Charles Kauffman, fondly known as Uncle Carl, brought his museum from South Dakota to North Newton, Kansas, in 1940. He spent the next two decades bringing history and the outdoor world to life for children and adults at the Kauffman Museum on the Bethel College campus. In keeping with Uncle Carl’s tradition, Kauffman Museum offers discovery-oriented, hands-on summer camps for children. Come explore new and old worlds with us!

Payment
Payment must be included with registration. For information about becoming a Kauffman Museum member or about need-based scholarships, contact the museum. Cancellation policy available upon request.

Creative Writing Camp

June 3-7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Age: 13 to 18 (Completed Grade 7-12)

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just beginning to explore the power of storytelling, this camp offers a welcoming space for all writers. Throughout camp, you’ll be encouraged to explore the works of environmental writers, science fiction visionaries, and masters of various genres, igniting your passion for storytelling. Unleash your imagination as you participate in group activities, peer critiques, and stimulating discussions that foster a supportive writing community.

Prairie Ponderings

June 10-14, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Age: 9 to 12 (Completed Grade 3-6)

Campers will experience the prairie and explore the insects, birds, and plants that call the grasses home. Campers will use science, art and play to engage the senses and learn about prairie lifecycles and diversity. We’ll even engage in real science experiments that help wildlife conservation through citizen science.

Behind the Mask 1

June 17-21, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Age: 6 to 8 (Completed Grade K-2)

Who in the world wears masks? Explore cultures that make masks and the kinds of ceremonies where people wear masks. Learn about Native American, African, Central American and Asian mask traditions. Campers will use a variety of materials to create masks.

Behind the Mask 2

June 24-28, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | 9 to 12 (Completed Grade 3-6)

Campers will explore cultures that make masks and the ceremonies of those cultures. Native American traditions and the influence of African cultures on today’s American celebrations, such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans, will provide ideas for mask making projects. Campers will create masks from a variety of cultures from various materials.

Farm Animals at the Museum

July 8-12, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Age: 6 to 8 (Completed Grade K-2)

Jump into farm life with Farm Animals at the Museum! Students will learn all about goats, chickens, sheep, cows, and pigs through activities that include art, literature, music, and games. Real life farm animals will visit the museum each day, and there will be plenty of time for petting and snuggles. Join us for this hands-on, farm-tastic learning experience!

Prairie Animal Pals

July 15-19, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | ge: 4 and 5 (Not Yet in Kindergarten)

Come on a Prairie Pals adventure with us! We will find surprises all around as we learn about animals that make their homes on the prairie. We’ll discover
animals that poke their heads out of the ground, animals that fly in the air, and animals that graze on the grass and hide in it. Be prepared to explore the prairie plot outside and prairie exhibits indoors. We can’t wait for you to be our pal!