Camp Edwards Place

Camp Edwards Place offers history-focused summer camps where campers take part in activities such as historical archaeology, archaeological excavation in the back yard of Edwards Place, and an exhibit of the artifacts recovered. Depending on the specific camp, activities include making butter, playing 19th century games, dipping candles, learning about battles and Civil War era weapons, learning about 19th century medical aid and what soldiers did outside of battles, and taking part in activities about historical occupations, cultural achievements, and daily life in 19th century Illinois. Other hands-on projects include household remedies, ancient tech, toothpowder, soap, engineering design, basic weaving terminology, designing patterns, selecting colors, using metal hand looms to make items like a carry bag, trivet or potholder, place mat, and a stuffed “crazy chicken,” as well as exploring and making toys and games from the 19th century, learning about codes, invisible inks, deduction techniques, disguise, and going on a spy mission around historic Edwards Place, along with learning about Illinois from its earliest indigenous nations to its admittance into the union and beyond through activities highlighting the state’s diverse landscape, people, and events.

• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: History camps for 3rd–5th graders are offered in half-day sessions on specific weeks in June and July 2025, with morning sessions typically from 9:00 AM–NOON and afternoon sessions from 1:30–4:30 PM
• Price: $190/Non-Members; $160/Members for each listed 3rd–5th Grade camp

For 3rd–5th graders, Dig It! runs June 2–6, 2025 from 9:00 AM–NOON, and History Time Machine runs the same week from 1:30–4:30 PM. Civil War Encampment for 3rd–5th graders runs June 9–13, 2025 with a 9:00 AM–NOON option and a 1:30–4:30 PM option, and Celebrate Illinois' Black History! for 3rd–5th graders runs June 16–20, 2025 with the same morning and afternoon options. Eureka! for 3rd–5th graders runs June 23–27, 2025 from 9:00 AM–NOON, Dream Weaver for 3rd–5th graders runs June 23–27, July 7–11, and July 14–18, 2025 from 9:00 AM–NOON, and Maker's Apprentice for 3rd–5th graders runs June 23–27, 2025 from 1:30–4:30 PM. Playing With the Past for 3rd–5th graders runs July 7–11, 2025 with 9:00 AM–NOON and 1:30–4:30 PM options, Spy! for 3rd–5th graders runs July 14–18, 2025 with 9:00 AM–NOON and 1:30–4:30 PM options, and Camp Illinois for 3rd–5th graders runs July 21–25, 2025 from 9:00 AM–NOON. Camps are available for 3rd grade through seniors in high school, camp size is limited to 12 campers per camp, and many camps take place in a 2nd floor classroom that is only accessible by stairs.

Camp Edwards Place takes place in and around a 19th century historic home, and one of its top missions is to preserve the home. The Civil War Encampment camp is described as immersive and participatory and is partly outdoor, and the Dig It! camp wraps up with an exhibit of artifacts recovered. The Celebrate Illinois' Black History! camp focuses on the African American community in Springfield and Illinois, primarily in the 19th century, and other activities include learning about Illinois from its earliest indigenous nations to its admittance into the union and beyond.

The Camp Edwards Place Instructor position runs May 26–July 24 with hours from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Monday–Friday, and July 3 is an unpaid holiday. The Camp Edwards Place Instructor supervises one camp assistant. The instructor is required to have a bachelor’s degree in History, Education, or a related field and experience working with children from 3rd grade through high school. Sarah Adams serves as Curator of Collections and Interpretation, Staff Manager for the Camp Edwards Place Instructor, and Curator of Collections; she holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Western Illinois University and an M.A. in Museum Studies from the University of Kansas, and she has worked in the museum field since 2012 with a focus on history and anthropology collections.

Camp Edwards Place also offers Travelling Trunks with artifacts and lesson plans aligned to Illinois state standards and Common Core for classrooms or educational organizations, with rental free for one week and an optional presentation by a costumed interpreter based on interpreter availability. Outreach presentations on 19th century topics are free for organizations and groups, and this camp teaches about the African American community in Springfield and Illinois, primarily in the 19th century. Sign-up for 2026 camps opens February 24 at 9:00 AM for Springfield Art Association Members (Family level and above) and February 26 at 9:00 AM for Non-Members.

Last updated January 8, 2026.