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

Under Pressure (1-Day Camp Experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 9-12.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

  • During this camp, campers will take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, Taliesin West. They will then learn how architects deal with different forces in their designs, such as gravity, friction, tension, and compression. We will play fun games to learn about these forces, and then construct bridges to test what we’ve learned!

Date: December 18, 2023; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


Don’t Take Rocks for Granite (1-Day Camp Experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 8-10.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

  • This camp is bigger and BOULDER than any other 1-day camp experience! Learn about the desert masonry walls of Taliesin West, made from the rocks of the Sonoran Desert floor. Campers will get to make their own project using real cement, learn about the rock cycle, and discover why rocks are, of QUARTZ, the coolest thing around.

Date: December 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


Cookie Construction (1-Day Camp Experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 8-10.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

  • During this holiday themed 1-day camp, campers will see Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, Taliesin West. They will learn about Wright’s architectural principles, and practice drawing their own floor plans for the edible house of their dreams. Before the day ends, they will take home a gingerbread house of their own making, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Date: December 22, 2023; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


Totally Cool Climates (3-Day Camp Experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 8-10

  • During this special wintry camp, campers will learn how architects and animals build homes for different environments. Campers will 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 edible, seasonal materials.

  • Registration includes a daily catered lunch for your camper.

Date: December 27-29, 2023; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $240.00
Members $216.00

Register


Gimme Shelter (3-Day camp experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 9-11

  • Registration includes a daily catered lunch for your camper.

  • What is shelter? During this camp, we will 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. Campers will design and build their own physical 3D model shelters taking inspiration from the Sonoran Desert.

Date: March 11-13, 2024; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $240.00
Members $216.00

Register


Design and Build Your Dream Space: Architectural Models (1-day camp experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.

  • 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.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

Date: March 18, 2024; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


Dream in Color: Interior Design (1-day camp experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

  • 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.

Date: March 20, 2024; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


Design and Build Your Dream Space: Architectural Models (1-day camp experience)

  • This camp is recommended for ages 9-11.

  • 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.

  • Registration includes a catered lunch for your camper.

Date: March 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Price:
Youth $80.00
Members $72.00

Register


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.

  • 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.


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

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News and updates from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation