Quilt Camp
Join a group as passionate about quilting as they are about community.
A community of quilters awaits at Camp Tecumseh. Serving quilters of all ages, Quilt Camp provides a space to hone your quilting skills, and work on your quilting projects. Held six times a year at the Tecumseh Leadership Center, Quilt Camp is more than just a project space, it’s an active, supportive, and inspiring community composed of people who regularly pray for each other, support each other, and build each other up.
Quilt Show on October 14 at Camp. 2 – 5 PM.
The Camp Tecumseh Quilt Campers invite the public to a Quilt Show on October 14 at the Tecumseh Leadership Center. Come see their incredible work as a showcase for a program that is 30 years strong.
Quilting
Your next project is waiting
Whether you’ve been quilting for decades, or just bought your first sewing machine, Quilt Camp is the perfect place to hone your skills, learn new techniques from fellow quilters, challenge yourself with a new pattern, or just finish that project that’s been sitting for too long in your craft room.
Hone Your Skills
There’s no better place to grow as a quilter than at Quilt Camp. With ample time to experiment, dozens of experienced quilters happy to answer questions, and a shop full of supplies, you have every reason to stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone. If you’re new to sewing, don’t worry. Lots of campers learned to quilt for the first time at Quilt Camp.
Try new things
With occasional workshops led by experienced instructors for every level of sewer, recommended patterns that reflect camp’s theme, and impromptu lessons led by quilt campers, there’s always something new to try.
The Joy of Accomplishment
Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies finishing a project. On the last day of Quilt Camp, take part in “Show and Tell” where you have the opportunity to share your finished project with all of Quilt Camp.
Community
A vibrant community built on trust, faith, and encouragement
Quilt Camp is so much more than a place to make a quilt. With dozens of quilters attending year after year, Quilt Camp has become a family. It’s a place to connect with friends new and old. It’s a place to chat about kids, grandkids, vacation plans, struggles, doubts, joys, and accomplishments with people who support you, encourage you, and inspire you.
From the layout of the sewing rooms, to the setup of the dining hall and sleeping quarters, Quilt Camp is intentionally designed to foster authentic community.
Shared Spaces
Strike up a conversation with your neighbor as you work on your project. Meet a new friend over breakfast pastries. Ask about the book somebody is reading before bed. Intentionally designed spaces like our circular tables, bunk-style sleeping arrangements, and communal sewing rooms help foster relationships through proximity.
Shared Activities
While quilting takes up most of the schedule, activities like the Quilt Camp book club, nature hikes, and games provide lots of opportunities to meet new people. Activities like zip lining and morning chapels may be available depending on the time of year.
Facilities
Quilt in Comfort at the Tecumseh Leadership Center
Sewing Rooms
Quilters sew in one of four spacious conference rooms in the basement of the Leadership Center. Upon arrival, each quilter is assigned table space and a chair. Each room features one or two extra tables for cutting and one or two irons and ironing boards in addition to plentiful electrical outlets.
Meals
Meals are served buffet style in the TLC dining room and are included in the price of registration. For Early Bird Campers, we do offer a continental breakfast. We offer a number of different meal choices (salad bar, vegetarian option, and a meat option). Please let us know if you have a specific dietary need.
Sleeping Facilities
Every quilter is assigned a bunk in one of eight rooms. Each room features ten bunks with a comfortable spring mattress. Please bring a pillow, bed linens, blankets, or a sleeping bag. Mattresses are twin extra-long. Indoor restrooms are located at the end of each wing, and feature toilets, sinks, and showers with dressing areas for privacy. There is a limited number of bottom bunks. Please mark your request for a bottom bunk on your registration form. These are usually given on a first to register, first serve basis.
Perks
Snacks, soda, water, coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, and cappuccino are available to guests 24 hours a day. Many quilters bring a travel mug to fill and take downstairs to their sewing room. In addition, the TLC features high-speed wireless internet, a beautiful view of the lake, and plenty of spots to sit outside and relax.
Quilt Shop
Stop by the shop
Forget something at home? Have some extra time? Whether you need fabric, new patterns, instruction books, or other accessories, you can pick them up at the Quilt Shop located in the lobby of the Leadership Center. Available at every Quilt Camp, each shop is hosted by a quilt store from the surrounding area. Past shop sponsors have included Nancy J’s, Crimson Tate, and more.
Dates, Prices, Themes
Make your Quilt Camp plan
Quilt Camps are held a number of times throughout the year. Each Quilt Camp features a theme with projects and activities that complement the camp theme. Campers are welcome to sew projects selected as part of the camp theme or bring a project from home. Patient, knowledgeable instructors are available throughout the camp session to provide tips and assistance in sewing camp-specific projects. Campers bring their own sewing machines, quilting tools, and fabric.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING COVID: Camp Tecumseh encourages all guests (including Quilt Campers) to be up-to-date on their vaccination against COVID-19. We also encourage masking in confined, indoor areas where social distancing is difficult. These mitigation efforts are encouraged, but not required at this time.
Registration is now online. Please click Register next to the corresponding dates below.
2023 Quilt Camp Dates
| Theme | Dates | Registration Date | Early Bird Day | Cost | Registration Opens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin Fever Quilt Camp | January 20-22 | Registration Opens December 19, 2022 | Early bird on Thursday, January 19: Early birds come on Thursday for an additional $65 which includes breakfast and lunch on Friday. | $210 | Registration closed |
| Spring Fling Quilt Camp | March 17-19 | Registration Opens February 13 | Early bird on Thursday, March 16: Early birds come on Thursday for an additional $65 which includes breakfast and lunch on Friday. | $210 | Registration closed |
| UFO "UnFinished Objects" Quilt Camp | July 5-9 | Registration Opens June 5 | No early bird at July camp | $345 | Registration closed |
| Harvest Days Quilt Camp | October 13-15 | Registration is now Open | Early bird on October 12: Early birds come on Thursday for an additional $65 which includes breakfast and lunch on Friday. | $210 | Registration closed |
| Mother, Daughter, Friend Camp | December 1-3 | Registration Opens October 30 | Early bird on December 1: Early birds come on Thursday for an additional $65 which includes breakfast and lunch on Friday. | $210 | Registration coming soon |
Upcoming Camp: BUZZ WORDS | OCTOBER 13 – 15
(There are no bottom bunks remaining at this time.)
We are buzzing with excitement about October Quilt Camp! It’s always so much fun to treat yourself to a weekend away that’s filled with friends – old and new – a pop-up Quilt Show, Fall colors, new projects, vendors, walks, laughter, fellowship, and memories! We have decided that we should make this October Quilt Camp all about celebrating each other, our love of quilting, and Camp Tecumseh turning 100 years old. We hope you will put October 13 -1 5, our 170th Quilt Camp, on your calendar as we would love to have you join us. We plan to make it extra special with several vendors and guests invited on Saturday to our second pop-up, outdoor Quilt Show where we will display everyone’s beautiful quilts. Please bring two or three of yours with you to camp that we can hang up.
A fun retreat is being planned for you with an all-new theme: Buzz Words. We have experienced the power of “words” that have been spoken to us, about us, and “words” that have become part of our core values. Hopefully you’ll be inspired and challenged by all the “buzz “ at camp.
Bee Happy, Bee Grateful, Bee Kind, Bee Helpful, Bee Joyful, Bee patient, Bee You!
In October, the queen bee is going to be Krista Moser’s quilt called Bumblebee Blossoms that finishes 54” x 71”. Her technique is mastered with a Creative Grids 60-degree diamond mini ruler. It’s so helpful when making the vibrant ombré blooms and the bees searching for nectar. We also plan to share how to make hexagon blocks for a small project and eventually a full-size quilt. You are probably familiar with the Grandmothers Flower Garden pattern, a one patch design made from equilateral hexagons. English quilters call all designs made from equilateral hexagons “honeycomb quilts.”
Hives, Bees, and Bugs, oh my! Our resident ornithologist Becky, now ‘certified’ entomologist, will be on hand to explain the differences between bees, bugs, insects, and animals. Get excited to take her second quilt camp quiz! Of course, there will be lots of prizes.
There is a cute little Villa Rosa pattern called June Bugs that can be made with a layer cake or FQ’s. Once you get started, we just might hear you say, “Don’t bug me, I’m quilting.”
Nancy J will be our vendor at camp, and she is happy to help you purchase any of the patterns. 260-563-3505
You are welcome to arrive any time on Friday to settle into your room at the Leadership Center, plug in your sewing machine and start creating. Early birds may begin arriving any time after noon on Thursday, October 12. There will be a hot breakfast for early bird campers on Friday morning. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM on Friday evening followed by the official welcome and introductions. Can’t wait to see you and say “Welcome to the Hive!”
Bumblebee Blossoms pattern $14.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Quilt Camp
Do I need quilting experience to come to Quilt Camp?
No. Quilt Camp is a great place to learn. In fact, that’s how a number of quilt campers learned to quilt. However, you will need to provide your own sewing supplies.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring your own sewing machine and sewing supplies, including a sewing machine, fabric, thread, scissors, rulers, needles, etc. There are irons and ironing boards available in every room. We have a vendor onsite in case you forgot something at home. The vendor usually has a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, and accessories. We also “hire” an instructor for each Camp to help with projects offered for each themed Quilt Camp. You are welcome to bring your own projects or take part in the projects offered.
I don’t have a sewing machine. Can I borrow or rent one from Camp?
Unfortunately, we do not have machines we can rent out.
Can I bring my own chair?
Yes. While Camp does provide a chair, many quilters prefer their own. You may also bring an extra cushion for your sewing chair.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, with some restrictions. Due to health department codes, we are not able to offer the use of our refrigerators to our guests. However, you are welcome to bring your own food that does not require refrigeration. However, please make sure that it is in an airtight container as to not draw insects. Please keep the food with your luggage in your room.
Will I be sharing a room with others?
Yes. Each of our rooms sleeps up to ten people. Indoor restrooms are located at the end of each wing. Each restroom has 4-5 stools, sinks, and showers with individual dressing areas for privacy.
My sewing equipment is really heavy. Can I get assistance moving my equipment?
Yes. Members of the Leadership Center staff will be able to assist you with your belongings when you arrive and when you depart.
Can I reserve a bottom bunk?
There is a limited number of bottom bunks. Please mark your request for a bottom bunk on your registration form. These are usually given on a first to register, first serve basis.
Clubs and Organizations
Bringing clubs and organizations closer together
Non-profits, corporations, churches, small businesses, sports teams, alumni groups, scrapbooking clubs, schools, youth groups, and more find a home at Camp Tecumseh. Whether you’re looking for a spot to meet, host a presentation, or bring together a community, Camp Tecumseh is the perfect place to get away and reconnect in a beautiful natural setting.
Mission
Our goal is to help your group better fulfill its mission.
Between the personal growth experienced by each of your members and to the collective growth that results from an intentional shared experience, we hope that your trip to Camp Tecumseh will inspire and prepare your group to better achieve your mission back in your own community.
A world-class staff here to serve you
Our staff is here to help you at every step of the process. From planning and organizing your trip, to staffing and leading program areas, to trouble-shooting issues whenever they arise, our staff is a visible and helpful presence during your trip. Personable, generous, and fun-loving, we’re here to serve you.
We’ll Handle the Logistics
We’ve made planning the logistics of your trip as easy as we can. With hearty meals prepared by our expert kitchen staff and meal times led by a Tecumseh staff member, first-class winterized cabins with attached restrooms, and numerous activities that are led and supervised by Tecumseh staff, we take many of the headaches involved with trip planning off of your plate.
An Environment designed for Growth
With 660 acres along the banks of the Tippecanoe River, Camp Tecumseh’s natural setting provides the perfect environment to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your group. More than just the natural setting, Camp’s friendly and welcoming staff and intentionally designed programs work together to foster an atmosphere of joy.
Event Planning
Equally experienced in event planning and stress reduction
Trip planning is difficult. Let our dedicated and experienced staff take some of it off of your plate.
Room Setup
We’ll set the facilities up for you exactly as you want them prior to your arrival. Our flexible facilities can be arranged and re-arranged to best suit your needs.
Technical Support and no fees
From laptops and projectors to in-room sound systems, we take care of your technical needs. And we we won’t charge you extra for it.
Logistics
We’re happy to work with you to build the perfect schedule, set up check-in and check-out, order bed linens, and provide assistance during the duration of your conference.
Facilities
Charming, flexible, and built to bring people together
From on site-dining offering meal services throughout your trip, to flexible spaces that can be arranged and customized to fit your needs, Camp Tecumseh’s facilities are as beautiful as they are useful.
Lodges & Meeting Spaces
Our meeting spaces come equipped with audio visual systems, plenty of space, and lots of character.
The Tecumseh Leadership Center
For groups smaller than 70, the Tecumseh Leadership Center is an intimate, high-quality experience.
Inquire
Your Camp Tecumseh adventure starts here
Ready to bring your group? Fill out this form to start your Camp Tecumseh adventure. Alternatively, give us a call at 765-564-2898. Just make sure you have your group name, the name of your group’s contact person, an address, phone number, email address, dates for your visit, length of your visit, and the expected number of attendees (both adults and children).
After you have filled out this form, we will check availability for the dates you are interested in and confirm whether or not we have availability. Once we have finalized a date, we will create a contract and send it to you. Make sure to review the contract thoroughly. If everything looks correct, return it with a signature and a check for the deposit (usually $250). The deposit is applied to your total balance unless you decide to carry the deposit for a future visit.
Prepare
Getting ready for your Camp Tecumseh trip
From packing lists to check-in instructions, to special dietary requests, we have everything you need to prepare yourself for your Tecumseh adventure.
Conferences
Bringing organizations and communities together to connect, share, and grow
With accommodations for up to 700 guests, a world-class staff dedicated to crafting great experiences, and a commitment to helping organizations better achieve their mission, Camp Tecumseh’s conference facilities are perfect for local, regional, and national organizations looking to connect, share, and grow.
Mission
Our mission is helping other organizations better fulfill theirs.
At Camp Tecumseh, we work hard to create a joyful, engaging environment. Our hope is that the experience groups have here equips them to better carry out their work back home in their own communities.
A world-class staff
Friendly, welcoming, and exceedingly helpful, our staff believes in hands-on, bend-over-backwards customer service. From trip planning, to event logistics, we have your back at every step.
A beautiful setting
Situated on the banks of the Tippecanoe River, Camp Tecumseh is a gem in the middle of rural Indiana. Our beautiful facilities are surrounded by 600 acres of woods, fields, and water all waiting to be explored.
Unplug
Unplug from the chaos back home and focus exclusively on connecting with those around you. The Tecumseh experience is intentionally designed to bring people closer together.
Facilities
Charming, flexible, and built to bring people together
From on-site dining offering meal services throughout your trip, to flexible spaces that can be arranged and customized to fit your needs, our facilities are as beautiful as they are useful.
Presentation Spaces
Our presentation spaces come equipped with high quality audio/visual systems, plenty of space, and lots of character.
Breakout Spaces
Sprinkled throughout our facilities are cozy breakout spaces perfect for small-group discussion and community building.
Sleeping Facilities
Comfortable communal sleeping quarters bring groups closer together.
Dining Facilities
On-site dining facilities provide delicious meals all throughout your conference.
Event Planning
Equally experienced in event planning and stress reduction
Conference planning is difficult. Let our dedicated and experienced staff take some of it off of your plate.
Room Setup
We’ll set the rooms up for you exactly as you want them prior to your arrival. Our flexible facilities can be arranged and re-arranged to best suit your needs.
Technical Support and no fees
From laptops and projectors to in-room sound systems, we take care of your technical needs. And we we won’t charge you extra for it.
Logistics
We’re happy to work with you to build the perfect schedule, set up check-in and check-out, order bed linens, and provide assistance during the duration of your conference.
Location
Close enough to get here easily. Far enough away to disconnect.
Located between Chicago, Indianapolis, and Lafayette, Camp Tecumseh is within 2 hours of 3 major airports, 15 minutes off of I-65, and within 30 minutes of an Amtrak station.
By car
15 minutes east of I-65, we’re an easy drive from anywhere in the midwest. Ample parking is available on-site.
By plane
Within 90 minutes of the Indianapolis Airport, and within two hours of O’Hare and Chicago Midway, it’s easy to get here from around the world. Shuttle service is available to Lafayette, which is 30 minutes away.
By train
The Lafayette amtrack station is 30 minutes from Camp with coast-to-coast service from Washington state to Washington DC, and LA to New York.
Inquire
Are you ready to schedule your conference at Camp Tecumseh?
Ready to bring your group? Fill out this form to start your Camp Tecumseh adventure. Alternatively, give us a call at 765-564-2898. Just make sure you have your group name, the name of your group’s contact person, an address, phone number, email address, dates for your visit, length of your visit, and the expected number of attendees (both adults and children).
After you have filled out this form, we will check availability for the dates you are interested in and confirm whether or not we have availability. Once we have finalized a date, we will create a contract and send it to you. Make sure to review the contract thoroughly. If everything looks correct, return it with a signature and a check for the deposit (usually $250). The deposit is applied to your total balance unless you decide to carry the deposit for a future visit.
Leadership and Team Development
Shared experiences create stronger teams.
People are an organization’s most treasured resource. At Camp Tecumseh, we understand the importance of building a bridge between members of your team to forge new relationships, create group cohesion, and bring goals into focus. Our experienced facilitators will guide your group through experiential learning activities that are challenging as well as fun. The goal is to give participants a common frame of reference that aligns with your group goals and mission.
Mission
Our goal is to help your group better fulfill its mission.
Between the personal growth experienced by each of your members and the collective growth that results from an intentional shared experience, we hope that your trip to Camp Tecumseh will inspire and prepare your group to better achieve your mission back in your own community.
Expert facilitators here to serve you
Our staff is here to guide you through every step of your team’s growth process. Through careful observation, unique activities, and thoughtful feedback, our professional facilitators are here to take your group to the next level.
We’ll Handle the Logistics
We’ve made planning the logistics of your trip as easy as we can. With hearty meals prepared by our expert kitchen staff and meal times led by a Tecumseh staff member, first-class winterized cabins with attached restrooms, and numerous activities that are led and supervised by Tecumseh staff, we take many of the headaches involved with trip planning off of your plate.
An Environment designed for Growth
With 660 acres along the banks of the Tippecanoe River, Camp Tecumseh’s natural setting provides the perfect environment to disconnect from the world and reconnect with your group. More than just the natural setting, Camp’s friendly and welcoming staff and intentionally designed programs work together to foster an atmosphere of joy.
Activities
Custom programs for unique teams
Every program we offer is tailored to the unique requirements and desired outcomes of each organization. No classroom learning here. We’ll get your team up and going and exploring ways to connect and grow as a team. Choose from events such as low and high ropes initiatives or challenging indoor activities. Bring your objectives to us and we will build a memorable event for you. We even offer portable activities, so we can bring our programs and experiences to you.
Leadership and team development is a process. It is a journey created and fueled by experiences. When you bring your team to Camp Tecumseh, our leaders will create a memorable experience that delivers new team strength and lasting results.
Facilities
Charming, flexible, and built to bring people together
From on site-dining offering meal services throughout your trip, to flexible spaces that can be arranged and customized to fit your needs, Camp Tecumseh’s facilities are as beautiful as they are useful.
The Tecumseh Leadership Center
For groups smaller than 70, the Tecumseh Leadership Center is an intimate, high-quality experience.
Lodges & Meeting Spaces
Our meeting spaces come equipped with audio visual systems, plenty of space, and lots of character.
Inquire
Are you ready to bring your team to Camp Tecumseh?
Ready to bring your group? Fill out this form to start your Camp Tecumseh adventure. Alternatively, give us a call at 765-564-2898. Just make sure you have your group name, the name of your group’s contact person, an address, phone number, email address, dates for your visit, length of your visit, and the expected number of attendees (both adults and children).
After you have filled out this form, we will check availability for the dates you are interested in and confirm whether or not we have availability. Once we have finalized a date, we will create a contract and send it to you. Make sure to review the contract thoroughly. If everything looks correct, return it with a signature and a check for the deposit (usually $250). The deposit is applied to your total balance unless you decide to carry the deposit for a future visit.
Prepare
Getting ready for your Camp Tecumseh visit
From packing lists to check-in instructions, to special dietary requests, we have everything you need to prepare yourself for your Tecumseh adventure.
Conferences & Organizations
Camp T is the perfect place for groups to gather.
When you schedule a meeting or conference at Camp Tecumseh YMCA, you can take advantage of leadership development and recreational activities led by trained camp staff – or you can just get away from it all and enjoy the beauty around you. Either way, you’ll have access to event planning assistance and a range of options for meetings spaces and accommodations. These options include the Tecumseh Leadership Center, a self-contained facility that offers a comfortable, personal experience for smaller groups.
Best of all, Camp Tecumseh is conveniently located near Lafayette, Indiana – just off Interstate 65 less than two hours from Chicago and Indianapolis.
Indoor and outdoor activities tailored to your organization’s needs
Bring your group to Camp Tecumseh to retreat and recharge
A convenient location for extended families to gather and reconnect
Get away from it all and get down to business in our well-equipped facilities
A popular pastime for church groups from Indiana, Illinois, and beyond
Meeting space plus optional leadership programs and recreational activities
Friends new and old connect at Camp Tecumseh for a weekend of quilting
