Team Peace is bringing four summer camps to Paoli this June, each designed to help kids build confidence while having fun. All camps cost $75 with scholarships available, and registration is open now.
“My favorite part is watching kids grow in such a short amount of time,” said Kara Schmidt, Team Peace founder and camp instructor. “At the beginning of the week, some kids come in feeling unsure, quiet, or hesitant to try new things, but by the end, you can see a real shift. They’re more confident, more connected to each other, and more willing to take healthy risks.”
Art of Emotions Camp #1: Creative Expression & Exploring Emotions runs June 1-5 from 12-4 p.m. (12-5 p.m. on Friday) for ages 5-12. Campers create pinch pots, affirmation boards, anger monsters, worry dolls, and wearable art while learning how creativity supports mental wellness. Daily guest artists teach ceramics, painting, block printing, and sculpture. The week includes a field trip and concludes with a Friday art show.
Art of Emotions Camp #2: Discovering Your Voice & Telling Your Story runs June 8-12 with the same schedule for ages 5-12. Through tie-dye shirts, block-printed initials, dream catchers, mosaics, and fingerprint art, children celebrate their uniqueness and learn to see beauty in imperfections. Both art camps feature basic neuroscience lessons about how the brain processes emotions and daily snack time.
Girls Confidence & Leadership Camp runs from June 15-19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for girls ages 9-13. Campers hear from strong female role models and participate in community service projects at the humane society, food pantry, nursing home, Habitat for Humanity, and community garden. Girls learn communication, boundary-setting, self-care, and how to stand up for themselves and others. The week concludes with a celebration and mini volunteer fair.
Kids Bike Camp runs June 22-26 from 8 a.m. to noon for ages 8-14. This intergenerational camp teaches bike safety skills, group riding, and includes a Bike Olympics and fun games. Each day features Social Emotional Learning activities and team-building. Bikes are provided at no or low cost if needed, and helmets are free. The camp includes evening workshops for families and a grand finale ride to Spring Mill State Park. A “Learn to Ride Workshop” happens Saturday, June 20, for beginners.
“I hope kids leave camp with a stronger sense of who they are and the confidence to be themselves,” Kara explained. “More than anything, I want them to know they have tools to handle challenges, whether that’s calming their body, expressing their emotions, or trying something that feels hard. I also hope they walk away feeling a sense of belonging and connection, knowing they are not alone and that their voice matters. Also, I want them to have a blast!”
Partial scholarships ($15-$45 off) and full scholarships are available. Register at beteampeace.org/summer-programs or contact Kara at [email protected] or (574) 536-4407. Payment can be mailed to Team Peace Inc. at 495 W. Thornton St., Paoli, IN 47454, or made online.
