Early Bird registration for ESE families opens at 9 a.m. on March 1, 2026 Regular registration opens at 12 p.m. on March 1, 2026 May 27 – July 31, 2026
Registration Begins: March 1, 2026
carmelclayparks.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contact Us:
ese@carmelclayparks.com
10701 N College Ave
Carmel, IN 46280
Summer Camp Team:
317.843.3865
Weather Hotline:
317.843.3870
Monon Community Center:
317.848.7275
PLAYGROUNDACC
Playground On-site
04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 •ON-SITE
Under the Sun
(K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
STEAM Team
(1st–7th Grades; Ages 6 – 12)
Camp Wayback
(K–4th Grades; Ages 5 – 9)
Adventures in Art (K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
Science of Summer (K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
The Summer Experience (K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
Outdoor Explorers
(2nd–7th Grades; Ages 7 – 12)
Vacation Vibes
(K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
Kids at Play
(K–6th Grades; Ages 5 – 11)
Expedition Discovery (K–4th Grades; Ages 5 – 9)
Chillville (4th–8th Grades; Ages 9 – 13)
I.M.P.A.C.T. (7th–10th Grades; Ages 12 – 15)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Policies & Scholarships
Learn more about our summer camp policies, scholarship opportunities & how our team prioritizes camper health and safety.
Inclusion Statement, Modifications & Eligibility Criteria
Learn more about our commitment to inclusive and accessible summer camp programming.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation was awarded the Darkness to Light Partner in Prevention distinction for 2025 – 2026. This represents our commitment to the prevention of child abuse and helping children grow up healthy and whole.
Camp Cost + Payment Information
The $50 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. The remaining weekly fees are due 3 weeks prior to the start date of any enrolled camp.
Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation received ACA-Accredited® Camp status from the American Camp Association in 2022-2030. This represents our commitment to the quality, health and safety aspects of our camp operation.
UNDER THE SUN
Play! Create! Explore! Let’s have a blast this summer making cool projects and playing outside. Get ready to explore science experiments, create awesome artwork and celebrate with parties, all summer long! With colorful messes and outdoor play, every day is packed with hands-on fun that encourages self-expression and discovery. With endless activities and opportunities to make new friends, it’s the perfect way to spend summer. Join us as we explore all the FUN, Under the Sun!
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Carmel Middle School
300 S Guilford Road
Max: 100
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.698.7950
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
Tuesday & Thursday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Wednesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Week 1: May 27-29
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Rainbow Splash
Get Messy
Festivals Galore
Science Rules
Sand and Surf
Super Stars
Disney Daze
All Aboard
Holiday Bash
Animal Adventures
Sky Zone North Indianapolis
Meadowlark Park
Conner Prairie
Cool Creek Park
Inlow Park
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
Regal Village Park 17
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Bowl 32
Indianapolis Zoo
STEAM TEAM
Join the STEAM Team this summer, where science, technology, engineering, art and math take center stage! Campers will cultivate a wide range of skills and ignite their passion for discovery as we dive into creative, hands-on activities. Each week’s theme will inspire imagination and push the boundaries of exploration, making this a summer of limitless possibilities!
FOCUS OF THE
WEEK
FIELD TRIP DESTINATION
Week 1: May 27-29 Art Lab NO FIELD TRIP
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Minecrafters
Magnet Magic
Mission to Mars
Seaquest (The Oceans)
Challenge Accepted
Brick Blast
Super Hero Science Lab
Mixed Bag
Splash-a-palooza
Top Golf
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Indiana State Museum & IMAX
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Bowling
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
Dave & Busters
Morse Beach
1st-7th Grades
Ages 6 – 12
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
S Richland Ave
Max: 100
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.418.8475
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
Tuesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Thursday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit Carmel
CAMP WAYBACK
Calling all time travelers! This summer, embark on a journey through history at Camp Wayback. Each week, our time machine will whisk you to a new destination, filled with exciting adventures and creative activities. Uncover the stories of the past and the connections to today. Get ready to explore, learn and make unforgettable memories along the way!
K-4th Grades
Ages 5 – 9
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Jill Perelman Pavilion
3000 W 116th St
Max: 60
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.418.6917
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
Monday West Park Splashpad:
• Towel
• Swimsuit or change of clothes
Wednesday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
• Goggles (optional)
Thursday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
• Comfortable walking shoes
Week 1: May 27-29 Renaissance
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Carnival Craze
Into the Wild
Greece & Rome
Jurassic Park
Wild Wild West
Back to the Future
All About the Ball
Tropical Treasure Trek
Groovy Generations
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
Indianapolis Zoo
Cool Creek Park
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Conner Prairie
Regal Village Park 17
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum & Track Tour
Morse Beach
Dave & Busters
FIELD TRIP DESTINATION
FOCUS OF THE WEEK
Revival (Art)
Newfields
ADVENTURES IN ART
Unleash your child’s creativity this summer with Adventures in Art! Each week invites campers into a colorful world of imagination, where they’ll paint, sculpt, craft and experiment with a variety of art materials and techniques. From bold masterpieces to imaginative creations, everyday sparks something new and exciting. Creative exploration can get a little messy, so please send your camper in clothes that can handle splashes of color and hands-on art fun! Each week, campers are placed into two groups according to their age and the week’s enrollment, and as these vary, your camper could be in a different group from one week to the next.
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monon Community Center 1235 Central Park Drive East Max: 60 $250/week
Week of May 27: $150 Week of June 29: $200
Art 101/Art History
Clay Creations
Brush & Canvas
Bling Week
Art & Literature/Shutterbugs (Photography)
Sketch It Up
Camp Crafty
Art With A Heart
Art Mash Up
Museum
Pottery by You
Caravan Classes @ Inlow Park
Hope & Anchor
Regal Village Park 17
Holliday Park
Morse Beach
Good Samaritan Network
Top Golf
Questions: 317.698.6579
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Snack
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
Tuesday Splash Pad:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Change of clothes
Wednesday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Thursday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
SCIENCE OF SUMMER
Experience the wonder of science with Science of Summer! This camp is all about making science come alive through interactive experiments, fascinating demonstrations and exciting projects that you can take home. Each week, campers will explore the scientific method in a fun, hands-on environment—just be ready for some mess and wear clothes that can handle a splash of science fun!
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wilfong Pavilion
11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy
Max: 90
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.698.0816
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
Thursday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Friday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Week 1: May 27-29
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Inventive Thinkers (Engineering)
Animal House (Zoology)
In Our Element (Chemistry)
Earth’s Explorers (Earth Science)
Great Scott! (Inventors)
Let’s Get Physical (Sports Science)
Fin-tastic Discoveries (Marine Biology)
Reach For the Sky (Astronomy)
Kinetic Kids (Physics)
Dino-Mite Discovery (Paleontology)
Dave & Busters
Indianapolis Zoo
Conner Prairie
Holliday Park
Regal Village Park 17
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Morse Beach
Indiana State Museum & IMAX
Bowling
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
FIELD
THE SUMMER EXPERIENCE
Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure with The Summer Experience! Each day brings a new thrill as we explore everything from sports and nature to art and beyond. Campers will enjoy splashes at The Waterpark, jump into exciting weekly themes and embark on unforgettable field trips. Join us for a summer full of fun, friendship and memories that will last a lifetime—every day is a new chance to experience the joy of summer!
Week 1: May 27-29 Eco Explorers
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
TSE Time Travelers
Color Chaos
Roar N’ Explore
Circus Craze
TSE Spirit Week
Ocean Odyssey
Mythical Mayhem
Masterpiece Makers
Wacky Water Week
Fort Harrison State Park
Conner Prairie
Top Golf
Indianapolis Zoo
Atomic Duckpin Bowling
NO FIELD TRIP
Morse Beach
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Regal Village Park 17
Inlow Park
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Creekside Middle School
3525 W 126th St
Max: 100
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.418.5267
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
Tuesday & Thursday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Friday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS
Step away from screens and dive into nature with Outdoor Explorers! Equip yourself with sunscreen, sturdy shoes and a sun visor as we embark on daily hikes of one to two miles, discovering the beauty and secrets of various trails. Each day offers a new outdoor adventure, perfect for those who love the thrill of exploration and don’t mind a little dirt along the way!
2nd-7th Grades
Ages 7 – 12
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monon Community Center
1235 Central Park Drive East
Max: 60
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.258.6504
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen & bug spray
Monday Fishing & Hiking:
• Walking shoes
Tuesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Wednesday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Thursday Hiking & Creek Stomping:
• Walking shoes
• Water shoes
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Labeled bag for wet clothes
Friday Cookout & Splash Pad:
• Swimsuit or change of clothes
• Towel
Wildlife Wonders
Creek Stompers
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31 Week 3: June 8-12 Week 2: June 1-5
City Explorers
Historical Habitats
Garden Growers
Nature Navigators
Forest Detectives
Trailblazers
Water Wanderers
Indianapolis Zoo
Holliday Park
Downtown Canal & Victory Field Tour
Downtown Carmel
Virginia B. Fairbanks Park
Williams Park
Southeastway Park
Turkey Run State Park
Inlow Park
VACATION VIBES
School is out, and Vacation Vibes has arrived! Get ready for the ultimate summer camp filled with fun, relaxation and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or making new ones, this camp is all about unplugging, recharging and enjoying every moment. With exciting activities, creative projects and plenty of laughter, Vacation Vibes is more than just a camp— it’s a state of mind!
Week 1: May 27-29 Hoosier Expedition Indiana State Museum
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Animal Safari
Time Traveler’s Passport
All-Star Sports
Heroes and Villains
Patriotic Picnic
Splash Zone
Enchanted Kingdom
World Tour
Carnival Craze
Indianapolis Zoo
Conner Prairie
Top Golf
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
NO FIELD TRIP
Inlow Park
Regal Village Park 17
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Dave & Busters
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Clay Middle School
5150 East 126th St
Max: 100
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.418.1396
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
• Change of clothes
Tuesday & Thursday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Friday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
KIDS AT PLAY
Join us at Kids at Play for a summer full of fun, teamwork and discovery! This camp highlights the value of cooperation and team-building through engaging activities, energetic games and relaxing non-active games. Each exciting week includes a special vendor visit and a field trip, offering a dynamic mix of learning and adventure. Perfect for campers of all experience levels, Kids at Play encourages confidence, coordination, and a love of active play. Come join the fun as we learn, grow and have a blast together!
K-6th Grades
Ages 5 – 11
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Aletto Family Sports Center
5459 East Main St
Max: 100
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.679.9867
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
• Closed-toed shoes
• Hat
Tuesday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Wednesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Week 1: May 27-29 Kickin’ Off Summer
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Jungle Adventures
Bugtopia
Back Yard Sports
Camp Hollywood
Stars & Stripes Sports Week!
Summer Carnival
Superheroes
Blast Off
The Closing Ceremony!
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (Field Trip) Jump Bunch (Vendor)
Indianapolis Zoo (Field Trip)
The Rope Warrior (Vendor)
Cool Creek Park (Field Trip) Carmel Library (Vendor)
Top Golf (Field Trip) Lost n Found (Vendor)
Regal Village Park 17 (Field Trip) Jump Bunch (Vendor)
Carmel Park (Field Trip) Carmel Library (Vendor)
Woodland Bowl (Field Trip) Adamson’s Karate (Vendor)
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park (Field Trip) / Jump Bunch (Vendor)
Laser Tag (Field Trip) Lost n Found (Vendor)
Inlow Park (Field Trip) Adamson’s Karate (Vendor)
FIELD TRIP / ON-SITE VENDOR
EXPEDITION DISCOVERY
Embark on an exciting journey through the world’s biomes with Expedition Discovery! Each week, we’ll explore what makes these incredible ecosystems unique—from fascinating animals to diverse weather patterns and everything in between. This educational adventure will help campers discover the wonders of our amazing planet through engaging crafts, fun games and immersive field trips designed to bring each biome to life. We can’t wait for you to join us as we uncover the beauty and excitement of nature’s most incredible environments!
Week 1: May 27-29
Week 2: June 1-5
Week 3: June 8-12
Week 4: June 15-19
Week 5: June 22-26
Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17
Week 9: July 20-24
Week 10: July 27-31
Rainforest Rangers Cool Creek Park
Savannah Surveyors
Reef Rescuers
Cave Crawlers
Forest Friends
Swamp Stompers
Island Imagineers
Desert Detectives
Arctic Adventurers
Space Scouts
Indianapolis Park
Indianapolis Zoo
Bowling
Fort Harrison State Park
Morse Beach
Pottery by You
Inlow Park
Adrenaline Family Adventure Park
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
K-4th Grades
Ages 5 – 9
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Jill Perelman Pavilion
3000 W 116th St
Max: 60
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.258.8266
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
Tuesday West Park Splash Pad:
• Towel
• Swimsuit or change of clothes
Wednesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt & comfortable walking shoes
Friday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
• Goggles (optional)
CHILLVILLE
Welcome to Chillville the ultimate summer hangout for older campers! This is where big-kid energy meets big time adventure as we dive into creative projects, active challenges and plenty of time to chill with friends. This summer we’re traveling the world inside out — exploring everything from the deepest ocean trenches to the Milky Way from fairy-tale realms to real-life physics. With two swim days each week, trips to West Park, and tons of space to relax, create and connect, Chillville is the place where unforgettable summer memories are made.
4th-8th Grades
Ages 9 – 13
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Jill Perelman Pavilion
3000 W 116th St
Max: 60
$250/week
Week of May 27: $150
Week of June 29: $200
Questions: 317.698.4966
Daily Checklist:
• Packed lunch
• Two snacks
• Labeled water bottle
• Labeled sunscreen
• Labeled bug spray
• Tennis shoes (required for active games)
Tuesday Field Trip:
• Wear provided green camp t-shirt
Wednesday & Friday Swimming:
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Labeled bag for wet swimsuit
Thursday West Park Splash
Pad:
• Towel
• Swimsuit or change of clothes
5: June 22-26 Week 6: June 29-July 2
Week 7: July 6-10
Week 8: July 13-17 Week 9: July 20-24 Week 10: July 27-31 Week 3: June 8-12
Calling All 2026 I.M.P.A.C.T. Campers!
Returning I.M.P.A.C.T. campers: Register starting January 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
New Interested I.M.P.A.C.T. campers: Register starting February 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
I.M.P.A.C.T
Are you interested in stepping into a more responsible role? Do you want to serve as a positive role model? The I.M.P.A.C.T. program is your opportunity to take that next step toward your leadership goals. You will participate in weekly training, team building or activities that focus on the six program elements: initiative, motivation, professionalism, achievement, compassion, and teamwork. Interested individuals will interview to become a member of I.M.P.A.C.T. If selected, you will be assigned to one of the following day camps: STEAM Team, The Summer Experience, Under the Sun, Vacation Vibes, Science of Summer, Adventures in Art, Camp Wayback, Expedition Discovery, or Kids at Play.
7th-10th Grades
Ages 12 – 15
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Locations Vary: See table
Max: 40
$500/summer*
*will not be prorated
Questions: 317.573.5240
STEAM Team
May 27-July 31
The Summer Experience May 27-July 31
Under the Sun May 27-July 31
Vacation Vibes
May 27-July 31
Science of Summer
May 27-July 31
Adventures in Art May 27-July 31
Camp Wayback
May 27-July 31
Expedition Discovery May 27-July 31
Kids at Play May 27-July 31
Carmel Elementary School
Creekside Middle School
Carmel Middle School
Clay Middle School
Wilfong Pavilion at Founders Park
Monon Community Center East
Jill Perelman Pavilion at West Park
Jill Perelman Pavilion at West Park
Aletto Family Sports Center
101 S. Richland Avenue
3525 W 126th St
3000 S Guilford Ave
5150 E 126th St
11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy
1235 Central Park Dr East
3000 W 116th St
3000 W 116th St
5459 East Main Street
Submitting Your Application
Please submit the application within EZChildTrack if interested. The application will open for returning 2025 I.M.P.A.C.T. campers on Jan. 1 at 9 a.m and on Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. for new campers. All submitted applications are in pending status until reviewed and approved by the ESE administrative staff. The selected “Home Site” and Camp Location Choices are not guaranteed as space is limited at each site and within the program.
Please contact Tiffany Buckingham, ESE/SCS Assistant Director, at tbuckingham@carmelclayparks.com or 317-573-5240 with questions. Interviews for new interested I.M.P.A.C.T. campers will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis from date/time of submitted application. Our Summer Camp Series Admin team will follow up with camp location assignments and payment information if selected
Save the Date: I.M.P.A.C.T. Retreat Day is planned for late Summer. The specific date and location are to be determined and will be shared with I.M.P.A.C.T. families in advance.
