Camp Edwards Place
Camp Edwards Place is where your child can indulge their love of history at a home that is truly a Springfield treasure. There are a number of camps they can join that all take place in and around this 19th century historic home in the heart of one of Springfield's oldest neighborhoods. We have camps for 3rd Grade through Seniors in High School.
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Check out our FAQs at this link to get information and to review our refund policy for camps.
Many camps take place in Edwards Place's 2nd floor classroom, which is only accessible by stairs.
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Sign up for 2026 camps: February 24, 9AM for Springfield Art Association Members (Family level and above); February 26, 9AM for Non-Members
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CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS OF Camp Edwards Place
What is the camp refund policy?
Refunds will be issued at 90% of original purchase price until March 31, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 75% of original purchase price until May 5, 2026.
Refunds will be issued at 50% of original purchase price until May 19, 2026.
Refunds will continue to be made at the 50% rate, so long as you cancel within two weeks of the camp start date. Cancellations made less than two weeks in advance will not be eligible for a refund. For example: If you cancel your camp that begins July 20th on July 2nd, you'll receive 50% tuition back. If you cancel your July 20th camp on July 6th, you will not receive a refund.
Changes to your children's schedule (moving to different time slot, camp theme, etc.) can be made with a cost of $10 per transfer.
The SAA does not issue credits.
In case of medical or family emergency, please give our office a call at 217-523-2631.
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Camp age groups are based on the grade your child will be GOING INTO in Fall 2026. Please stick to those guidelines.​
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Due to staff shortages, your child will not be able to stay unattended over the lunch hour between our morning and afternoon camps for Summer 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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3rd - 5th Grade Camps - 2026
Civil War Encampment, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
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This camp takes kids back to the 1860s to learn some of the skills that soldiers learned during the Civil War. Learn about battles, 19th century medical aid, what soldiers did outside of battles, and more. This camp is immersive and participatory and is partly outdoor.
This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
​(Children will learn about civil war era weapons.)
Victorian Tales, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Victorians were well known for their stories about creatures, superstitions, ghosts, and magic. Many of these stories originated before the 19th century, but Victorians made them their own! In this camp, these tales will be explored through crafts and activities encouraging campers to connect with their imaginative side. Don’t worry – this camp will not include any tale that is too scary!
This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Camp Illinois, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
Learn about Illinois from its earliest indigenous nations to its admittance into the union (and beyond). Campers will learn about the history of our state through activities highlighting the diverse landscape, people, and events that have made Illinois the place we call home today. This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Celebrate Illinois' Black History!, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
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This camp teaches about the African American community in Springfield and Illinois, primarily in the 19th century. Throughout the week, campers will learn about important people in history who’ve made a lasting impact on our community. Campers will participate in activities about historical occupations, cultural achievements, and daily life in 19th century Illinois.
This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do, or Do Without, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
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During the 1800s, many kids learned practical household skills so that they would be able to take care of themselves and others. Surprisingly, they started learning and using these skills when they were very young! Since we have only one week, this camp will focus just on sewing. During this time, campers will construct their own sewing tool kit --- starting with a proper container to hold tools. Campers will learn how to make and use all those things that will be stored inside it. For the tool kit, campers may choose to make either a drawstring bag like those used at Edwards Place or a "house wife" like those carried and used by soldiers during the Civil War.
Camp size: 12
Maker's Apprentice, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
​June 15-19, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
This camp will explore how people made their own goods to trade and sell in the 19th century. Before machines helped us make some things, people used special tools to make them by hand. Campers will get to see and participate in creating some of these items, just like they did in the 1800s. Topics to be explored include broom making, hat making, shoe making, and more!
This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Playing With the Past, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
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This camp will explore the different toys and games played by children in the 19th century, some of which are known to have been played with by the Edwards family. This camp isn't just to PLAY with games, but to MAKE games! Before factories mass-produced toys and games, many were handmade with materials that could be easily found in and around the home.
This camp takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
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Dream Weaver, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM
July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
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This is an opportunity for campers to learn basic weaving terminology, how to design patterns, how to select colors, and how to use two sizes of metal hand looms. Campers will be able choose among a number of projects such as a carry bag, trivet/potholder, place mat, and the wildly popular stuffed "crazy chicken."
Camp size: 12
Eureka!, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
​June 22-26, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
Technology didn’t begin with the internet or even the industrial age. Historical tech includes much more! Campers will learn about inventions and gadgets from a long range of history, up to creating industrial-type technology themselves. Projects will include household remedies, ancient tech, toothpowder and soap, engineering design, and more!
This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Acting Up in the 19th Century, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Before “lights, camera, action!”, people in the 19th century performed without the glitz and glam of Hollywood – often for friends and family in their own parlors. There were many ways to ham it up on the small stage. This camp will explore various forms of theater and performing – including tableaux vivants (living pictures), paper theatre, and puppet theatre. This camp will also teach the various forms of popular theatre – farce and melodrama among them.
This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Spy!, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30PM, Edwards Place.
The art of spying is as old as there have been political boundaries. Methods of spying have changed and advanced throughout time, but some simple methods have been used which can be recreated by our campers! Our spies will learn about codes, invisible inks, deduction techniques, disguise, and more – then close out their camp week with a spy mission around historic Edwards Place.
This camp will take place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Winter in July, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
This is a cool way to spend a hot summer day - a chance to prepare for all the winter holidays and celebrations ahead - and best of all, it will be great way to sample a variety of fiber arts while creating ornaments and decorations to take home at the end of the week. Every day will present a different project using different fiber art tools, skills, and techniques.
Camp size: 12
History Time Machine, 3rd-5th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
​July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM or 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
You will have the opportunity to go back in time and imagine what it was like to live at Edwards Place in the 19th century. Themes to be explored include Home Life, School, Chores, Manners, and more. Enjoy fun activities such as making butter, playing 19th century games, and dipping candles. Campers will have the opportunity to learn and play inside Historic Edwards Place.
This camp is partly outdoor and takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12.
Easy Peasey Yarn Box, 3rd-5th Grade
$190/Non-Members. $160/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
Easy peasey, lemon squeezy means fun and clever. This camp offers an opportunity to learn how to turn yarn and plastic into a treasure box for special keepsakes. Once the technique is learned, campers can create boxes in many sizes, shapes, and colors!
Camp size: 12
6th - 8th Grade and High School - 2026
Basket Weaving, 6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
​June 1-5, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
This is an opportunity for campers to learn basic weaving terminology, how to design patterns, how to select colors, and how to use basket "forms" made to support the weaving project. There will be an opportunity to weave using both various yarns and also some recycled material such as plastic bags.
Camp size: 12
Always Felt Better With Animals, 6th - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 1-5, 2026: 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers learn how to use colorful felt fabric as a base for embroidery. Using felt makes it easier to create a whole menagerie of flexible figures and objects from imagination. Using embroidery stitches and working on felt will give campers another way to express their creativity and to design their own unique projects.
Camp size: 12
Prairie Granny Squares, 6th - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
This camp offers a great opportunity to learn how to crochet using a traditional crochet hook. Wasting anything - even in the home of a wealthy family like at Edwards Place - would have been frowned on in the 19th century. Crochet squares were originally designed to use up scrap yarn. The earliest known pattern for granny squares was published in 1885. These "squares" aren't always even square! The motifs can be triangles, circles, rectangles, stripes, and hexagons. Granny squares can be made into blankets, clothing, hats, washcloths, pillows, and more!
Camp size: 12
A Stitch in Time (Beginner Embroidery), 6th - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 8-12, 2026: 1:30 - 4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers can learn six or more embroidery stitches while working on a honeycomb printed fabric. When the embroidery work is complete, the sampler can be framed for hanging, added as an embellishment to another object (such as a purchased throw pillow, or lined and stitched to make a small bag to carry sewing tools or other treasures). Busy bees can add more stitches to their sampler.
Camp size: 12
Cooking Up History, 6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers will learn about some typical 19th century meals from actual Edwards family recipes, while getting the opportunity to try their hand at cooking them! By the end of the week, campers will gain knowledge of cooking skills, can try their own creations, and get to take home recipes from the camp to try at home. Campers will have the opportunity to eat their creations each day! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp.
Camp size: 10
Pom - Pom Critters, 6th - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 15-19, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM Edwards Place.
They are soft, round, fuzzy, colorful, can be made in any almost size, and (surprisingly) in the 18th century they were used in battle. What are they? Pom-poms! (They adorned some soldiers' hats - the color of the pom-pom on top of the hat indicated to which company the soldier belonged.) Once the "how-to" is learned, campers can make their own pom-poms to add favorite colors to any ordinary stocking cap or to create a whole zoo full of fuzzy critters. Campers can turn ordinary yarn into something fun for everyone.
Camp size: 12
Hooked on Crochet, ​6th - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
June 22-26, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM
Crocheting is a close "cousin" to knitting. The big difference between the two is that when you crochet, you use only one curved hook rather than two pointed needles. Like knitting, crocheting is another attractive technique for turning skeins of yarn into hats, scarves, blankets and a whole lot more. Hey, Cinderella had a godmother who turned a pumpkin into a carriage but you can learn how to turn yarn into a pumpkin...and other more practical things.
Camp size: 12
Little Chef on the Prairie, ​6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers will learn about the recipes from and related to the famous books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. By the end of the week, campers will gain cooking skills, can try their own creations, and get to take home recipes from the camp to try at home. Campers will want to come hungry to this camp! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp.
Camp size: 10
Suffolk Puffs, ​6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
You may know these bits of fabric as "yo-yos." These bits of cloth came into use hundreds of years ago under the name "Suffolk Puffs" - probably because they originated in Suffolk, a rural county in East Anglia, England. The first written record of them is in the early 1600s in that area. With a needle, thread, and scraps of fabric plus a clever sewing template you will be able to make toys, holiday decorations, and LOTS of other things - all of them possible with just a little time and a bit of sewing by hand.
Camp size: 12
Historical Gardening, ​6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 6-10, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place.
This camp will teach about the historical gardens in the United States and how to apply those methods to gardening today. Campers will learn about caring for a garden - both in a classroom and out in the dirt. Herbs, flowers, and vegetables will form the core of the material learned - from Edwards Place's own gardens on campus.
This camp is partly outdoor and takes place in Edwards Place’s 2nd floor classroom.
Camp size: 12
Commander in Chef, ​6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers will learn about the recipes that were favored by U.S. presidents for the past 250 years. They'll get to try out Obama's family chili recipe, make ice cream (a favorite of many presidents), and of course Mary Lincoln's white cake. Each day, campers will learn a little about presidents and the White House kitchen during their time in office. Campers will want to come hungry to this camp! Campers will learn kitchen safety, as they will be hands-on throughout the camp.
Camp size: 10
Denim Doodles, Freshman - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 13-17, 2026: 1:30-4:30 PM, Edwards Place
This camp session is all about recycling, repurposing, and creativity. You need to provide only one denim item and it can be one that is old, outgrown, faded, torn, and/or damaged .The goal for your creation is to upscale the item, to make it your unique fashion garment or accessory. This week will be a mini version of Project Runway. Remember - the item can be a pair of jeans, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a jacket, a skirt, a purse, a tote bag... almost
anything will do. The denim item you choose to work on should come with you on the first day OR you may choose to select a denim item from the supply on hand (already washed and in good condition). All other materials will be supplied (i.e., needles, sewing thread, embroidery floss, buttons, etc.). Note: This project will be done with hand sewing and hand embroidery. If machine sewing is required at any point, that sewing will be done by the instructor.
Camp size: 12
Prairie Patchwork, 6th Grade - Senior
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
Campers can learn about the uniquely American sewing tradition of pieced (also
known as patchwork) quilts. They can learn how to make their own pieced projects
and also have an opportunity to contribute a piece of their own needlework to the
2026 Edwards Place Friendship Quilt. The completed Friendship Quilt will then
be displayed in the Children's Parlor of Edwards Place until the end of next year's
camp session. Note: This is hand sewing, not machine.
​Camp Size: 8
Write On! 6th - 8th Grade
$200/Non-Members. $170/Members
July 20-24, 2026: 9 AM-12 PM, Edwards Place.
This camp is based on exploration of calligraphy (the art of beautiful handwriting), often used during the 19th century. Students will learn how to write using the Chancery Cursive “hand” and will also explore the tradition of illuminated manuscript (handwritten pages with painted images including precious metals). ​
Camp Size: 12