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.
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 Coming Monday |
| Harvest Days Quilt Camp | October 13-15 | Registration Opens September 11 | Early bird on October 12: Early birds come on Thursday for an additional $65 which includes breakfast and lunch on Friday. | $210 | Registration coming in 2023 |
| 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 in 2023 |
Upcoming Camp: UFO 4TH OF JULY EXTRAVAGANZA | JULY 5 – 9
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING COVID: Camp Tecumseh encourages all guests (including Quilt Campers) to be up-to-date on their vaccination against
Soon it will be time for you to start packing your bags for Camp Tecumseh’s annual U.F.O. Quilting Extravaganza! Five magnificent days to catch up on and FINISH your UnFinished “quilted” Objects. Bring your to-do list — or create a new one— and a big red pen so you can cross off everything you finish. Blocks, bindings, hand and/or machine quilting, or appliqué — the sky’s the limit!
We are looking forward to greeting you and helping you move in as you arrive on Wednesday, July 5. Check-in will begin at 12:00 PM on Wednesday afternoon. The “official” welcome and introductions will be Wednesday evening. You are welcome to stay through 2:00 PM Sunday, July 9. The first meal served at quilt camp is Tuesday dinner. If you have a dietary need, please make sure to visit this link and let the camp kitchen staff know.
A few notes from camp, please make sure you fill out the online waiver before arriving at camp.
We are excited to let you know that Nancy J. and her shop will be back with us for the week.
It’s time once again for The Whole Quilt N’ Caboodle Tag Sale! Bring along patterns, books, quilting gadgets/notions, fabric, etc. that you would like to sell, trade, swap, or giveaway. Please make sure each item includes an attached tag that has your name and the price you are asking for the item.
Come play with us! Bring your bathing suit so you can join us at the pool, or get in a bit of “lake time” — canoe, kayak, or take a trip down the water slides! Take a ride on the zip line across the lake — just remember to bring closed-toe shoes. Horseback riding is always an option, so bring along some jeans or long capris, and closed-toe shoes. Plan to decorate your machine, bunk, and table with 4th of July red, white, and blue sparkle!
Here are some of the items you should remember to bring with you to camp:
1. Sleeping bag, or sheets & blankets, a pillow, and a quilt for your bed
2. Pillow for your sewing chair
3. Towel and toiletries
4. A snack to share on the snack table
5. Sewing machine and attachments
6. Your quilting tools: mat, ruler, rotary cutter, thread, bobbins, scissors, etc.
7. Camera
8. Insulated mug with lid
9. Lots of UFOs! You don’t want to run out!
Stop by and say “hello” on Facebook. Join the group, Camp Tecumseh Quilt Camp, on Facebook. We would love to see all of the beautiful projects you are working on in between quilt camps or anything else you would like to share with your fellow quilters at show and tell.
See you at camp!
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.
