to camp all year long."
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Ogden International Teacher
7th Grade
“My favorite part was seeing a student who struggles to adhere to classroom instructions repeatedly take on a leadership role. Watching her teach students who are traditionally higher achievers than her in an area they were struggling in was great.”
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Stony Creek Teacher
4th Grade
"I loved seeing them just be kids and run around through the trees, using the playground, and just being free. I loved seeing them as kids.”
