Creative Drama - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Calling all performers and imagineers! Actors of all skill levels work with professional actors and coaches to build their singing, dancing, and acting skills while building self-confidence and cooperation skills through theater games and storytelling. At the end of the week, campers show off their new skills in a 30-minute showcase.

Create and Animate - Entering Grades 1 and 2 

Unleash creativity and bring images to life! In Create and Animate camp, campers explore the exciting world of animation through hands-on projects, imaginative storytelling, and playful experimentation with movement and design. Whether drawing, crafting, building, or trying new techniques, every camper has fun bringing their creations to life. Campers start the week by drawing flip books and develop their skills to create an original digital animation project at the end of the week.

This camp is presented by The University of Arkansas School of Art.

Food and Farm - Entering Grades 3 and 4

During this action-packed week, participants explore connections with the food system and the natural world through hands-on cooking, gardening, and science activities. Campers learn to cook in Thaden's teaching kitchen, exploring all that grows in the Thaden School greenhouse and garden, eat delicious food, and more! 

OZ Adventure Camp - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Gear up for an unforgettable week in the great outdoors! OZ Adventure Camp invites campers to discover local adventure through hands-on skill building and immersive challenges. Campers spend the week testing out bike trails, scaling climbing elements, and developing essential wilderness skills—all while building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. Ideal for curious, active campers who love to push their limits, this camp blends outdoor fun with practical know-how.

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 15–20 minutes at a time and bike 3-5 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Legends and Lore: Storytelling Through D&D - Entering Grades 5-8

Whether brand new to tabletop role-playing games or already an experienced player, campers are invited to dive into a world of imagination, storytelling, and collaborative play. Campers learn the basics of the game, build confidence through role-playing, and stretch their creative muscles along the way. Each camper designs an original character complete with a unique backstory, then creates a custom figurine to represent their hero. Together, campers bring their characters to life while playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Pollinators, Flowers, and Food - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Get outside and explore the beautiful butterflies, busy bees, and beneficial insects that make their homes on Thaden's campus! Campers discover the importance of pollinators for the ecosystem and for food production through hands-on activities in the pollinator garden, wildflower plantings, and the teaching kitchen. Campers look inside a honeybee hive and build their own mason bee houses. They prepare healthy snacks with honey, fruits, and vegetables that rely on pollinators. Campers learn how to support these essential insects and take home herbs and flowers to create their own pollinator habitat.

Under the Big Top: Tinkering and Making with the Amazeum - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Under the Big Top: Step right up, step right up…our circus performers have quit right before the show! We need you to learn circus life by exploring the science of performing balancing acts, designing your own costumes and creating circus games. Drum roll, please! Over the week we create our very own Amazeum Circus Extravaganza.

This camp is offered in partnership with the Scott Family Amazeum.

Nature Detectives: Northwest Arkansas Field Expedition - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Nature Detectives is an immersive outdoor field experience designed for curious explorers. Campers investigate ecosystems at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Blowing Springs Park, Tanyard Creek, and beyond — dissecting owl pellets, testing water quality, tracking wildlife, and studying native species firsthand. Each camper receives a field journal to document observations, sketches, data, and discoveries throughout the week — creating a meaningful keepsake of their work. Purposeful hiking, creek exploration, and active outdoor play round out this elevated summer adventure rooted in the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas.

Create and Animate - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Unleash creativity and bring images to life! In Create and Animate camp, campers explore the exciting world of animation through hands-on projects, imaginative storytelling, and playful experimentation with movement and design. Whether drawing, crafting, building, or trying new techniques, every camper has fun bringing their creations to life. Campers start the week by drawing flip books and develop their skills to create an original digital animation project at the end of the week.

This camp is presented by the University of Arkansas School of Art

Math on Wheels - Entering Grades 5 and 6

Roll into a week where numbers, problem-solving, and motion come together! From the seat of a bicycle, math comes to life through real-world application. Campers have fun riding their bikes while refreshing essential math skills and building confidence as they head into the new school year.

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 30-45 minutes at a time and bike 5-8 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Oz Adventure Camp - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Gear up for an unforgettable week in the great outdoors! OZ Adventure Camp invites campers to discover local adventure through hands-on skill building and immersive challenges. Campers spend the week testing out bike trails, scaling climbing elements, and developing essential wilderness skills—all while building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. Ideal for curious, active campers who love to push their limits, this camp blends outdoor fun with practical know-how.

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 15–20 minutes at a time and bike 3-5 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Creative Movement and Dance with NWA Ballet Theatre - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Get ready to move, imagine, and perform! In this energetic dance and movement camp, campers explore creative movement, spoken word, and playful theatrical elements in a supportive environment — no dance experience needed. Each day includes a fun physical warm-up and small-group creative challenges where campers turn ideas and emotions into movement and story. The week wraps up with a brief performance for family and friends celebrating creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

This camp is offered in partnership with NWA Ballet Theatre.

Showstoppers - Entering Grades 3 and 4

This is your chance to shine!  Campers spend the week developing their stage skills through games and activities designed to increase creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Campers end the week with a show featuring their favorite numbers. 

The Art of Dough - Entering Grades 5 and 6

In this dough-centric camp, campers discover classic techniques using local and seasonal ingredients to create delicious snacks, meals, and desserts. Each day, they learn culinary basics in the teaching kitchen, then bring home their creations to share with friends and family. A variety of doughs, including pasta, dumplings, bread, cookies, and doughnuts, are on the week’s menu. Even if you have cooked with Chef Regina before, you don't want to miss this opportunity to perfect your skills and try new recipes. The week wouldn't be complete without a doughnut bake-off to show off your new skills!

Lights, Camera, News! - Entering Grades 5 and 8

Campers spend the week learning all of the techniques and skills needed to produce their own local news story. From interview to final production, each camper spends time in front of and behind the camera, creating their own news report. At the end of camp, each camper has a finished news reel to share with their family and friends.

This camp is presented by the University of Arkansas School of Art.

Storybook Camp - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Throughout this fun and creative week, campers are immersed in the world of stories and books. From engaging story times to imaginative play, campers explore what makes storytelling so magical. As they discover characters, settings, and plot ideas, students also have dedicated time to write and illustrate their own storybook, bringing their imaginations to life on the page.

Creative Movement and Dance with NWA Ballet Theatre - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Get ready to move, imagine, and perform! In this energetic dance and movement camp, campers explore creative movement, spoken word, and playful theatrical elements in a supportive environment — no dance experience needed. Each day includes a fun physical warm-up and small-group creative challenges where campers turn ideas and emotions into movement and story. The week wraps up with a brief performance for family and friends celebrating creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

This camp is offered in partnership with NWA Ballet Theatre.

All Things Bikes and Dirt - Entering Grades 3 and 4

All Things Bike and Dirt Camp is a wild and joyful summer camp for kids who love bikes, mud, and making things with their hands. This camp blends exploring beginner mountain bike trails with creative dirt-based play, giving kids the freedom to build, dig, imagine, and explore outdoors. 

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal confidently on pavement, gravel, and grass
• Use both brakes effectively
• Control speed on gentle downhills
• Stand up on the pedals and coast without pedaling
• Shift gears if their bike is equipped
• Ride for 30–45 minutes with breaks and bike 5-8 miles per day
• Navigate turns, small roots, and uneven terrain
• Stop quickly when asked
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

The Art of Dough - Entering Grades 7 and 8

In this dough-centric camp, campers discover classic techniques using local and seasonal ingredients to create delicious snacks, meals, and desserts. Each day, they learn culinary basics in the teaching kitchen while enjoying their creations with friends and family. A variety of doughs, including pasta, dumplings, bread, cookies, and doughnuts,s are on the week’s menu.  Even if you have cooked with Chef Regina before, you don't want to miss this opportunity to perfect your skills and try new recipes. The week wouldn't be complete without a doughnut bake-off to show off your new skills!

Lights, Camera, News! - Entering Grade 7 and 8

Campers spend two weeks (beginning on June 15) learning all of the techniques and skills needed to produce their own local news story.  From interview to final production, each camper spends time in front of and behind the camera, creating their own news report. At the end of camp, each camper has a finished news reel to share with their family and friends.

This camp is presented by the University of Arkansas School of Art.

Ride and Splash - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Get ready for a week of pedal-powered fun and water-filled adventures! In this camp, riders cruise around Bentonville discovering the best places to cool off — splash pads, shady creeks, and other favorite local spots. Along the way, campers enjoy playful bike rides, explore the outdoors with friends, and soak up summer in the most refreshing way possible. Perfect for young riders who love to be active, get wet, and make the most of sunny days!

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 15–20 minutes at a time and bike 3-5 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Art Explorers - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Calling all young artists! At Art Explorers Camp, campers embark on a creative journey, discovering the world of art through both traditional materials and unique natural treasures found on our campus. From leaves and sticks to clay and paint, campers use a variety of mediums to express themselves and bring their artistic creations to life!

Explorando - Spanish Nature Camp for Beginners - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Spanish experience is not needed for this camp. Campers of all skill levels are exposed to Spanish through daily outdoor activities like nature walks, identifying native plants and animals, gardening and more. Learning comes alive through play with exciting projects such as building forts, survival skills, cooking outdoors, nature-themed arts and crafts, and interactive games, fostering creativity and confidence.

Movie Makers - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Lights, camera, action! Join guest instructor Demetrius Johnson — local filmmaker and Razorback Sports expert — as campers dive into the exciting world of movie-making. Campers work together to dream up ideas and bring their stories to life as they create their own original short film. From behind the camera to calling “action,” this camp is all about creativity, teamwork, and having fun telling stories on screen.

Mixing Methods - Entering Grades 7 and 8

Bakers learn mixing methods used to create traditional culinary pastries. Seasonal and local ingredients make baked favorites like biscuits, pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes, taste their best. On Friday there is a cupcake competition! Participants have a week of demonstrations, hands-on creating, and taste testing to inspire cupcake creations for the last day of camp. Same camp, new recipes! If you enjoyed this camp last summer, Chef Regina hopes you will come back again to perfect your techniques on new recipes and to mentor new chefs.

Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Beats Theater Production: Entering Grades 5 and 8

Take the stage for a re-imagined musical rendition of the classic story Cinderella.  In this three-week production camp, students entering grades 5-8 bring the magical world of Cinderella to life. From auditions (all campers receive a role) to final performances, campers work together to rehearse, stage, and perform a fully realized musical adaptation of this classic story. Along the way, they develop acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft skills while building confidence and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. The camp culminates in a final performance for family and friends on Saturday, July 25, at 2:30 pm.  

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to dive into the fun of theatre! This meets Monday - Friday,  July 6 - 24, 2026

Podcast Prodigy - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Grab the microphone and take a seat; it is time to record your own podcast. This week, campers build persuasive communication and interview skills by researching, preparing, and recording an original podcast.

Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Beats Theater Production: Entering Grades 1 through 4

Take the stage for a re-imagined musical rendition of the classic story Cinderella. Designed for students entering grades 1-4, this two-week camp offers a fun, engaging introduction to theatre. Young performers take on exciting roles like Cinderella’s mice, townspeople, and fancy ladies, to bringing the magical world of Cinderella to life. Students participate in creative movement, storytelling, confidence-building, and team-building activities as they prepare to share the stage with older campers for the final show on Saturday, July 25, at 2:30 pm.

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to dive into the fun of theatre! This meets Monday - Friday,  July 13 - 24, 2026

Trails, Tales, and NWA Treasures - Grades 3 and 4

Each day, campers hop on a bike to explore the rich history of Northwest Arkansas (NWA). Each day is a new adventure as campers explore significant museums and sites such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Walmart Museum, the Peel Mansion, the Museum of Native American History, and more. This camp blends an active day of outdoor activity with engaging historical destinations. All bike rides are on the Greenway or easy beginner trails.

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal confidently on pavement, gravel, and grass
• Use both brakes effectively
• Control speed on gentle downhills
• Stand up on the pedals and coast without pedaling
• Shift gears if their bike is equipped
• Ride for 30–45 minutes with breaks and bike 5-8 miles per day
• Navigate turns, small roots, and uneven terrain
• Stop quickly when asked
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Mixing Methods - Entering Grades 5 and 6

Bakers learn mixing methods used to create traditional culinary pastries. Seasonal and local ingredients make baked favorites like biscuits, pies, muffins, cookies, and cakes taste their best. On Friday, there is a cupcake competition! Participants have a week of demonstrations, hands-on creating, and taste testing to inspire cupcake creations for the last day of camp.

Same camp, new recipes! If you enjoyed this camp last summer,  Chef Regina hopes you will come back again to perfect your techniques on new recipes and to mentor new chefs.

Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Beats Theater Production: Entering Grades 5 through 8

Take the stage for a re-imagined musical rendition of the classic story Cinderella. In this three-week production camp, students entering grades 5-8 brings the magical world of Cinderella to life. From auditions (all campers receive a role) to final performances, campers work together to rehearse, stage, and perform a fully realized musical adaptation of this classic story. Along the way, they develop acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft skills while building confidence and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. The camp will culminate in a final performance for family and friends on Saturday, July 25, at 2:30 pm.  

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to dive into the fun of theatre! This meets Monday - Friday,  July 6 - 24, 2026

All Things Bike and Dirt - Grades 1 and 2

All Things Bike and Dirt Camp is a wild and joyful summer camp for kids who love bikes, mud, and making things with their hands. This camp blends exploring beginner mountain bike trails with creative dirt-based play, giving kids the freedom to build, dig, imagine, and explore outdoors.

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 15–20 minutes at a time and bike 3-5 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Beats Theater Production: Entering Grades 1 through 4

Take the stage for a re-imagined musical rendition of the classic story Cinderella. Designed for students entering grades 1-4, this two-week camp offers a fun, engaging introduction to theatre. Young performers take on exciting roles like Cinderella’s mice, townspeople, and fancy ladies, to bringing the magical world of Cinderella to life. Students participate in creative movement, storytelling, confidence-building, and team-building activities as they prepare to share the stage with older campers for the final show on Saturday, July 25, at 2:30 pm.

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to dive into the fun of theatre! This meets Monday - Friday,  July 13 - 24, 2026

Podcast Prodigy - Entering Grade 3 and 4

Grab the microphone and take a seat; it is time to record your own podcast. This week, campers build persuasive communication and interview skills by researching, preparing, and recording an original podcast.

Launch Into Middle School - Enrolled Thaden School Students Entering Grade 5

Get ready for an epic adventure at Launch into Middle School camp! Team up with Thaden Middle School teachers to level up your English and Math skills, cook up some cool math magic in the kitchen with our awesome culinary crew, and dive into wild science experiments that’ll blow your mind. It’s a fun way to gear up for the school year, make new friends, and feel super confident when that first bell rings!

Cinderella: Bippity, Boppity, Beats Theater Production: Entering Grades 5 through 8

Take the stage for a re-imagined musical rendition of the classic story Cinderella. In this three-week production camp, students entering grades 5-8 bring the magical world of Cinderella to life. From auditions (all campers receive a role) to final performances, campers work together to rehearse, stage, and perform a fully realized musical adaptation of this classic story. Along the way, they develop acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft skills while building confidence and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. The camp culminates in a final performance for family and friends on Saturday, July 25, at 2:30 pm.  

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to dive into the fun of theatre! This meets Monday - Friday,  July 6 - 24, 2026

Ride and Splash - Entering Grades 1 through 3

Get ready for a week of pedal-powered fun and water-filled adventures! In this camp, riders cruise around Bentonville discovering the best places to cool off — splash pads, shady creeks, and other favorite local spots. Along the way, campers enjoy playful bike rides, explore the outdoors with friends, and soak up summer in the most refreshing way possible. Perfect for young riders who love to be active, get wet, and make the most of sunny days!

Campers must be able to:

• Pedal independently on a two-wheeled bike without training wheels
• Start and stop safely without assistance
• Use hand brakes to slow down and stop (not just dragging feet)
• Ride for 15–20 minutes at a time and bike 3-5 miles per day
• Ride in a straight line and follow directions
• Dismount safely when instructed
• Ride over grass, gentle gravel, and small bumps
• Ride up and down paved hills
• Follow instructions and use basic trail etiquette to participate in group rides

Families who are unsure about camper readiness for this program are encouraged to reach out to Megan Steely before completing registration.

Amusement Architects: Lego Robotics Camp - Entering Grades 1 and 2

Build, create, and explore with Spike Prime Essential robotics system! Campers dive into fun, hands-on challenges using LEGO bricks, motors, and sensors to bring their ideas to life. Campers learn how to code, design, and solve problems in a playful and exciting way. This camp is all about tinkering, experimenting, and building confidence while having fun!

This camp is offered in partnership with Technobotics Foundation.

Spanish Conversations, Culture, and Cuisine - Entering Grades 3 and 4

This camp is beginner-friendly; it is perfect for curious learners with little to no Spanish experience. We introduce campers to basic vocabulary with hands-on activities on Thaden's campus and design games to practice using those phrases on outings to local museums, parks, and libraries. We also spend some time in the Teaching Kitchen, where we learn vocabulary for ingredients and actions while preparing healthy snacks and exploring Spanish cultural roots. Campers are equipped to continue practicing Spanish when they take home simple recipes and one-of-a-kind games to teach their family and friends.

Behind the Lens: Photography Camp with Russell Bloodworth - Entering Grades 3 and 4

Beat the heat and unleash your creativity at an exciting week of photography in our state-of-the-art studio! Led by local photographer Russell Bloodworth, campers learn the essentials of photography, including lighting, composition, and how to capture stunning portraits and still-life images. Through hands-on instruction and fun activities, students develop their skills and confidence behind the camera. By the end of the week, each camper has a beautiful collection of images to showcase and share with family and friends!

Robotics and Coding Camp - Entering Grades 5 through 8

Join our Robotics and Coding Camp for an action-packed adventure into the world of coding and robotics! Campers get the chance to dive into programming with Scratch and Python, and build their own LEGO-based robots. Campers tackle exciting challenges, engage in team competitions, and learn the basics of robotics in a fun, collaborative environment. Campers unleash their creativity, enhance their problem-solving skills, and make new friends along the way. This is a week of discovery, learning, and non-stop fun in the exciting world of robotics!

This camp is being offered in partnership with Technobotics Foundation.

Camps run Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Camper check-in begins each day at 8:45 to 9:00 am at the Grove covered porch and check-out is each day at 3:00 pm inside the Great Hall. 

Before Camp Care (7:30–8:45 am) and After Camp Care (3:00–5:30 pm) are available through our on-campus partner, Discovery. Pre-registration is required here.

Families using Discovery should follow signage on the west side of campus near Main Street. Thaden and Discovery staff work closely together to ensure campers participate in the correct programs each day.

Call the Main Office at 479-268-5321 to report absences, late arrivals, or late pick-ups. Campers that are being dropped off late or being picked up early can check in/out through the Main Office. Please note that late pick-ups are subject to fees of $20/day.

If your camper will be absent, late, or needs early dismissal on a field trip day, please communicate with Megan Steely in advance. In these cases, your camper may not be able to attend the field trip. Thaden is not able to provide alternative programming for students who miss field trips.

Campers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (campers go outside daily), closed-toe, closed-heel shoes (no Crocs, sandals, or flip-flops).
Campers may consider bringing a sweatshirt or sweater (classrooms can be chilly).

Campers should be sure to bring the following items each day, marked clearly with their names:

• Small day/backpack of sufficient size to carry other items listed below
• Water bottle, filled
• Lunch and ice pack or cooler (please be sure that all food is free of tree nuts)
• Towel
• Sunscreen (please also apply before arrival)
• Extra set of clothes

Please leave all electronics and cell phones at home! Thaden School will provide any technology that is needed to participate fully in our summer camps. Any parent or guardian who needs to contact their camper during the day should call the Main Office at 479-268-5321.

A parent or guardian will be contacted should your child require medical care other than routine first aid. In case of emergency, we will access 911 and contact the parent or guardian as soon as possible.

Thaden School reserves the right to modify daily camp activities due to inclement weather. In the event of severe weather, the campus may be closed for safety reasons. In the event of campus closure, Thaden School will provide prorated refunds or alternate camp dates. 

Call the Main Office at 479-268-5321 to contact or leave messages for campers during camp hours.

We have several CPR and First Aid certified faculty and staff on campus throughout Thaden summer camps. We also have a team lead administering any prescribed medications and communicating with parents if a child is sick or injured. We also have a campus safety officer on campus at all times.

Any prescription medications to be given during the camp day should be limited to antibiotics or ADD/ADHD medications. These need to be checked in by a parent or guardian on the first day of camp and must be delivered in the original prescription bottle.

Thaden School's Main Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm while camp is in session. 

Please note: The office will be closed June 26 to July 3, 2026.

Please see the Wheels Camp Guide email for more information.