Camp Taliesin West

Explore architecture, science, engineering, art, and photography at Camp Taliesin West!

Located at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona home, Camp Taliesin West encourages participants to explore, create, and design as they engage in fun and educational activities.

Campers will learn from our unique, historic property and the principles of Wright, applying them to their own projects and adventures.

We now offer camps throughout the year!

Scholarships are available for campers in need of financial assistance. These scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous support of donors to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Community Access Program. To receive a scholarship application, email education@franklloydwright.org

Spring Camp 5-Day & 1-Day Experiences


5-Day Experience (ages 11-15)

Gimme Shelter

March 13-17, 2023
9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily

What is shelter? During this camp, we’ll explore the history of housing from ancient times to today! Campers will investigate and take inspiration from 80 years of apprentice shelters built in the desert by young architects at Taliesin West. We will also test different building materials and make a small plant holder out of concrete. Campers will design their own 3D model shelters and present them in a showcase at the end of the week.

Registration includes a daily catered lunch for your camper.

Fee: $360 for Foundation Members

Fee: $400 for General Public

Register


 

1-Day Experiences (ages 9-12)

Each day camp will feature a guided tour of Taliesin West, plus hands-on learning activities conducted on-site. Lunch is included with registration. Campers should bring a water bottle and snacks. Campers are welcome to attend multiple 1-day camp experiences if so desired.


Design and Build Your Dream Space (Architectural Models)

March 20, 2023
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fee: $80.00 per person. Lunch is included with registration. Campers should bring a water bottle and snacks.

Campers will learn the basic principles of architecture and create a floor plan and a 3D scale model of their dream space. They will also explore Taliesin West, the desert home and studio of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Register


Dream in Color (Interior Design)

March 22, 2023
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fee: $80.00 per person. Lunch is included with registration. Campers should bring a water bottle and snacks.

World-famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, not only designed buildings, but also, furniture, light fixtures, clothing, and tableware. In this interior design-focused session, day campers will learn about graphic design, color theory, and product making. Campers will draw inspiration from nature and go home with two handmade creations to add to their living space.

Register


Engineering Power (Windmills and Cars)

March 24, 2023
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Fee: $80.00 per person. Lunch is included with registration. Campers should bring a water bottle and snacks.

In this STEM-focused day camp, campers will tinker with, design, and engineer on-site at Taliesin West, where architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed some of his most famous buildings. Activities will include building and testing a mini windmill, as well as designing and racing rubber-band cars. These engineering challenges will introduce curious young learners to STEM topics, all while drawing inspiration from the Sonoran Desert.

Register


Summer Camp 2023

Taliesin West will again host programs for summer camps. Please check back in January for program listings and dates.

CAMP FAQs

Do I have to register in advance?

Yes, advanced registration for onsite camp and virtual camp is required. Registration will close on December 23.

Is prior experience needed for any of the camp sessions?

No prior experience is necessary.

Does the onsite camp take place indoors or outdoors?

Camp Taliesin West takes place both indoors and outdoors. Campers must bring their own water bottle and should take care to dress for the weather each day.

Will the onsite camp still be held in bad weather?

Yes, camp takes place rain or shine.

What should onsite campers wear?

We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes meant for indoor/outdoor use.

What should my child bring to onsite camp?

All materials will be provided for most camps. We also recommend that campers bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a hat for any outside activities.

What should my child NOT bring to camp?

Personal gaming devices should be left at home.

Is the classroom at Taliesin West wheelchair accessible?

Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark built between 1937 and 1959 and is situated in rugged desert terrain. As such, it was not designed or built to contemporary accessibility standards. The pathways for tours are not all paved and include gravel walkways, uneven steps, and stairs. Narrow, steep-sloped ramps over steps are available for guests to use at their own discretion. For further questions regarding accessibility during camp, please email education@franklloydwright.org

Do you offer member discounts for camp sessions?

Yes, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Members receive a discount on all camp registrations. Consider becoming a Member today!

What if I’m late picking up my camper?

If you are more than 15 minutes late to pick up your child, you will be charged $15 for every 5 minutes past pick-up time, based on our clock.

What are your COVID-19 protocols for onsite camp?

At Taliesin West, we are following the CDC recommendations for health and safety to protect our visitors and staff. Please be aware of the following protocols.

  • Effective March 3, 2022, masks are optional for everyone at Taliesin West.

  • Please do not attend if you are feeling ill.

  • Contact education@franklloydwright.org if you have any questions or concerns about Covid-19 safety protocols during camp.

Previous Camp Programs

Winter Camp

Totally Cool Climates (ages 9 – 11)

December 26 – 30, 2022 This program we be rescheduled at a later date

9:00 am-3:00 pm daily

During this special wintry camp, campers will learn how architects and animals build homes for different environments. We’ll conduct experiments about insulation and build an architectural model for a snowy landscape. As a seasonal treat, campers will be able to design a home using the trickiest of all building materials; GINGERBREAD!

Registration includes a daily catered lunch for your camper.

Use discount code: SNOWFLAKE to save 20% on registration

$360 $288 for Foundation Members with discount code

$400 $320 for General Public with discount code

Register


Camp Taliesin West Supporters

Camp Taliesin West registration fees are partly subsidized by these community-minded funders:

Lead Funder

Other Funders

News and updates from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation