For over 100 years, Camp Belzer has served as the premier youth camp for the greater Indianapolis areas. Now open to the public through Discovery Day Camp and the Lange Innovation Center, pick from six different Discovery Tracks: Aquatics, Nature, Shooting Sports, STEM, Wild West Discovery, & Wilderness Survival to have an amazing summer.
For over 100 years, Camp Belzer has served as the premier youth camp for the greater Indianapolis areas. Now open to the public through Discovery Day Camp and the Lange Innovation Center, pick from six different Discovery Tracks: Aquatics, Nature, Shooting Sports, STEM, Wild West Discovery, & Wilderness Survival to have an amazing summer.Basic Info:
Address: 6102 Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 813-7125
Email: [email protected]
Website: campbelzer.org
Gender of Campers: Boy & Girls
Dates: Mon – Fri, June 5 to July 28
Hours:8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Plus Complimentary Extended Care
Ages: 5-10
Q&A with Camp Belzer:
What makes Camp Belzer unique?
Rain or shine Discovery Day Camp at Camp Belzer is a truly outside camp experience, offering six discovery tracks, so each week is different for your camper. Tracks include Soar Further, Wild Survival, Top Shot, and Tinker Thinker. With shooting sports and pool time every day, and lunch provided, Discovery Day Camp is your home for the entire summer.
Plus, Discovery Day Camp is exclusively based in the new Skip and Alex Lange Innovation Center, featuring an adventure course, rock climbing walls, and 10,000 sq. ft. of multi-use and classroom space. If we have to move inside due to the weather, the camp fun doesn’t slow down.
What activities are offered at Camp Belzer?
Campers participate in Camp Belzer favorites like obstacle courses, The Maze, BB guns, archery, swimming, science experiments, crafts, slingshots, woodcraft, boating, hiking, sports, games, and MUCH MORE. Exact activities depend on the track you choose. Regardless, all tracks have shooting sports (archery or BB guns) and pool time every day.
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Each Discovery track has two dedicated camp counselors. For 5 – 6 year old’s, the ratio is 8:1 and a max group size of 16. For 7 – 8 year old’s, the ratio is 10:1 and a max group size of 20. For 9 – 10 year old’s, the ratio is 10:1 and a max group size of 20.
These ratios do not include our camp leadership team, onsite nurse, camp ranges, lifeguards, and dedicated program counselors.
How much time do the campers spend outside?
Discovery Day Camp at Camp Belzer is a truly outside camp experience. With few exceptions, all activities take place outside. Activities that take place inside are typically STEM-based such as 3D printing. Before and aftercare takes place inside at the Skip and Alex Lange Innovation, which also serves as our inside area for inclement weather, so that the camp fun doesn’t slow down.
Does the camp provide lunch/snacks, or do parents need to provide them?
Camp Belzer is an Indiana Department of Education Summer Food Program Site operated by MSD of Lawrence Township, which provides lunch to all youth participants for free. Youth participants will receive USDA-approved lunches, like those served in school. Participants are welcome to pack their lunch if they choose. Many parents pack snacks for their campers to eat before and after lunch throughout the day.
What is the typical daily schedule for campers?
7:00 AM – Early drop off
8:30 AM – Drop Off
9:00 AM – Opening ceremony/Station rotation starts
12:00 PM – Lunch
3:50 PM – Station rotation ends and closing
4:00 PM –Â Pickup
6:00 PM – Last Pickup
How old are the counselors and how are they trained?
Generally, camp counselors are 16 – 22 years old, though we offer a counselor a training program starting at 14 years old. An adult counselor is assigned to each program group. Camp Belzer is accredited through the National Camp Accreditation Program of the Boy Scouts of America. This includes standards on training. Generally, all counselors receive 28 hours of in-person training, in addition to youth protection training, first-aid and CPR, hazardous weather, and program-specific training (i.e. lifeguards, shootings, sports, etc.)
What accommodations are made for campers with special needs?
Accommodations for special needs are made case by case. Most program areas are accessible with a combination of paved and gravel surfaces. Rest times, sensory room, and instructional accommodation can also be made with advanced notice. We cannot make dietary accommodations, as food service is controlled through our partnership with MSD of Lawrence Township. We request campers who may need special accommodations contact us by email at [email protected]
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information about Discovery Day Camp at campbelzer.org/summer.
