Outdoor Education Staff
Create impactful and educational field trip experiences
Lead and facilitate the experience of school groups as they immerse themselves in the outdoor world.
What is Outdoor Education?
Outdoor Education at Camp Tecumseh consists of fun, educational, immersive, outdoor experiences for school groups. Each program is designed to seamlessly integrate with curriculum by meeting state educational standards for every grade level we serve.
Our Outdoor Education staff get to facilitate and lead these unforgettable experiences in our natural, outdoor classroom to bring the schools’ curriculum to life.
Living and Working at Tecumseh
Working as a seasonal Outdoor Education Instructor means that you will live on-site at Camp Tecumseh in our new support staff housing. These spacious, dorm-style units have lots of privacy, and large common rooms with full kitchens. They are a great place to call home for the months you live at Camp.
Join the Outdoor Education Team
Now hiring for Spring 2024!
We need passionate and curious difference makers to join our OE team for two different seasons each year. Help us provide unique, outdoor field trips. Contact Lauren McCleary for more information.
Outdoor Education Day Program
Field trips and day camp all in one
There is plenty of uncertainty facing many school corporations and their schedules as we head into the 2020-2021 school year. Many schools are delaying the start of the fall semester, or beginning the semester virtually.
To provide an alternative that coincides with delayed and virtual schedules, Camp Tecumseh is hosting day-long Outdoor Education experiences for 2nd-5th graders. Whether it is learning about the life of the pioneers or exploring our ecosystems here at camp, your child will have a wonderful time in a beautiful setting and with our professional staff.
The Logistics
August 11-13 – A Week Rotations
August 18-20 – B Week Rotations
Drop off will be at 9 AM in front of the River Village office and we will be out and about around camp until 3 PM (Wednesdays: 10 AM to 4 PM). We do ask that each student have an adult that stays on site while they are here. Adults are welcome to join in the activities or utilize the wifi and coffee offered in our River Lodge dining hall. Lunch will not be offered so be sure to pack a sack lunch for you and your students (coolers will be made available).
Every guest and staff person at camp are required to bring a mask and wear it in mandated areas. More information about mask wearing, and additional safety practices that camp is following can be found here.
Each of our programs offered are age-appropriate and meet Indiana State Standards. There is an A and B version of each program so you can sign your student up for multiple days and they will have two different experiences.
Sample Schedule:
9:00 – 9:45 Welcome Orientation
9:45 – 10:45 Rotation 1
10:45 – 11:45 Rotation 2
11:45 – 12:30 Sack Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 Rotation 3
1:30 – 2:30 Rotation 4
2:30 – 3:00 Closing/Goodbye
3:00 – 4:00 Optional Hike with Parents
Discovering Nature | 2nd-3rd Grade
The natural world is waiting to be explored. Designed to introduce our youngest learners to the wonders of the outdoors, Discovering Nature encourages students to use all five senses as they discover, investigate, and understand their surrounding environment. This hands on, investigative journey takes students on hikes to animal habitats, adventures through the forest to learn about different trees, down to the river to investigate soil and so much more.
Pioneer Heritage | 3rd-4th Grade
Travel back in time with us to 1811 as we rediscover the Indiana Territory. Your child will be at the center of it all as we bring the Pioneer Times to life. Help build a log cabin, bake over an open fire, make candles, and more.
Earthship Journey | 4th-5th Grade
Join us for the journey of a lifetime! Your student will take on the role of a scientist as we explore the different ecosystems at camp learn what makes each unique. They will also meet our Nature Center animals up close and personal.
Register
Sign up for the Outdoor Education Day Program
Outdoor Adventures
Learn, connect, and grow in the great outdoors.
Camp Tecumseh YMCA is more than just a summer camp. We also host school groups, families, scout troops, guides, princesses, and groups from Indiana, Illinois, and the Midwest all year ’round.
If you’re looking for a location for your field trip, weekend visit, or event, look no further than Camp Tecumseh. We provide the perfect place to experience the great outdoors, learn new skills, make friends, and grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Overnight field trips for elementary and middle school groups
Weekend trips for kids and their parents or grandparents
Activities and accommodations for groups ranging from 10-700
Troop and Group Retreats
Get away and reconnect at Camp Tecumseh
We’re redefining the weekend getaway at Camp Tecumseh. 600 acres of beautiful, riverside acreage sets the scene for an experience your group will talk about for years. Serving groups ranging in size from 10 to 700 including Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Y-Guides & Y-Princesses, youth groups, student organizations, and more, Camp Tecumseh provides a joyful environment to help your group better fulfill its mission. Test yourself and your group as you work together to solve unique, outside the box team building challenges. Spend quality time with your kids as you escape the stress of home. Sit back and relax while you savor the joy of slowing down, unwinding, and connecting with the natural world. The only question you’ll have when you leave will be, “When can we come back?”
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.
Activities
Programs designed to help your group grow
With a flexible schedule and activities for all ages, you can do what you love at your own pace. From horseback riding through the pine forest, to climbing a rock wall, our program areas provide plenty of opportunities for unique, shared experiences designed specifically to bring your group together.
Staffed Program Areas
At our staffed program areas, take advantage of the best programming Tecumseh has to offer with the assurance that you’ll be safe and cared for in the hands of Tecumseh staff. Climbing a rock wall, riding a horse through the pine forest, and flying down the black hole slide are only a few of the options available to you.
Activities vary by weekend but generally include:
Riflery ($1 for 10 shots)
Archery
Climbing
Black Hole & Bullet Slides
Canoeing/Kayaking
Nature Center
Candle Making ($2 per candle)
Horseback Riding ($10 per rider)
Evening Campfire Programs
On Saturday nights, enjoy a family-friendly, staff-led campfire program full of silly songs and hilarious skits as the sun sets.
Self-Directed Activities
In addition to our staffed program areas, Camp Tecumseh features numerous self-directed activities. Hike through the oak forest or the pine forest. Start a gaga tournament. Come play at the Three House Tree-House and take your picture by the giant chair. Play a round of disc golf. Make survival bracelets in the Nature Center. No matter what you’re into, we have something for you.
Other Activities
Our program areas are only the beginning. If you and your group have requests for specific programs or activities, our talented staff can work with you to bring your ideas to life. From dance parties in Kampen Lodge with professional DJs, to giant battles of tug-of-war in the Upper Pioneer field, to morning Yoga on the back deck of the River Lodge, the only limit is your imagination.
Schedule
The template for a great weekend
A great weekend starts with a great plan. With a flexible schedule and open program areas, you can explore Camp at your own pace, with plenty of time left over for activities specific to your group.
Most groups arrive on Friday evening. Friday check-in begins at 4:30 PM. Check in at the Lake Village Trading post. A member of the Camp Tecumseh staff will be present to check you in until 9:00 PM. After 9:00 PM, a sign will be posted outside each trading post directing you to the appropriate cabin. You can check in the following morning at the trading post.
| Day | Time | Description |
| Friday | 4:30-9:00 p.m. | Check-In at Trading Post |
| 4:30-9:00 p.m. | Program Areas (Non-staffed only, see below) | |
| Saturday | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00-11:45 a.m. | Program Areas (see below) and Trading Post Open | |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Program Areas (see below) and Trading Post Open | |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner | |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Program Areas (see below) and Trading Post Open |
Cabins
Your home away from home
Featuring 51 cabins that sleep up to 700 people, every cabin at Camp captures the feeling of a nostalgic camp experience while maintaining today’s comforts. Completely winterized and within walking distance of all dining halls and program areas, Camp Tecumseh cabins operate as your home away from home no matter when you decide to stay with us.
Outside
Each cabin features a porch equipped with picnic tables and benches. Every duplex features an outdoor fire pit.
Inside
14+ built-in bunk beds provide a comfortable place to sleep as well as ample storage space for personal items.
Restrooms
Each cabin features attatched restrooms that include at least 2 showers, 2 toilets, and 2 sinks.
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 retreat
From packing lists to check-in instructions, to special dietary requests, we have everything you need to prepare yourself for your Tecumseh adventure.
Family Camps
Reclaim Family Time
Nothing is more important than family, and Camp Tecumseh is a great place to bring your family together. Rent out one of our spacious cabins for Family Camp and experience Tecumseh with those you love most.
Activities & Schedule
Programs that bring your family together
With a flexible schedule and activities for all ages, you can do what you love at your own pace. From horseback riding through the pine forest, to canoeing across the lake, Family Camp provides plenty of opportunities for unique, shared experiences designed specifically to bring your family together.
Program Areas
All visits to Camp Tecumseh include the following activities during your stay:
Riflery ($1 for 10 shots)
Archery
Climbing
Black Hole & Bullet Slides
Canoeing/Kayaking
Nature Center
Candle Making ($2 per candle)
Horseback Riding ($10 per rider)
Evening Programs
Evenings at Camp Tecumseh are special. Enjoy a family-friendly, staff-led campfire full of silly songs and hilarious skits as the sun sets, see how you stack up against other families in fun games like family feud, bingo, and kickball, and cap off your opening night with a perennial camp classic, s’mores.
Self-Directed Activities
In addition to our staffed program areas, Camp Tecumseh features numerous self-directed activities. Hike through the oak forest or the pine forest. Start a gaga tournament. Come play at the Three House Tree-House and take your picture by the giant chair. Play a round of disc golf. Whatever you’re interested in, we have something for you.
Family Camp Schedule
| Day | Time | Description |
| Friday | 4:30-9:00 p.m. | Check-In and S'mores Pick-up at Trading Post |
| 11:00 p.m. | Quiet Hours Begin | |
| Saturday | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00-11:45 a.m. | Program Areas (see above) | |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | |
| 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Program Areas (see above) | |
| 5:30 p.m. | Dinner | |
| 7:30 p.m. | Campfire with Camp Staff (songs, skits, fun) | |
| 11:00 p.m. | Quiet Hours Begin | |
| Sunday | 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:45 a.m. | Chapel with Camp Staff | |
| 9:00-11:45 a.m. | Program Areas (see above) | |
| 12:00 p.m. | Cookout Lunch | |
| 1:00 p.m. | Departure |
Cabins
Your home away from home
Featuring 48 cabins that sleep up to 700 people, every cabin at Camp captures the feeling of a nostalgic camp experience while maintaining today’s comforts. Completely winterized and within walking distance of all dining halls and program areas, Camp Tecumseh cabins operate as your home away from home no matter when you decide to stay with us.
Outside
Each cabin features a porch equipped with picnic tables and benches. Every duplex features an outdoor fire pit.
Inside
Built-in bunk beds provide a comfortable place to sleep as well as ample storage space for personal items.
Restrooms
Each cabin features attached restrooms that include at least 2 showers, 2 toilets, and 2 sinks.
Pricing
Includes five meals, lodging on Friday and Saturday night, and a full slate of activities.
Rent a cabin for your family
Rent out a full cabin that you can use as you would like. Pricing starts at $475 for the cabin plus $50 per person.
| Number of People | Rent a Cabin Cost per Person |
| 1 | $525.00 |
| 2 | $312.50 |
| 3 | $208.34 |
| 4 | $168.75 |
| 5 | $145.00 |
| 6 | $129.17 |
| 7 | $117.86 |
| 8 | $109.38 |
| 9 | $102.78 |
| 10 | $97.50 |
| 11 | $93.18 |
| 12 | $89.59 |
| 13 | $86.54 |
| 14 | $83.93 |
| 15 | $81.67 |
Register
Register for Family Camp 2024’s Waitlist
Family Camp 2024 is currently full. Register for our waitlist to be contacted if space becomes available.
Still have questions? We can help.
Prepare
Getting ready for Family Camp
From packing lists to check-in instructions, to special dietary requests, we have everything you need to prepare yourself for your Tecumseh adventure.
Outdoor Education Field Trips
The Best Field Trip Ever Awaits
Since 1924, Camp Tecumseh has provided children with impactful educational experiences that enable students to connect with, and gain respect, for themselves, their community, and the natural world. Over 600 acres nestled on the banks of the Tippecanoe River provides the setting for a two or three day outdoor classroom experience students will never forget. Our first-class facilities are designed to ensure our guests a comfortable experience while facilitating relationships that bring school communities closer together. Heated, handicap accessible cabins with attached showers and restrooms serve as home base and provide an environment as engaging as the activities that will take place in them. Eat hearty meals in our two spacious dining halls with accommodations for up to 700. Join us as our highly trained staff leads you through a one-of-a-kind experience that will have your classroom and community raving.
Community
Building Relationships. Building Community.
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. Break outside the mold of the classroom and discover a new side to your students and yourself. In our environment, don’t be surprised when your students reveal unknown strengths, become leaders, ask questions, speak out, and discover their potential. At the end of your trip, you’ll leave with a tighter-knit group of students, new friendships with your students’ parents, and a shared experience that will bring your community closer together for 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
Grades 5 – 8
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.
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.
Trails
Communication Station
Interactive and thought provoking group activities that encourage students to think about the ways in which they communicate.
Optimist Challenge
A uniquely designed obstacle course that promotes self-confidence and builds trust with classmates.
Survival Simulation
A demanding wilderness simulation that requires sound problem solving and leadership skills to succeed.
Teams Course/Group Initiatives
Presented with a number of mind-boggling scenarios, students must use problem solving skills to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
Mission Possible
An adventurous mission through the woods that will test problem solving and leadership skills.
Climbing Tower
A thrilling climb up the rock wall that instills self-confidence and encourages trust and communication.
Pioneer Heritage
Bringing 1811 to Life
Grades 3-5
In the early 1800’s individuals flocked to the Indiana Territory under the promise of a better life. Over the years they developed a way of life that rewarded hard work. 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 Native 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.
Earthship Journey
Get Your Hands Dirty Learning About the Earth
Grades 4-6
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. In addition to these activities, each student also takes part in recreational activities including canoeing and archery.
Trails
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas in the Colonies
Celebrate the Holidays in Pioneer Style
Grades 4-6
Only Available in November & 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.
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.
Inquire
Bring Your Class
Here are prices for our most popular programming options:
1 Night, 3 Meals: $63/person 6 Students = 1 Adult 1/2 price: $31.50
2 Nights, 6 Meals: $100/person 6 Students = 1 Adult 1/2 price: $50
Are you ready to bring your class to Camp Tecumseh for an unforgettable field trip experience? For additional information, contact Lauren McCleary.
Prepare
Getting Ready for your trip.
From packing lists to directions to information on parent/teacher trainings, we have everything you need to feel prepared for your upcoming field trip.
Work With Us
Want to work in Outdoor Education? We are currently hiring for our Spring 2024 season. Learn more today!
Meet the Team – Fall 2023
We’ve got a great team this season, many of them pursuing a career in the camp industry, and we’re really excited for them to work with our school groups this Spring. Learn more about them here.
