Since 1928, Jameson Camp has been impacting the lives of young people through our award-winning camp experience designed to provide a nurturing environment where children engage in self-discovery and develop self-respect & confidence. Our goal is that every child has the opportunity to attend camp.
Basic Info:
Address: 2001 Bridgeport Road, Indianapolis, IN 46231
Phone: (317) 241-2661
Website: https://www.jamesoncamp.org/
Email: [email protected]
Q&A with Jameson Camp:
What makes Jameson Camp unique?
Conveniently located between Indianapolis and Plainfield, Jameson Camp is a 135 acre preserve of forest, prairie, and meandering creeks. We are an intentionally inclusive camp where kids ages 7 to 17 can be themselves for a week, without the pressures of social media and everything else going on in the world. Our campers build relationships with their peers, practice independence, and safely have fun outside away from screens and phones.
What activities are offered at Jameson Camp?
Whether it is conquering the high ropes challenge course and rock climbing wall, fishing for bass and bluegill, shooting an archery bow and arrow, swimming in our 70,000 gallon pool, creating an artistic or culinary masterpiece, learning about local plants and animals, or building sports and athletic skills, Jameson is where summer memories are made. Campers choose their own activities, with the entire camp coming together as a community for campfires and s’mores, talent shows, and campwide games.
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Each cabin hosts 9 campers and 2 counselors. During activities, 2 counselors supervise up to 12 campers.
How much time do the campers spend outside?
Campers are outside all day everyday! They retreat to the air-conditioned dining hall for meals, and air-conditioned cabins each night.
Does Jameson Camp provide lunch/snacks or do parents need to provide them?
All meals and daily snacks are provided, and we’re excited to accommodate campers with dietary needs.
What is the typical daily schedule for campers?
8:00 AM: Wake Up, Prepare for the Day
8:45 AM: Breakfast, Morning Meetings
9:30 AM: Camper’s Choice Activity #1
11:00 AM: Camper’s Choice Activity #2
12:15 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Afternoon Break, Cabin Cleanup
1:30 PM: Cabin Group Activity
3:00 PM: Afternoon Snack
3:15 PM: Swimming Pool
5:00 PM: Campwide Social Time / Free Choice
6:45 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Campwide Evening Program
8:45 PM: Evening Snack
9:00 PM: Wind Down in Cabins, Shower
10:00 PM: Lights Out
How old are the counselors and how are they trained?
All counselors are adults (18+) and engage in over 40 hours of youth development training before the summer begins. Counselors are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, youth protection, group supervision, effective facilitation, diversity/equity/inclusion sensitivity, and safety and security protocols before campers arrive on site.
What accommodations are made for campers with special needs?
While Jameson Camp is not exclusively for campers with behavioral health needs, we are honored to be able to serve these campers as well. Our out-of-ratio roaming behavior specialists allow us to better support campers with ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, and other mild to moderate behavioral and mental health needs. On-site healthcare and medication management is provided for all campers, and our kitchen team is happy to accommodate specific dietary needs.
Is Jameson Camp accredited by the American Camp Association?
Jameson Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which sets the highest standards for camper safety, program quality, and staff training.
Is financial aid available?
Through the generous support of donors, we aim to provide a week of camp to every young person interested in attending and will do everything we can to eliminate cost as a barrier to participation. Sliding-scale aid is available based on household size and income, and additional resources are also available.
Residential Camp Info
What does the camper’s living situation look like?
Campers love the accommodations at Jameson, with all cabins having air conditioning and attached restrooms. Each cabin features common areas and screened in porches for fellowship, and counselors stay in the cabins to provide safe supervision.
How do parents and campers communicate?
Campers are encouraged to write to their parents/guardians, and camp staff will gladly scan and email the letter, along with any response.
How does your camp handle homesickness?
Handling homesickness starts with understanding the root cause, and every camper can have their own reason (missing a parent/guardian or sibling, missing a pet, worrying about someone else’s wellbeing, staying away from home for the first time, having a meal different than they are used to- there are a million reasons!). We work with campers to identify their unmet need, and help them make peace with that. Oftentimes that can include writing a letter home, journaling, being actively engaged in preferred activities, or being introduced to a new friend or mentor.
What are the meals like at Jameson Camp?
Meals are very similar to school lunches. They menu is kid-friendly and designed to fuel campers for a day of outdoor fun. 2 snacks are also provided each day.
Can parents visit the camp?
Parents and guardians are discouraged from visiting camp during the week their camper is attending, as we are working to build independence and self-confidence. However, guided tours are available to prospective parents/guardians and campers so that they can see camp in action and help reduce anxieties.
What percentage of campers return every year?
A strong majority of our campers and staff return year-over-year, but there is always room for new faces.
Is the schedule highly structured, or do kids have a lot of free choices?
Jameson Camp has a well-planned program that builds in camper choice activities and social time.
Is transportation available to and from camp?
Transportation is not available, but we are within an hour’s drive of: Marion, Hendricks, Boone, Hamilton, Johnson, and Morgan counties.
