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.
As a concerned parent, grandparent, or guardian, it’s natural to wonder, “Is sending my child to Camp Taliesin a safe decision?” The staff at Camp Taliesin want to assure you that we take this concern seriously. Taliesin West’s trained museum educators offer families two key assurances:
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Families can have confidence that their children will enjoy an enriching STEAM education experience in a secure environment through any of the Camp Taliesin programs.
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Children can expect full or half-days filled with fun, interactive, hands-on learning and entertainment.
Here’s what our camps provide:
- Exclusive content inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, his designs, buildings, and the desert landscape of Taliesin West.
- Immersive and hands-on experiences, exploring Taliesin West and creating unique designs.
- A low 1:10 teacher-to-camper ratio ensures personalized attention.
- Indoor air-conditioned spaces and a knowledgeable, caring staff for a comfortable summer camp experience.
- Full-day camps include lunch and daily check-in/pick-up is hassle-free.
- Half-day camps involve morning explorations at Taliesin West and learning photography tricks from a professional.
- All campers leave with tangible items, the outcomes of their creative projects.
We’re excited to provide a safe and exciting environment for your child’s camp adventures. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome your child to any of the camps we offer throughout the year. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have by emailing us at Education@FrankLloydWright.Org
Please download our Camp Taliesin West Family Guide to learn more.
Tree-Mendous Tree Houses
This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.
During this camp, children discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, Taliesin West. They will learn about organic architecture and how architects from around the world are inspired by nature to create tree houses. They will also explore a few “tree-mendous” desert shelters at Taliesin West, created by Wright’s apprentices. Campers will then create a 3D model of their dream tree house to take home. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
March 16, 17, 18
Price:
Youth $240
Member $216
This summer, explore architecture, engineering, and art at Camp Taliesin West!
Campers will be introduced to the ideas of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and then apply them to their own unique camp projects. Each week of camp focuses on a different theme, and campers can investigate topics ranging from interior design to urban planning! Located at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Scottsdale home, Camp Taliesin West encourages participants to experiment as they learn about architectural history and modern design.
Architectural Discovery
This camp is recommended for ages 6-8.
Our littlest campers will explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy each day through hands-on activities and projects. They will craft replica concrete textile blocks, create faux stained glassed windows, and more! Campers will also explore engineering and design concepts through interactive games and activities. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m
Date:
June 22-26
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Design Your Dream Space: Beginner
This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.
Want to learn more about the basics of architecture and design? Campers will spend a week creating their own building plans during this project-based camp! They’ll learn about organic architecture, history, and more through hands-on activities and tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home, Taliesin West. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
June 1-5
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE
Design Your Dream Space: Beginner
This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
June 15-19
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Design Your Dream Space: Beginner
This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
July 27-31
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Dream in Color: Interior Design
This camp is recommended for ages 11-14.
Campers will learn the basic principles of interior design and explore the items Frank Lloyd Wright designed for home interiors, such as furniture, lighting, and textiles. As a final project, campers will create vision boards and architectural models of a completed, designed room of their choosing. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
July 6-10
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Shaping a City: Urban Planning
This camp is recommended for ages 12-16.
What does a community need to be healthy, safe, and beautiful? In the 1930’s, Frank Lloyd Wright tried to answer those questions and planned a community called Broadacre City. Using Wright’s work as inspiration, campers will work together to create their own planned city. They will create an architectural model of a commercial, residential, or industrial building in their imaginary community. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
June 8-12
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Advanced Architecture: Creating for Clients
This camp is recommended for ages 12-16.
Campers become junior architects! We’ll discuss how to design for tricky environments, landscapes, and clients. Mimicking the design process architects follow, campers will create fully detailed architectural models of innovative structures they dream up. This camp also features an architect guest speaker to share about their career. No previous camp or architecture experience is required. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
July 13-17
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
Advanced Architecture Camp: Ultimate Design Challenge
This camp is recommended for ages 12-16.
For the experienced teen architect who is ready to be tested, this camp will have you thinking outside the box. Throughout the week, design-related challenges and activities will encourage campers to tackle unusual projects, culminating in a final building design of their choice, which will have wild parameters! Daily lunch is included in this camp.
At the conclusion of the week, families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Date:
July 20-24
Price:
Youth $400
Member $360
(HALF-DAY CAMP) Photographing Wright with Photographer Andrew Pielage
This camp is recommended for ages 12-17.
The architecture of Taliesin West is the backdrop for a weeklong photographic journey. Photographer Andrew Pielage will guide students in capturing the Sonoran Desert and UNESCO World Heritage site around them. Students learn the tools needed to best utilize a DSLR camera including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, while applying creative approaches to composition, image framing, and the challenges of light and shadow. Students must provide their own fully manual camera and corresponding USB cable. It is highly encouraged that students provide their own laptop for editing photographs.
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Date:
June 8-12
Price:
Youth $250
Member $225
Camp Taliesin West Online: Architecture Adventure
This camp is recommended for ages 7-9.
Does your child want to explore architecture? This camp is perfect for young designers who want to take their first steps towards designing their own dream building!
During this 1 week virtual camp, campers will make their own bubble floor plan to explore how spaces flow together. A museum educator will take them on a guided virtual tour of Taliesin West, where they will learn about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and how he incorporated nature into his designs. They will be taught the basics of floor plan design and create 3d architectural models, which they will have the chance to show them off to their fellow campers.
Virtual campers should have basic knowledge of Zoom in order to participate (ability to mute, ask questions, type in chat), or have an adult nearby during the daily live zoom sessions.
Virtual Camp consists of 3 components:
- A 1 hour and 15 minute live zoom call with a Taliesin West educator and fellow campers at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Arizona time, Monday-Friday.
- Approximately 1-2 hours of at-home projects each day, which campers are expected to work on in their own time and then share the next day over Zoom.
- A secure, online space using Google Classroom. In the Google Classroom, campers can ask their fellow campers and Educator questions, share thoughts and ideas, and learn more about the daily or weekly project.
Time:
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Arizona Time
Date:
July 6-10
Price:
Youth $40
CAMP FAQs
Do I have to register in advance?
Yes, advanced registration for onsite camp and virtual camp is required. Registration closes one week before the first day of camp.
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 is your camp refund policy?
A full refund is available up to 10 business days before the start of the first day of your child’s camp session. All other refunds are at the discretion of the Youth & Family Programs Manager. Questions can be directed to Eduction@FrankLloydWright.Org.
Camp Taliesin West Supporters
Camp Taliesin West registration fees are partly subsidized by these community-minded funders:
