Camp Taliesin West Returns, Now Enrolling for Summer 2024 Sessions

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced it will once again offer its popular Camp Taliesin West. There will be a lineup of full- and half-day sessions for K-12 students on topics surrounding architecture, science, art and photography, available both in-person at Taliesin West, Wright’s winter home and studio in Scottsdale, and virtually through Zoom.

Taliesin West’s trained museum educators provide an enriching STEAM education by combining Wright’s principles of organic architecture and solutions-based design with engaging and interactive activities. Through a variety of crafts, insightful discussions from guest speakers, tours of the World Heritage Site, intricate model-building projects and more, campers will be encouraged to harness their critical thinking skills, ignite their creativity and foster a sustainable mindset. 

“Camp Taliesin West offers a unique learning experience for students who are passionate or curious about architecture and STEAM disciplines,” said Abbie Wilson, youth and family programs manager at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “Whether participating in person or virtually, every camper is ensured a rewarding, collaborative and enriching experience.”

With day camp sessions starting in June and running through early August, Camp Taliesin West will feature the following:
 

Amazing Animal Architects | Ages 6 – 8 | June 10 – 14

Humans are not the only architects. In this nature-focused camp, campers will learn about the engineers of the animal kingdom. They will explore biomimicry and create crafts inspired by the natural world, with a visit from live animal ambassadors.

Advanced Architecture Camp: Creating for Clients | Ages 12 – 16 | June 17 – 21

Campers accelerate from designing their dream space to becoming junior architects. They will cover 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 includes a visit from a special architect guest speaker.

Photographing Wright with Photographer Andrew Pielage | Ages 12 – 17 | June 17 – 21

During this half-day camp, photographer Andrew Pielage will guide students in capturing the Sonoran Desert and the 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. A fully manual camera and corresponding USB cable is required. A personal laptop is recommended for editing photos.

Design Your Dream Space: Beginner | Ages 9 – 11 | June 24 – 28 & July 29 – Aug. 2

Campers will spend a week creating their own building plans to uncover the basics of architecture and design. They’ll learn about organic architecture, history and more through hands–on activities and tours of Taliesin West. Using apps on provided iPads, they will create digital floor plans and architectural models of their very own dream space.  

Dream in Color: Interior Design | Ages 11 – 17 | July 8 – 12

Campers will learn the basic principles of interior design and explore the items 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.  

Camp Taliesin West Online: Architecture Adventure | Ages 7 – 9 | July 8 – 12 (Session A); July 15 – 19 (Session B)

During this week-long 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 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 off to their fellow campers.

Shaping a City: Urban Planning | Ages 12 – 16 | July 15 – 19

What does a community need to be healthy, safe and beautiful? In the 1930s, 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.  

Architectural Discovery | Ages 6 – 8 | July 22 – 26

This week-long camp provides the littlest campers the opportunity to explore Wright’s legacy by crafting replica concrete textile blocks, creating faux stained-glass windows and more while exploring engineering and design concepts through games and activities.