Character. Attitude. Morals. Perspective.
Children face an increasingly divided world, where they often lack the models and tools they need for respectful disagreement and positive dialogue. Express CAMP (Character, Attitude, Morals, Perspective) is a week-long summer camp led by local Putnam County K-5 educators and college-aged counselors that’s designed to teach first- through fifth-grade children how to actively engage with others who might have different views, while also encouraging them to express and develop their own values.
About the Program
At Express CAMP, kids dive into big questions in a way that’s creative, thoughtful—and fun. Rooted in Philosophy for Children methodologies developed by philosophers Thomas Wartenberg and Gareth Matthews among others, and built around the Prindle Institute’s nationally recognized Teaching Children Philosophy resources, the program helps young campers explore ideas like fairness, empathy, honesty, and identity. Each day centers on stories—beloved children’s books that spark real conversations about values and how we live together. From there, campers create, reflect, and express what they think through hands-on art, collaborative games, and guided discussions. It’s more than just summer fun (though there’s plenty of that). Express CAMP gives kids a space to think deeply, speak honestly, and grow into caring, curious people.
Camp Details
Express CAMP invites curious kids to spend a week exploring big questions, creative projects, and the natural world. Each day blends hands-on philosophy with outdoor play, art, and science—encouraging campers to think deeply, ask boldly, and discover how fun ethical reflection can be. Campers share meals together, make new friends, and learn to see the world with fresh eyes—all surrounded by the quiet beauty of the DePauw Nature Park.
Camper Expectations
At Express CAMP, our counselors and staff are dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and meaningful experience for every child. To make that possible, we ask all campers to follow a few simple guidelines designed to protect the safety and well-being of everyone—campers, staff, and visitors alike.
Throughout the week, campers are expected to listen to counselors and follow directions, treat others with kindness and respect, and take care of camp spaces, materials, and field trip locations. We ask that campers keep their hands, feet, and personal belongings to themselves, and use indoor voices when inside. During camp transportation, everyone should remain seated, listen carefully, and show courtesy to both drivers and fellow campers.
Each morning, cell phones are collected for safekeeping and returned at dismissal. This helps everyone stay present and engaged in camp activities. If you need to reach your camper during the day, our staff will always be available to help. We also encourage campers to clean up after themselves, to follow instructions carefully during field trips to the Nature Park, Lilly Center pool, and campus farm, and most importantly—to stay positive, be kind, and have fun.
When a camper has difficulty meeting these expectations, we work together to address the situation with care and respect. Our approach typically begins with a gentle redirection, followed by a verbal reminder. If the behavior continues, the camper may take a short break from group activities with a counselor or staff member. If concerns persist, we’ll contact parents or guardians to discuss next steps and follow up with a written note. In rare cases, continued or serious behavior issues may result in removal from camp.
If a camper’s behavior poses a risk to themselves, others, or property, a parent or guardian will be contacted immediately. Actions such as stealing, using profanity, damaging property, or physical aggression—including hitting, kicking, or biting—result in an automatic behavior warning and may lead to suspension or removal.
We’ll review these expectations together on the first day of camp, but we encourage families to go over them at home as well. These shared guidelines help create an environment where curiosity, creativity, and connection can thrive. Please note that if a camper is removed from Express CAMP due to behavioral concerns, tuition is non-refundable.