ALPINE TOWER

Standing 50-feet tall, this vertical climbing structure is set on poles that crisscross toward the sky! Participants, both beginner and advanced, will be challenged by the pole climbs, dangling logs, seesaw log, high woozy, hanging ladders and much more. It is a creative and safe way to be challenged both physically and mentally.

ARCHERY

Pick up a bow, launch an arrow, and the spirit of an archer may possess you. Attend the archery session to learn about this ancient art used for hunting, warring, and peaceful relaxation. We’ll talk about proper stance and form, eye dominance, aim, how to grip the bow, draw the string and how to use a consistent anchor point. We’ll also discuss how to select archery equipment to fit you and your needs.

ART AS AN INVESTMENT

Are you curious about the art world? Have you ever seen flashy headlines about auction records and asked yourself how paintings regularly sell for these large sums? Join us as we discuss the basics of the art market, the qualities of art as an investment, how art responds to certain market conditions and more. Learn about how art can simultaneously be a beautiful piece of history while its unique characteristic often makes it an ideal asset class. Catie Patton with Heather James Fine Art has been advising clients for 20 years. She has shared her expertise across a variety of art market landscapes and provided clients with an inside perspective and regular analysis both of the art market and financial markets at large and how those realms intersect and react to one another.

With galleries and consultancies across the globe, Heather James Fine Art is a leading international gallery. Offering works from artists like Monet, Warhol, O’Keeffe, Basquiat, Kahlo, and many more, Heather James presents blue chip art from a cross-section of periods, movements, and genres including Post-War, Contemporary, Impressionist, Modern, American, Latin American, and Old Masters.

BASEBALL: BATTING CAGE

Come do what many believe is the hardest thing to do in sports — hitting a baseball. Troy Drosche will provide instruction on the art of hitting a baseball. Troy played baseball at Marian University from 1992-1996 and was inducted into its Athletic Wall of Fame in 2008. He currently is the varsity baseball coach at Avon High School winning 3 sectional titles and advancing to the Final 4 in 2019. 

BEE KEEPING

Ever wondered what it takes to get started in keeping a colony of bees? Come and learn how a bee colony works. Join Seib’s Hoosier Honey as they detail their history with beekeeping. Hear why they got started with this unique hobby and leave with an understanding of how important bees are to our daily lives. Come ready to experience live bees in action while you harvest some honey to take home. Seib’s Hoosier Honey is a small beekeeping operation that has bees at seven different apiaries around several different counties: Hamilton, Hendricks, Morgan, and Johnson.

BOURBON TASTING: WHAT TO KNOW AND WHY

The Bourbon Boom in now officially upon us! The world of whiskey, in particular bourbon, has seen a tremendous boost in popularity over the past several years. Whether you’re an avid whiskey drinker, new to the scene or interested in buying your first bottle, it can be very intimidating to figure out what you should and shouldn’t be trying! Take a journey with us as we sample through unique, hard to find options as well as bourbon you can find every day on the shelf, all on a quest to find the perfect bourbon for your palate! The Indiana Liquor Group will lay out the basics to bourbon, key terms to know, how to properly taste and smell whiskey.

BOXING

Ready to strap on a pair of boxing gloves and experience the “impact” of hitting the focus mitts while learning how the “Sweet Science” of boxing helps people with Parkinson’s? Join the team from Rock Steady Boxing in this interactive, empowering session. The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to equip their affiliates and empower the coaches to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum. 

CANOEING

Explore a 110-acre lake in a canoe. Bradford Woods instructors will teach proper canoeing techniques, several paddling strokes and canoe safety. Once participants learn the basics, they will be able to practice them on Bradford Woods’ calm and relaxing lake.

CHEESE & WINE

Taste some of the world’s best cheeses with Max McCalman. Not only will you taste some of his favorite cheeses you will learn which wines pair best with them and why. Renowned as one of the cheese world’s living legends for his expertise, insight, and passion, Max McCalman is dedicated to helping others understand and enjoy the unique pleasures of artisanal cheeses.

Max McCalman became America’s first restaurant-based Fromager at New York City’s Picholine Restaurant in 1995. The success of the program led to the creation of the Artisanal Bistro in 2001, then to the establishment of the online retailer www.artisanalcheese.com in 2003 where Max served as its Maître Fromager, Director of Affinage and Dean of Curriculum.

McCalman is the author of four books on cheese, including: Mastering Cheese—winner of Gourmand Cookbook Awards’ Best Book on Cheese; Cheese, a Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s Best—winner of a James Beard Award; The Cheese Plate and Max McCalman’s Swatchbook of Wine & Cheese Pairings. 

Max is Maître Fromager for The Wine Room in Delray Beach and Winter Park in Florida.

COFFEE TASTING: A LOOK INSIDE THE CUP

Coffee tasting with a twist! Our long-time coffee sponsor Peter Beering will offer a look into the cup at what it takes to be in the coffee business. This unique behind the scenes view will include a discussion about agricultural issues, supply chain challenges, menu, and recipe development. Campers will enjoy a unique caffeinated experience!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PANEL

Hear from key community leaders about how they became involved in organizations that help drive our community and state forward. Cathy Langham, Melissa Proffitt Schmidt, Rafael Sanchez, and Ryan Vaughn have all played leadership roles with important city and state organizations and initiatives such as the Indy Chamber, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Sports Corp, the 2024 All-Star game and more. Learn how to get involved and why civic engagement is rewarding and so important for our community.

Panel participants:

  • Cathy Langham is President of Langham Logistics
  • Melissa Proffitt Schmidt is Partner-In-Charge of Client Relations at Ice Miller Legal Counsel 
  • Rafael Sanchez is Chief Impact Officer & Indianapolis Market President, EVP for Old National Bank 
  • Ryan Vaughn is President and General Counsel for Sondhi Solutions  

CORNHOLE

Want to learn how to play this lawn game or improve your game? The courts will be open at all times on Wednesday and Thursday and staffed with instructors to provide insights and answer your questions.

CRAPS 101

Craps is the most exciting game in any casino. The dice in the air, a cheering crowd with lots of colorful characters, and the best odds in the casino equal an unforgettable experience. Many people are intimated or confused by this incredible game. It will be taught by local craps experts, campers Bob Laikin and Matt Burnett, who have years of experience and lots of stories! Learn how to approach a craps table with confidence and a strategy to come home a winner. A regulation craps table will be available to learn and practice this outstanding game. 

CROSSFIT

Get ready for a CrossFit workout with Mark Morgan. Mark is a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor. He specializes in developing holistic training approaches, which promote lifestyle changes for permanent results in weight loss, athletic performance, strength, dynamic flexibility, balance, proprioception, and whole-body functional strength and power. Mark graduated from Ball State University in 1998 with an Exercise Science and Wellness degree. He is also Power Plate, TRX, FST and Stick Mobility certified. With over 24 years of fitness experience, Mark works with a variety of clients who want to improve themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether training a stay-at-home mom, a high-level executive, a young kid trying out for a sport, an elderly client looking to improve mobility or a professional athlete trying to stay in shape in the off-season, Mark’s ultimate goal is to improve every person’s health and fitness and have a little fun along the way.

DRONES

In addition to flying drones, you will learn current laws governing the operation of drones/remote controlled aircraft, the different types of drones available, the components required to build a drone, different applications that drones are being utilized for, and a shopping list of what’s available to purchase/assemble. The technology keeps advancing and so have the drones at Mickey’s Camp. This session will offer beginners an intro to basic drones. We have also upgraded to GPS assisted drones to get you in the air sooner. If you want to try out creating waypoints and programming a drone, we can do that too. If you’re interested in first-person view (FPV) racing or just want to see what drone racing looks like, this session will not disappoint.

DUTCH OVEN COOKING

Dutch oven cooking is a fun way to socialize with people and make new friends. There’s just something special about good food that has a way of drawing people together. And it’s not just useful during camping trips. Aside from being a fun activity, Dutch oven cooking is a life skill that everyone can learn and benefit from. Our lives have become so fast-paced, we’ve forgotten or neglected to learn many skills that, 100 years ago, would have been second nature to us. How many of us would know how to cook for our families without electricity or propane? With Dutch oven cooking skills, you’ll have the confidence that you can cook a good hot meal for your family at any time regardless of the circumstances. We’ll be making a variety of delicious foods—even dessert—to share with anyone that wants to sample from our ovens. Join us! 

FACIAL

David Miller, Co-Owner/Esthetic Director of “David and Mary”—The Salon Experience in Fishers, Indiana, returns with his talented team of Estheticians, providing facials to soothe your skin and your senses. Leave your facial session with smooth, healthy-looking skin. You will feel the difference and friends will notice the added “glow!”

FISHING ON THE LAKE

Want a relaxing morning on the pontoon? Join Bradford Woods staff for a fishing expedition on the lake. They will show you all the best fishing holes the camp has to offer.

FLY FISHING

Through hands-on fly fishing instruction provided by local expert Jon Widboom, participants will be schooled in the magic of fly fishing. Widboom has been fly fishing around the world for more than 30 years, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

GOLF

Erika Wicoff will work with you on your fundamentals and possibly provide a new perspective on your golf game. Bring your 7 iron and sand wedge or use one of ours. Simple adjustments to your address position and target perception can make a huge impact in your overall game. Wicoff has been teaching for over 18 years after a successful playing career that includes winning three Big Ten Individual Championships, two US Women’s Amateur Medals and competing in five US Women’s Opens while playing on the LPGA tour for six years. An IU Athletic Hall of Fame and Indiana PGA Hall of Fame Inductee, her experience competing, and teaching will help you play better golf.

GRILLING

Learn the techniques, tips, and the fine art of becoming a true BBQ Maestro! Scott Regal, The BBQ Maestro himself will cover the entire smoking process from prep to completion, highlighting common pitfalls to avoid, and which smokers provide the best results. Learn how to utilize different types of smokers, woods & charcoals to prepare the most mouth-watering fare at home.

In addition to sharing tricks and tips, Scott will teach how to grill and smoke your own award-winning BBQ at home including beef sausage, pastrami, smoked Italian mini subs and smoked Chex mix. Samplings of these grilled specialties will be part of the session.

HEAVY MACHINERY

Have you always wanted to operate construction equipment? Test your skills on our obstacle course—each camper will operate a Caterpillar D3XL Bulldozer, Caterpillar 259D3 Compact Track Loader and a JLG Manlift. Representatives from MacAllister Machinery and Bowen Engineering, along with MacAllister Machinery Operator Trainer, Ridge Inman, will be on-site to train each individual on the machine before operating. Also available to demo is the Caterpillar Machine Simulator—take a seat, buckle your safety belt, and enter this virtual construction world. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

HISTORY OF FILM — ROMANTIC COMEDIES: THE ART OF THE MEET CUTE

One of the most widely enjoyed and easily digested film genres, romantic comedies have been a staple in the film world since the creation of the medium. Whether we enjoy them for an escape from reality or as comforting background noise, there’s no denying the genre’s popularity. Join a discussion of one of film’s most consistently enjoyable genres, with a focus on its most essential trope: the meet cute.

Tim Irwin is the Executive Producer of Artrageous with Nate, an Indianapolis-based educational content creator focused on creativity and innovation. Irwin previously worked for Heartland Film, the largest film festival in the Midwest. As Artistic Director of Heartland Film, Irwin was responsible for the programmatic and artistic direction of the organization. 

HISTORY OF INDIANA MUSIC

Rob Dixon is Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, Northwestern Jazz Saxophone Lecturer and Director of the IUPUI jazz ensemble. He will lead you through an engaging synopsis of Indiana music history from the great composers Noble Sissle, Hoagy Carmichael and Cole Porter to the iconic jazz legends, Wes Montgomery, JJ Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, and the Hampton Sisters all the the way up to popular music sensations including Michael Jackson, John Mellencamp, Crystal Gayle, Babyface and Joshua Bell!

HOOSIERS: ORIGINAL CUT

Every good Indiana resident and sports fan has seen it. “Hoosiers” is a 1986 American sports film written by Angelo Pizzo. It tells the story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that wins the state championship. Listen to the behind-the-scenes stories of this classic from the screenwriter himself and enjoy 30 minutes of uncut footage.

Pizzo began his film/television career with Warner Brothers Television in the story development group and then moved to Time-Life Films. After serving as Vice President of Feature Film Productions he worked with former fraternity brother David Anspaugh to create “Hoosiers” which earned two Oscar Award nominations and was named best sports film of all time by USA Today. “Hoosiers” is listed on the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Pizzo also wrote and produced “Rudy” and wrote and directed “My All American”. He continues writing screenplays and making films.

HORSESHOES

Learn how to play a simple, fun variation of this game that dates back to before the Roman Empire. Campers will be taught pitching technique and how to be competitive. All participating campers will be automatically entered into the Camp Tournament. Continuous results will be posted at the Horseshoe courts located near the dining hall.

The courts will be open all day on Wednesday and Thursday in addition to the regular session times. Stop by at any time (sessions, between sessions, etc.) and “pitch a game!” Campers can record as many games as they want and keep the best game for the Camp Tournament.

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO: MEET THE ANIMALS

You think your work is a zoo? Bill Street, Senior Vice President of the Indianapolis Zoo will be on hand to introduce you to some of his zoo friends, tell behind the scenes stories, share the future of your zoo, and give you insight into what it takes to care for all the animals at our zoo. Best of all, come nose-to-nose and get your picture taken with a sloth and other animal ambassadors.

Street is a board member of the North American Association for Environmental Education and is currently launching the Global Center for Species Survival, a partnership between the Zoo and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission. Before coming to Indianapolis in 2019, he served as Corporate Curator for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and Executive Director of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

INNOVATIONS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Aman Brar will present this exciting topic. He is a Partner at Ground Game Ventures and has an extensive background in leading technology companies through periods of high growth, M&A, and integration. Ground Game invests in early stage B2B software companies. Previously, Aman launched Canvas, the world’s first text-based interviewing software. The startup was acquired by Jobvite sixteen months after launch. Aman then led Jobvite as CEO and Board Member while acquiring and integrating a variety of recruiting technology companies. As former president of Apparatus, Aman helped lead the company through a strategic acquisition by Virtusa where he subsequently led the global infrastructure business unit. 

Aman graduated from Wabash College with degrees in Economics and Religion. He also completed his MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University – Bloomington. Aman, Susan (spouse), and Navraj (son) live in Indianapolis, IN. 

IPHONEOGRAPHY

There’s a saying that the best camera is the one you have with you. For many of us today, that camera is the iPhone. Award-winning photographer Rad Drew will show you how to make great photos using your iPhone. He will introduce you to techniques for making portraits, shooting beautiful panoramas, and capturing action shots. After you have the shot, then what?

Drew will demonstrate, using a few simple apps, how you can make your images sing! Although a photographer for many years, he did not acquire his first iPhone until 2010. Since then, his creative iPhone images have received numerous awards and have made their way into juried international competitions. Drew teaches mobile photography to individuals, corporations, and professional organizations and leads destination tours, which are great ways to learn while photographing beautiful areas of the world.

JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE: INTO THE UNKNOWN

The James Webb Space Telescope has been rewriting cosmic history. It has been designed to answer many of the core questions that have mystified the human species over the past half-century. With a $10 billion price tag, it is one of the most ambitious engineering initiatives ever attempted. 

We are on the threshold of some of the greatest scientific discoveries in human history; to uncover the nature of those first gargantuan stars, to reveal the composition of invisible matter, and to determine if we are alone in this universe or merely a tiny part of a boundless galactic neighborhood of intelligent civilizations.

The Webb telescope has already peeked into the very beginnings of our universe discovering dark-matter galaxies that shouldn’t exist, run-away black holes consuming everything in their path and an abundance of life supporting water throughout the cosmos. What’s next? Come and be amazed.

Greg McCauley is the President, CEO, and founder of Grand Universe. He will be leading our James Webb Telescope discussion. In the early 1970’s, Greg worked for NASA at the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in Houston, Texas. He worked in Mission Planning and Analysis for the lunar missions of Apollo 15, 16 and 17 in engineering support for Mission Control where he held a NASA top secret clearance. Greg was a member of the Lunar Launch Team for Apollo 17 where he created the maps of the lunar surface the astronauts used as they explored the Moon in the Lunar Rover.

In addition to his duties at Grand Universe, Greg is an award-winning professional science communicator, a member of the NASA Museum and Informal Education Alliance and lectures throughout the Midwest on NASA Missions, Astronomy and Space Exploration. 

Greg’s interests are the future of human space exploration, discovering new planets around other stars, and the search for life in the universe. Greg’s passion is inspiring our youth to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in science and technology through the Grand Universe “Galileo” STEM education partnership with Purdue University.

KRAV MAGA

No one wants to think about what would happen if they were caught in a life-threatening situation, but it’s important to be prepared. Are you ready to defend yourself and your loved ones? 

Come join Krav Maga Worldwide Indy in this introductory session on a technique that will help you be more aware, develop total-body fitness, and learn real-world self-defense skills. Unlike some other martial arts, there is no “sports” component to Krav Maga—it’s about keeping yourself safe in a real dangerous situation, not just in the gym. 

As a martial art, Krav Maga focuses on quick, efficient, and effective movements that anyone can learn. It’s simple and instinctive. With decades of cumulative experience and a long track record of success, their expert coaches will help you learn to live fearlessly knowing you can defend yourself and your family.

LASER TAG

Ready for combat? Join Hoosier Game Hut at their Mobile Laser Tag class and challenge your friends or associates. Their high-tech Laser Tag is a blast! The Hoosier Game Coach/Referee makes sure everybody is ready for combat, then runs the game so everyone can participate. The custom designed Laser Tag Trailer comes equipped with everything needed to make your gaming experience the best it can be!

LINK OBSERVATORY VISIT

(EVENING TOURS)

Have you ever wanted to look through the eyepiece of a research grade telescope? Come visit the historic Link Observatory which at the time of its construction was the 8th largest telescope in the nation. Owned by IU since 1948, you can learn about the significant contributions the facility has made to the worldwide database of scientific knowledge. Look through the eyepiece and see celestial objects in vivid detail. Learn how the observatory is advancing STEM education in Indiana and inspiring the next generation. Join us as we explore the wonders of the universe. On Thursday night a shuttle bus will be making round trips throughout the evening from dusk until 11:30 p.m.

MASSAGE

Whether you like sports, deep tissue or just a relaxation massage, our certified massage therapy staff will be on hand to soothe the sore muscles you may get during all of the fun activities available at Mickey’s Camp. Never had a massage? This is the perfect opportunity to try one! All members of our professional staff are equipped to handle the first-time client or the massage veteran. Treat yourself!

NATURE HIKE — BIRD WATCHING

What makes a bird a bird? Enjoy an introduction to bird adaptations and bird identification as you investigate a variety of bird habitats at Bradford Woods. Common local birds will be identified by using field observation techniques and proper use of binoculars and field guides.

NATURE HIKE — TREE IDENTIFICATION

Are you “stumped” when it comes to identifying trees? Branch out and learn something new as we explore what makes ‘The Woods,’ the woods. Participants will “leaf” this session with the knowledge on how to properly identify various types of trees in South-Central Indiana.

NIL PRESENTATION

The landscape of collegiate athletics has changed drastically in the last couple of years. Student athletes are now able to utilize their name, image and likeness (NIL) to generate income. There are many misconceptions around NIL along with confusion to what it is. Let’s talk about how it has impacted college athletics so far (particularly at IU and Purdue), how it functions across the country, and how the landscape could change in the years to come.

Former IU basketball player Collin Hartman is the VP of Partnerships for Hoosiers Connect, an official collective of Indiana University Athletics.He has been very involved in building the NIL infrastructure that now supports Indiana University contributors in engaging with NIL in various capacities.

PICKLEBALL

Jeremy Rosenstein and Sandy Schwarz will teach Pickleball. The fastest growing sport in America provides fun, great exercise and awakens your competitive spirit. Pickleball will bring out your athleticism and make you move to the bounce of a whiffle ball off your oversized paddle. This sport creates great rallies and social fun!

Rosenstein, who is also a sports videographer, has been coaching a variety of sports including tennis and pickleball since 2009. Rosenstein has won a combined 12 Pickleball Singles and Doubles Tournaments in his career. Schwarz is an avid player and has conducted several tournaments.

POKER

Sharpen your poker skills with two of poker’s greatest instructors/players. Linda Johnson was the third woman in history to win a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker and has won more than 100 poker tournaments including the California State Ladies Poker Championship. Nicknamed the “First Lady of Poker,” Johnson’s accomplishments in poker are extraordinary. In 2018, she became the inaugural inductee into the World Poker Tour Hall of Fame. She has co-written three poker books and writes a column for a national poker magazine. She was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011. Jan Fisher started her poker career in 1977 when she became a poker dealer. Fisher dealt in many cardrooms in Las Vegas then moved on to semi-professional playing and poker management. She wrote the Poker 101 column for Card Player magazine for more than 10 years and was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2009. Johnson and Fisher are partners in Card Player Cruises.

POLITICS

Come talk politics with Lesley Weidenbener and fellow campers. She covered the Indiana Statehouse for more than 20 years before coming to the IBJ in 2015 where she is now the editor.

There will be two different sessions to pick from this year:

The Intersection of Media and Politics: What role does the news media play in how people vote? Is the news responsible for some of the breakdown in civility in government and politics? Or is the rise in politically leaning news organizations the result of it? And where can people go for information they can trust?

The 2024 Presidential Race: It’s hard to believe that we’re already talking about the next presidential race. But voters will go to the polls in 2024 to elect the next president. How is Joe Biden positioned for reelection? Who is emerging as the GOP favorite (at this early writing, former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley are in the mix)?

PSYCHOLOGY OF MONEY

Why does money elicit such strong emotions and behaviors? On the surface, our financial lives feel as though they are a byproduct of mathematics. Yet, as we’ve all learned, money is barely about math. In fact, money is the intersection of math and behavior.

In this session, Peter Dunn (Pete the Planner) will help you understand your financial life better through the lens of behavior and emotion. You’ll learn about the emotional rollercoaster of your everyday financial life, and why your understanding of money gets more complicated when you try to compare your situation with others.

RESTORATIVE TOUCH

Restorative Touch is a mind-body connection practice provided by a Licensed Massage Therapist. The therapist will aid you in physical and mental well-being by focusing on your breathing and other practices of mindfulness. Participants remain fully clothed while being led through gentle restorative poses and guided meditation while targeted therapeutic massage is provided. Restorative Touch is a self-care journey that will take you on a tranquil escape from the everyday. 

RIFLE / PISTOL

The Shelby County Sports Shooting Club will help you explore the long and short of shooting sports. Beginning with the long guns, you’ll learn the parts and operation of rifles, the different calibers, and their uses, and have some fun knocking down steel targets. You’ll also explore and shoot some handguns (pistols), including revolvers and semi-automatics.

SAUSAGE MAKING

Have you ever wanted to see how sausage is made? Join Mark Lafay, Butcher, Certified Sommelier, Founder of Old Major Market and learn all about seasoning, grinding, stuffing, and linking sausage! Old Major is an Indianapolis-based, USDA-inspected producer of artisanal sausage and bacon. They proudly work with Indiana farmers that implement sustainable farming practices and produce animal protein free of antibiotics and hormones. Class participants will get to leave with sausage from class and the confidence to make sausage at home!

SCULPTING

Learn the basics of sculpture methods and techniques in clay and create a small sculpture. Take the camp challenge to make a woodland creature. You may choose from a mouse, rabbit, squirrel, or turtle. You will have an opportunity at a minimal price to turn the clay into a bronze piece for your home.

Casey Eskridge is a graduate of Herron School of Art (undergraduate), and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (masters). Early in his career he worked with The Franklin Mint and McFarlane Toys creating collectible miniatures and action figures. He has created monumental public sculptures such as the Birth of Apollo sculpture for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

SHOTGUN

The Shelby County Sports Shooting Club will teach you how to shoot a shotgun. You will learn that a shotgun throws a “charge” of pellets at a moving target, rather than a single bullet at a still target. Using a 20-gauge shotgun, you will learn the parts of the firearm and the ammo, as well as how to point and shoot, pattern, and how to hit that elusive flying clay target. Depending on how good your shot is, you may progress to official trap shooting for a little friendly competition.

SNEAKER ART BAR

Kicasso Sneaker Art Bar is a one-of-a-kind painting experience where campers can create a unique wearable masterpiece while socializing with other campers. The canvas for this session will be sneakers. Yeah, that’s right, canvas sneakers. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy this session. They provide the shoes and all supplies needed. All you’ll need to bring is your creative side.

ST. ELMO’S SHRIMP EATING CONTEST

St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location and has earned a national reputation for its excellent steaks, seafood, chops, and professional service. They are coming to Mickey’s Camp to host our Thursday hospitality hour and run our inaugural Shrimp Eating Contest. Sign up will be available Wednesday during camp registration. The number of contestants will be limited, and a random drawing of participants will be made from those interested. 

STAND UP PADDLEBOARD

SUPINDY will provide the surf experience that is the fastest growing watersport in the world. SUP, short for Stand Up Paddleboard, is a way to enjoy the water, nature, and fitness all while having a surf experience. SUPINDY provides rentals, sales, and repairs throughout the state of Indiana.

SUSHI & SAKE

Join Chanse Kinnaman, Executive Sushi Chef from Monterey Coastal Cuisine for a sushi & sake workshop! Learn pro tips and techniques to rolling gorgeous sushi rolls at home while enjoying a flight of sake. Each participant will have the opportunity to roll their own sushi to snack on or take home. Additionally, you’ll learn about the fermentation and refining process and compare different varietals of sake with Zenon Oprysk, Monterey’s Sommelier. We’ll be raffling a $50 gift certificate for one lucky participant to visit Monterey!

TAILGATING 101

Nothing screams game day more than a good tailgate party. Come learn some tips, hints and insider recipes on drinks, food and games from former Colts players Curtis Painter and Gary Brackett. They will be joining the Blend Bus and Indiana Liquor Group on this interactive, fun session that will be serving up Bloody Marys to start your day.

TEQUILA TASTING

Take a journey into the heart of Mexico and learn the basics about how tequila is made from 100% blue weber agave. You will learn what makes tequila one of the most unique spirits in the world. From growing the plant, to the cooking of the agave, to distillation, and finally the aging process. You will have the opportunity to taste this wonderful spirit and ask any questions you may have. This activity will be informative and fun at the same time. Brought to you by Hiatus Tequila, go #onhiatus.

TOMAHAWK

Vikings, Celts, Algonquians, Rocky Mountain men and women—they all used this tool for war and peace—and fun! Tomahawks were often carried instead of swords because they were more useful and versatile. When it was time for a little friendly competition, a target was tacked to a nearby tree and the throwing axes would fly. Join us for some modern competition throwing tomahawks and even a few knives. You’ll be surprised how addictive this simple activity becomes.

US FOREIGN-POLICY SOCRATIC DISCUSSION

Do you enjoy discussing and debating geo-politics and policy? Dr. G. Patrick Lynch, a Senior Fellow at the Liberty Fund, a Carmel based educational foundation will lead a Socratic discussion based on several primary documents looking at the historical evolution of US foreign policy from the Founding to the end of the Cold War. Since its founding in 1960, Liberty Fund has hosted thousands of small conferences designed around a format of readings that serve as the basis for in-depth discussions of topics related to freedom and personal responsibility. As the war in Ukraine rages on, come join us for a substantive exploration of what exactly the role of the US has been in international affairs historically and how that has changed. Is this good for the US and the world? Is this what the Founders intended? Has the role of the US changed to necessitate a different approach? Participants will be asked to read approximately 25 pages of material in preparation for their participation.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Let the paints and brush do the work. Join Julie McCullough as she shows you all you need to know on how to paint with watercolors. Watercolors, unlike other paint mediums, are easily traveled with. You can grab a journal and paint your journeys in a few simple stokes. In this class you will learn to paint wildflowers. McCullough is an award-winning oil and pastel painter and has been featured in the series “Good Bones” here in Indianapolis.

WELDING

In this session, campers will weld metal together to create a functional product. An explanation of metalworking tools, techniques and safety will be followed by cutting metal with plasma, machining, preparing, and welding a special camp project. Camper Peter Beering has pulled together a team of professionals to help guide campers through this exciting session. Wine racks, tablet holders and dinosaurs are among the projects campers have made (and taken home).

WINE TASTING: FAMILY-OWNED WINERIES

As large corporations take over the world, there are still family-owned wineries producing incredible wines. It is a challenge to stay family-owned, honoring tradition yet keeping up with new winemaking techniques. We will taste red and white varietals from several wineries from different countries, exploring their family history and how they are adapting to today’s marketplace. Mostly, we will taste great wines and have fun!

Susan Sage has been with RNDC Indiana, formerly National Wine & Spirits for over 30 years. Starting in the Fine Wine Division and the last 25 years, managing the over 50 portfolios, she represents some of the most prestigious wines from all over the world.

YOGA

Yoga for Peace is designed to help calm the nervous system. Class will focus on breathwork, relaxation and finding peace within. Standing and seated asanas will be practiced with a deep awareness on softening the body, breathing, and finding the middle in our practice and in life.

NOTE: This class is trauma sensitive but appropriate for anyone. 

Vinyasa means to flow with the breath. This class will build strength and stamina as you flow seamlessly through sun salutations fused with traditional asanas. It will help you prepare the mind & body for a peak pose. This class will challenge your balance, core strength and of course your flexibility.

All levels welcome

ZIPLINE

At nearly 400 feet long, Bradford Woods’ zip line is specifically designed to provide universal access. All participants access the zip line via a ramp, and participants of all abilities can take flight. At 65 feet tall, this activity is a great way to experience Bradford Woods from new heights!