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
Summer Camp 2023
This summer explore architecture, engineering, art, and photography at Camp Taliesin West!
Campers will learn from the principles of famous 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. At the end of each full week families and friends will be invited to Taliesin West to see a showcase of the campers’ work!
Financial assistance is available for all Camp Taliesin West sessions. To learn more and receive an application for financial assistance, please email education@franklloydwright.org
Full-Day Camps:
Design Your Dream Space: Beginner (ages 8-11)
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Two sessions:
June 5-9
July 24-28
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
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, engineering, and more through hands-on activities and tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, Taliesin West. Using cutting-edge apps on provided iPads, they will create computer-generated floor plans and 3D models of their very own dream space. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Design Your Dream Space: Advanced (ages 12-16)
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
June 12-16
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
Campers accelerate from designing their dream space to becoming junior architects. We’ll discuss how to design for tricky environments, landscapes, and even clients! Mimicking the design process architects follow, campers will create fully detailed 3D scale models of innovative community spaces they dream up. This camp also features an architect guest speaker to share about their career. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Architectural Discovery (ages 6-8)
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
June 19-23
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
Our littlest campers will explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy each day through hands-on activities and projects. We’ll craft replica textile blocks, design our own stained glass windows, and more! Campers will also explore engineering and design concepts through interactive games and activities. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Shaping a City (ages 11-15)
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
June 26-30
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
What does a community need to be healthy, safe, and beautiful? In the 1930s, 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 then get to create a 3D model of a commercial, residential, or industrial building in their city, and create public art for their imaginary community. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Dream in Color: Interior Design (ages 9-12)
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
July 10-14
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
Campers will learn the basic principles of interior design such as color, texture, pattern, balance, proportion, and symmetry. They will create Wright inspired faux stained glass windows and other home décor. During this camp, we will also explore the items Frank Lloyd Wright designed for home interiors, such as furniture, dishes, and rugs. As a final project, campers will create vision boards and 3D models of a completed, designed room of their choosing. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Amazing Animal Architects (ages 6-8)
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
July 17-21
Price: $400 general public, $360 for members
The first ever architects in the world were animals! For millions of years, animals have been perfecting the art of construction; creating cozy shelters, damming up rivers, and weaving wild webs. In this nature-focused camp, campers will learn about the daring animal engineers of the Sonoran Desert and beyond. At Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and laboratory, campers will study animal construction, learn about biomimicry, and make their own architectural creations that are inspired by the natural world. Daily lunch is included in this camp.
Half-Day Camp:
Photographing Wright with Photographer Andrew Pielage
*SOLD OUT*
9:00 am – Noon
June 19-23
Price: $250 general public, $225 members
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 sites 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 digital camera and corresponding USB cable. It is highly encouraged that students provide their own laptop for editing photographs.
Summer Camp 2023
Virtual Camp
Virtual Camp Taliesin West: Architecture Adventure
July 10-21
10:00 – 11:00 am Arizona Time
Price: $40 general public, $30 members
Ages: 7-11
Does your child want to learn more about architecture? This camp is perfect for young designers who want to take their first steps toward designing their own dream building!
During this virtual camp, campers will make their own bubble floor plan to learn how spaces flow together. They will test the strength of different shapes, and create a straw tower. 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. By the end of the two-week session, campers will have created their own floor plans and 3d model, which they will have to opportunity to share with 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 live zoom call with a Taliesin West educator and fellow campers at 10:00 am 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.
Week 1: The first week of camp, participants will learn the basics of structures and concepts of architecture through (virtual) hands-on experiments. During this time, campers will begin to develop their own dream space.
Week 2: In week 2, participants dive deeper into the realm of architecture, learning about floor plans and scaling. Through virtual community learning and sharing project ideas, campers end their second week with a scaled floor plan and a virtual 3D model created with a free, easy-to-use virtual building app
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 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.
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Effective March 3, 2022, masks are optional for everyone at Taliesin West.
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Please do not attend if you are feeling ill.
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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
Camp Taliesin West Supporters
Camp Taliesin West registration fees are partly subsidized by these community-minded funders:
Lead Funder
This project is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Other Funders
