Camps
Camps at Historic Rock Castle are a fun way to get your kids engaged with history without the drudgery! In 2024, we will be offering 5 different themed Day Camps in the summer. While most Camps have a pop-culture theme, our counselors will also 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 March 1, 2024 to our community sponsors and monthly supporters of $10/month or more. 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 15, 2024
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
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 (1 in June, 1 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!
Dates: June 3 - 6, 2024 (Campers will NOT be in the Lake this week)
July 22 - 25, 2024
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 6-12 (campers MUST be at least 6 years old as of June 1, 2024 to participate)
Cost: $195 for 1st child
$185 each additional
Register: HERE
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens March 1, 2024 for our community sponsors and monthly supporters of $10/month or more. 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 15, 2024
**Please note, Campers in the JULY (only) American Girl Camp MAY 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 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
Our longest running and one of our most popular camps, 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 skills such as building a fire from scratch, knot tying, survival fishing and trapping, primitive shelter building, orienteering, target shooting, and more!
Dates: June 10 - 13, 2024
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2024 to participate)
Cost: $195 for 1st child
$185 each additional
Register: SOLD OUT / to be placed on the Wait List, please email jess.gilbert@historicrockcastle.com with the following information:
Camp Name
Camper’s Name & Age
Parent Name, Phone Number, & Email
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens March 1, 2024 for our community sponsors and monthly supporters of $10/month or more. 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 15, 2024
**Please note, Campers in Frontier Camp MAY 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 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 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 as well!
Dates: June 17 - 20, 2024
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2024 to participate)
Cost: $175 for 1st child
$165 each additional
Register: SOLD OUT / to be placed on the Wait List, please email jess.gilbert@historicrockcastle.com with the following information:
Camp Name
Camper’s Name & Age
Parent Name, Phone Number, & Email
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens March 1, 2024 for our community sponsors and monthly supporters of $10/month or more. 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 15, 2024
Survivor Camp
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.
Does your camper have what it takes to be a 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!
Dates: July 15 - 18, 2024
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8-12 (campers MUST be at least 8 years old as of June 1, 2024 to participate)
Cost: $175 for 1st child
$165 each additional
Register: HERE
Early-Bird Registration for Rock Castle Members opens March 1, 2024 for our community sponsors and monthly supporters of $10/month or more. 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 15, 2024
**Please note, Campers in Survivor Camp MAY 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 that include the lake. 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:
Director of Education and Events
Jess Gilbert
jess.gilbert@historicrockcastle.com
For information about sponsorship or business partnership opportunities, please email: Executive Director 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, and Survivor Camp MAY 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 activities. Activities in the Lake are NOT guaranteed, and are dependent on lifeguard availability and weather. Please email Jess Gilbert with any questions/concerns.