March 16–20, 2026
April 6–10, 2026
Spend spring break designing, imagining, and exploring at our Spring Break Camp on Butler’s campus! Inspired by the book "If I Built a School," campers will redesign school spaces in creative, hands-on ways as they explore art, science, movement, and nature through play-based learning led by passionate local educators. On select days, campers will also be supported by Butler University Human Development students through a supervised lab classroom partnership with the College of Education, adding an extra layer of care, engagement, and mentorship. Each day, campers will design a new part of their “ideal” school—like gardens, play spaces, or science labs—using natural and recycled materials while spending much of the day outdoors in Holcomb Gardens. The week builds toward a final showcase celebrating creativity, collaboration, and exploration. Campers should come dressed for the weather and bring a change of clothes, plus lunch and snacks each day.
Each day focuses on a specific campus location to inspire the campers’ “ideal” school, integrating nature, movement, and creative building.
Weekly Theme: The School of My Dreams
Anchor Text: If I Build a School by Chris Van Dusen
- The Garden of Imagination: We’ll head to Holcomb Gardens to observe native plants and then design our own “classroom without walls.” If you could grow a school, what would it look like?
- The Gravity-Defying Gym: After visiting Hinkle Fieldhouse or the campus pool, campers will design their own “traditions” and PE games—think flying swimming pools or hoverboard desks!
- Mascot Missions: A visit with Blue (the mascot) inspires us to design our own school symbols, colors, and cheers that represent our camp community.
Emily Dills previously served as a Camp Director on Catalina Island, California, and held successful camps at Holiday Park. She currently consults with camps across the country and is a frequent speaker at camp conferences across the U.S. Emily specializes in building curriculum for camps, schools, and after-school programs, and is especially excited about this program as a Butler Alum and current instructor in the College of Education! Emily is a former K-5 teacher for 12 years here in Indy, Southern Indiana, an instructional coach for 4 years, and an assistant principal.
This program is designed for students currently in K–5.
Camp Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Week 1: March 16–20
- Registration deadline: March 2
- Week 2: April 6–10
- Registration deadline: March 23
Campers will need to bring their own lunches and snacks each day.
Tuition & Deposit:
- Program tuition is $200.
- A $25 non-refundable deposit is required at checkout to reserve your spot. This amount is applied toward your total tuition.
- The remaining balance is due at least 14 days before camp begins.
Refund Policy:
Send all cancellation requests to camps@butler.edu
- Department Cancellation: If the department cancels a camp session, you will receive a full refund.
- 30+ Days Before Camp: Full refund minus the $25 deposit.
- 14–29 Days Before Camp: 50% refund of the amount paid, minus the $25 deposit.
- Fewer Than 14 Days Before Camp: No refunds will be issued.
- Camp sessions are not prorated for vacation, illness, or missed days.
Email: camps@butler.edu
Phone: 317-940-5500