Camps
Camps at Historic Rock Castle are a fun way to get your kids engaged with history without the drudgery! In 2025, we will be offering 7 weeks of themed Day Camps in the summer! While some Camps have a Literary/Pop-culture theme, our counselors will be sharing the history of Rock Castle and the formation of the State of Tennessee with our campers each week. Our hope is that by creating fun, lasting memories for our campers and their families — memories that they can look back on fondly for years to come — we will be helping to raise up a new generation of community builders who love the history of Rock Castle and the amazing community in which it rests. No matter where life takes our campers from here, it is our sincere hope that they will look back fondly on their Castle Camp adventures—and return often to soak in the nostalgia of their happy memories. Come join us for the best summer yet at Historic Rock Castle!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members will open February 15, 2025 to our Community Partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you believe in the mission of Rock Castle to preserve and educate, and would like to support that mission by becoming a monthly partner, you can get involved here: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
ALL CAMP REGISTRATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE & NON-TRANSFERABLE; payment must be made in full at the time of Registration or the camper’s spot will not be reserved.
More information below
American Girl Camp
One of three in Rock Castle’s Heritage Camp series, American Girl Camp is one of our longest-standing and most loved Camps. And this summer, we are offering TWO weeks of this cherished tradition (one in June, one in July). Through crafts, games, songs and activities, campers will explore what being an American girl has meant from our earliest history up to today.
From Kaya, a Native American girl in 1764, to Tenney Grant, a modern singer-songwriter growing up in Nashville today – we'll learn how our unique experiences create the beautiful tapestry that makes America so wonderful in its diversity and rich history!
Having an American Girl doll or being familiar with the dolls is not necessary. We use the historical dolls’ stories as inspiration for crafts and activities, but this camp is for any camper who loves crafting, outdoor games, and playing with girlfriends! Activities are similar, but not exactly the same, at both weeks — Campers may attend both without too much overlap. We have several each summer who do!
Dates: June 2 - 5, 2025
July 28 - 31, 2025
NOTE: Campers will NOT be in the Lake for JUNE American Girl Camp, but will have water games — slip n slide games, etc — each day, weather permitting
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 6-12 (campers MUST be at least 6 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
**Please note, Campers in the JULY (only) American Girl Camp will be kayaking/swimming in the Rock Castle cove each day (based on lifeguard availability & weather permitting). If so, a certified lifeguard will be on duty during this time, and Rock Castle staff will be in the water with the campers at all times. Life vests will be absolutely required at all times near the Lake. Campers who do not wish to be in the lake will be able to sit in the shade and do other water and non-water activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.
Frontier Camp
The second of Rock Castle’s Heritage Camp series, and our longest running and most popular camp, Frontier Camp takes your camper back in time to live the life of a frontiersman/frontierswoman like Daniel & Sarah Smith, the founders of Rock Castle.
Campers will learn outdoor survival skills such as building a fire from scratch, knot tying, survival fishing and trapping, primitive shelter building, orienteering, target shooting, and more!
Dates: June 9 - 12, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
**Please note, Campers in Frontier Camp will be kayaking/swimming in the Rock Castle cove each day (based on lifeguard availability & weather permitting). If so, a certified lifeguard will be on duty during this time, and Rock Castle staff will be in the water with the campers at all times. Life vests will be absolutely required at all times near the Lake. Campers who do not wish to be in the lake will be able to sit in the shade and/or do other water and non-water activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.
*NEW* Revolutionary Adventure Camp
The newest addition to Rock Castle’s Heritage Camp series, Revolutionary Adventure Camp will immerse your camper in the world of early America, where they will learn the skills – both physical and mental – that helped the brave men and women who built our Nation to survive and ultimately win the War for Independence. Through team challenges, spy games, and survival skills Campers will learn the strategies, self-sufficiency, and team-unity that it takes to be a true Revolutionary American!
Dates: June 16 - 19, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
NOTE: This camp, like Frontier Camp, will include the use of primitive tools such as knives and fire. Campers will be expected to participate in all activities in a respectful and obedient manner. Campers in Revolutionary Adventure Camp will be kayaking/swimming in the Rock Castle cove each day (based on lifeguard availability & weather permitting). If so, a certified lifeguard will be on duty during this time, and Rock Castle staff will be in the water with the campers at all times. Life vests will be absolutely required at all times near the Lake. Campers who do not wish to be in the lake will be able to sit in the shade and/or do other water and non-water activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.
Mythology Camp
Has your camper ever felt like they don’t belong in the mortal world? Camp Half-Blood may be their place! Based on the popular Rick Riordan series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, campers can come and experience a demigod summer, complete with quests, singalongs, and crafts.
Campers will choose an Olympian parent, learn the basics of swordplay, forge their own weapons and armor, and participate in games like dodgeball, monster hunting, and capture the flag, demigod style! Having read the books or seen the Percy Jackson movies is not a prerequisite — this is a camp for anyone who loves Greek mythology or outdoor competitive activity as well!
Dates: June 23 - 26, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
Wizarding Camp
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Are you brave, kind, ambitious, wise? At Wizarding Camp, campers will be sorted into their Houses to compete for the House Cup, while learning all the tricks and trades of being a wizard along the way!
Campers will make wands and potions, participate in broomstick races, play games like Quidditch and Wizards Chess, compete for the House Cup, and much, much more! Campers may bring one [plush] owl, cat, or toad, and are encouraged to dress up or wear their House cloak (but it is not required). Having read the Harry Potter books or watched the movies is not a prerequisite — this Camp is for any kid who loves to escape the real world for some fantastical fun! (Just watch out for Nargles).
Dates: July 7 - 10, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
Survivor Camp
Does your camper have what it takes to be a Tribe Survivor? This week, campers will put their physical and mental abilities to the test through team challenges of strength, endurance, and puzzle solving. They will have to work together to build shelter for their tribe, start and keep a fire going, make primitive tools, win challenges, and try to prove their team the Tribe Survivor!
NOTE: This Camp is based on the tv show Survivor. It is not necessary for Campers to be familiar with the show, but they should know that the concept is different than Frontier Camp, where outdoor survival skills are learned.
Dates: July 14 - 17, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2025 to participate)
Cost: $205 for 1st child
$195 each additional
Register: COMING SOON!
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens February 15, 2025 for our community partners of $10+/month (or $120+ annually) for the past 12 months. If you would like to support Rock Castle in this way, you can do so at the following link: Rock Castle ~ Kindful
Registration will open to the public on March 1, 2025
**Please note, Campers in Survivor Camp will be kayaking/swimming in the Rock Castle cove each day (based on lifeguard availability & weather permitting). If so, a certified lifeguard will be on duty during this time, and Rock Castle staff will be in the water with the campers at all times. Life vests will be absolutely required at all times near the Lake. Campers who do not wish to be in the lake will be able to partake in the land-side components of the team challenges, or other water and non-water activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.
For more information about any of our Camps, please email:
Jess Gilbert
jess.gilbert@historicrockcastle.com
For information about sponsorship or business partnership opportunities, please email: Sam Gilbert
sam.gilbert@historicrockcastle.com
** Campers will bring their own lunch, snack, refillable water bottle, towel, and sunscreen each day.
** Each Camp will include water games each day, so bathing suits and towels are required. Campers will have the option of refraining from water games if they choose.
**Please note, Campers in Frontier Camp, American Girl Camp July, Revolutionary Adventure Camp, and Survivor Camp are scheduled to be kayaking/swimming in the Rock Castle cove each day (based on lifeguard availability & weather permitting). If so, a certified lifeguard will be on duty during this time, and Rock Castle staff will be in the water with the campers at all times. Life vests will be absolutely required at all times near the Lake. Campers who do not wish to be in the lake will be able to sit in the shade and/or do other water or non-water activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.