Community & Seasonal Events

Come Out & Play

Ages 6-13 | Monday-Friday | June 8-July 24 | 1-4:45pm | Free | Donner Shelter
(Closed: June 19, June 29-July 3, July 6)

Join us for our FREE summer-long playground recreation program. Columbus Parks and Recreation is happy to offer this free summer-long camp experience! Children from all over the community are invited for a summer of fieldtrips, recreational games, sports, crafts, etc. at Donner Park! Camp is run and monitored by our staff of summer camp counselors out of Donner Shelter! Come Out and Play campers will have a weekly visit from community guests from the library, visits to Donner Aquatic Center, and field trips around town. Children can be signed in and dropped off at the Donner Shelter, or buses will pick up and drop off children at our neighborhood park pick-up points:

• 9th Street Playground
• Pence Street Park Playground
• Morningside Playground
• Parkside Playground

Registration: Drop-In. Parent or guardian must be present on first pickup to complete permission slip and health information.

Disc Golf

The Columbus Parks and Rec Disc Golf Course is located in Donner Park. The course is free and open usage from dawn until dusk and has both 9 basket and 18 basket round options. For additional details on our course, course map, and scorecards, please see our course page on UDisc.com.

For course reservations, please send an inquiry to parks@columbus.in.gov

No Cost To You Events & Programs

Theater & Arts

America 250 Basket Class

Ages 18+ | June 20 | 10am-4:30pm | $75 | Meeting Rooms at NexusPark

In this all-day workshop, you’ll be creating a patriotic themed basket to celebrate our Nation’s 250th Birthday! Woven with lots of Red, White,
and Blue, the basket will be decorated with a wooden tie-on of the Liberty Bell. You’ll learn how to weave your basket from the base to the finished rim – no “started bases” for you this time. You will be learning how to weave a closed base, how to weave and shape the sides, rimming tips, and helpful weaving techniques. The class is open
to adults of all weaving levels. There is a limit of 10 students for the class, so sign up soon! Supplies to Bring: an old towel, a spray bottle for water, a pair of scissors, and a screwdriver with a narrow blade.

Registration: May 8 – June 12

Fall Basket Class

Ages 18+ | September 10 | 5-9pm | $TBD | Meeting Rooms at NexusPark 

For all basket classes, students should bring a flat blade screwdriver, scissors, a large towel and a spray bottle for water. Classes are taught by Pat Carothers.

Registration: TBD

Holiday Basket Class

Ages 18+ | November 19 | 5-9pm | $TBD | Meeting Rooms at NexusPark

For all basket classes, students should bring a flat blade screwdriver, scissors, a large towel and a spray bottle for water. Classes are taught by Pat Carothers.

Registration: TBD

Fencing

Ages 7-11, 12+ | The REC at NexusPark | $60

En Garde! Are you ready to discover the historic sport of fencing? Join our partners at the Salle de Lutins Fencing Club for a 4-week session of fencing. Get an introduction and training in a unique and fun Olympic sport! Students will receive instruction on form, technique and how to properly engage in a bout. Equipment can be rented for $20 during the class as well.

Teen & Adult

Safe Sitter® Babysitter Safety Training

Ages 11 – 14 | 3:30-5:30pm | $25 | The REC at NexusPark

Is your 6th-8th grade child looking to be more independent at home and even start babysitting for siblings, friends or other families? We’ll explore the characteristics of a good babysitter and cover caring for infants and toddlers, basic first aid and CPR, what to do in an emergency, etc. Class will be led by a certified Safe Sitter instructor from the Council for Youth Development and CPR and First Aid will be covered by a licensed instructor and students will receive and be working from the Safe Sitter training book.

July 27-30 | Registration: April 15 – July 21

Safe@Home

Ages 9-11 | 3:30-5pm | $10 | The REC at NexusPark

Safe@Home by Safe Sitter® is a 90-minute program designed for students in grades 4-6 to prepare them to be safe when they are home alone. Students learn how to practice safe habits, how to prevent unsafe situations, and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies. Students are also introduced to the Safe Sitter® First Aid Chart and learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses. The program is designed to prepare students for their first steps towards independence. Class is led by a certified instructor from the Council for Youth Development.

September 3 | Registration: May 15 – August 25
October 8 | Registration: September 4 – October 2

Summer Youth Camps

Campers must be potty trained and meet minimum age requirements by the first day of each week of day camp.

Take a Look in a Book

Ages 4-5 | June 8-12 | 9–11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark

Turn the page on summer fun! Take a Look in a Book invites kids to dive into the magical world of stories, imagination, and creativity. Campers will explore exciting books, discover new characters, and bring stories to life through games, crafts, and themed activities inspired by their favorite tales.

Registration: April 6-June 4, 5pm

Adventures in Reading

Ages 6-7 | June 8-12 | 1–4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark

Turn the page on summer fun! Adventures in Reading invites kids to dive into the magical world of stories, imagination, and creativity. Campers will explore exciting books, discover new characters, and bring stories to life through games, crafts, and themed activities inspired by their favorite tales.

Registration: April 6-June 4, 5pm

Tots Trails and Tales: Little Bird Adventures

Ages 2-4 | June 15-16 | 9–10:30am | $15 | The REC at NexusPark

Exploring the outdoors with your child is one of the best ways to help them form a lifelong bond with nature. Join us, and help sharpen your skills as your child’s guide and teacher. Spread your wings learn about birds through songs, stories, sensory play, and easy crafts inspired by feathers, nests, and bird sounds. Activities encourage little ones to flap, hop, and chirp as they build early learning skills.

Registration: April 6-June 11, 5pm

American Girl Doll Fun

Ages 5-10 | June 15-16 | 1:30-4:30pm | $45 | The REC at NexusPark

Pack your imagination and get ready for a sun-soaked adventure inspired by American Girl Doll of the Year Raquel Reyes! This exciting camp invites campers to step into Raquel’s vibrant world — where sunny beaches, frozen treats, and seaside surprises are always just around the corner.

Registration: April 6-June 11, 5pm

Columbus in Motion

Ages 8–12 | June 22–26 | 9am–3pm | $175 | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark

Calling all sportoholics. This action packed week of camp will be held at NexusPark. We will spend our days exploring all the sports that the NexusPark Fieldhouse has to offer. Join us as we do a variety of recreational sport activities. Some highlights of the week will be archery tag, zorb soccer, basketball and more! We will spend some time offsite on field trips throughout the week exploring the different sporting opportunities around town. We will try out the Disc Golf course at Donner, swim at the pool and visit some of our community sports partners. Campers will get visits from local sports clubs to offer instruction as well!

Registration: April 6-June 18, 5pm

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Ages 4-5)

Ages 4-5 | June 22-26 | 9-11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark

I solemnly swear I am ready for some fun… Your invitation has been sent by Owl Post! Prepare yourself to be transported to the wizarding World of Harry Potter. Students will get to meet the sorting hat, join a house, attend loads of Hogwarts classes, and even play a game of quidditch. Meet some of your favorite Hogwarts professors and have a magically fun time! Mischief Managed

Registration: April 6-June 18, 5pm

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Ages 6-7)

Ages 6-7 | June 22-26 | 1-4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark

I solemnly swear I am ready for some fun… Your invitation has been sent by Owl Post! Prepare yourself to be transported to the wizarding World of Harry Potter. Students will get to meet the sorting hat, join a house, attend loads of Hogwarts classes, and even play a game of quidditch. Meet some of your favorite Hogwarts professors and have a magically fun time! Mischief Managed

Registration: April 6-June 18, 5pm

Star Wars: Youngling Academy

Ages 4-5 | July 6-10 | 9-11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark

The Force is strong with this one! Join us for a week of Jedi training. Your Youngling will spend this week, honing the body and the mind to master The Force, the Jedi Code, and of course, the way of the lightsaber. As a Youngling, they are on their way to becoming a strong and honorable Jedi Knight. We will explore many of the different planets from a galaxy far far away. We will get to try some foods from the Star Wars Universe! Every Youngling will finish the week by building their very own lightsaber, taking the Jedi Oath of Honor, and joining the ranks of the Jedi Order!

Registration: April 6-July 2, 5pm

Star Wars: Padawan Academy

Ages 6-7 | July 6-10 | 1-4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark

The Force is strong with this one! Join us for a week of Jedi training. Your Padawan will spend this week, honing the body and the mind to master The Force, the Jedi Code, and of course, the way of the lightsaber. As a Padawan, they are on their way to becoming a strong and honorable Jedi Knight. We will explore many of the different planets from a galaxy far far away. We will get to try some foods from the Star Wars Universe! Every Padawan will finish the week by building their very own lightsaber, taking the Jedi Oath of Honor, and joining the ranks of the Jedi Order!

Registration: April 6-July 2, 5pm

Camp MVP

Ages 8–12 | July 13-17 | 9am–3pm | $200 | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark

During this fun filled week of sports and games, every camper is our most valuable player. Campers will start their day at the Circle K Fieldhouse, and spend the week exploring all the fun exciting new programs that facility has to offer. We will do a variety of offsite programs including ice skating, roller skating, a trip to the pool, and a visit to Urban Air in Franklin. Throughout the week, we will visit other sports facilities and take part in a myriad of programs all over town! Instructors from local sports clubs will also pay campers a visit! Grab your running shoes and get ready to move!

Registration: April 6-July 9, 5pm

Bike Camp

Ages 5 + | July 14-16 | 10-11:30am | $25 | Donner Center back parking lot

All participants must have a bike and wear a helmet. Our bike camps are separated by skill level. Beginners/Non-riders will focus on riding their bike without training wheels. Intermediate riders will work on their biking confidence & learning basic rules & maintenance.

Registration: April 6–July 10, 5pm

Holidays in July Jr.

Ages 4-5 | July 13-17 | 9-11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark

Enjoy a year’s worth of holidays all in ONE WEEK! Maybe you’ve heard of Christmas in July, but what about Thanksgiving in July…or Halloween? Every day of camp, campers will be transported to a different time of year and celebrate all the festivities of the seasons. Campers will experience holiday
themed crafts, games, snacks and activities. Who doesn’t want to have a snowball fight when it’s in the 90’s outside? Gingerbread houses one day, Fourth of July fireworks the next!

Registration: April 6–July 9, 5pm

Holidays in July

Ages 6-7 | July 13-17 | 1-4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark

Enjoy a year’s worth of holidays all in ONE WEEK! Maybe you’ve heard of Christmas in July, but what about Thanksgiving in July…or Halloween? Every day of camp, campers will be transported to a different time of year and celebrate all the festivities of the seasons. Campers will experience holiday
themed crafts, games, snacks and activities. Who doesn’t want to have a snowball fight when it’s in the 90’s outside? Gingerbread houses one day, Fourth of July fireworks the next!

Registration: April 6–July 9, 5pm

Gotta Catch ‘em All Jr.

Ages 4-5 | July 20-24 | 9-11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark

Are you ready to become the very best, like no one ever was? Join us this summer for a weeklong camp, training future Pokémon trainers! Each day, campers will discover new types of Pokémon, catch and train their Pokémon friends and embark on their journey to become the best Pokémon trainers in Columbus! Campers will play themed
games, complete crafts and leave every day of camp with a different Pokémon collectable box!

Registration: April 6–July 16, 5pm

Gotta Catch ‘em All

Ages 6-7 | July 20-24 | 1-4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark

Are you ready to become the very best, like no one ever was? Join us this summer for a weeklong camp, training future Pokémon trainers! Each day, campers will discover new types of Pokémon, catch and train their Pokémon friends and embark on their journey to become the best Pokémon trainers in Columbus! Campers will play themed
games, complete crafts and leave every day of camp with a different Pokémon collectable box!

Registration: April 6–July 16, 5pm

Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program

Recipients of the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program can be approved for $200.00 per child per calendar year. If you do not use the full $200.00 by December 31, the balance will go back into the scholarship program. Families can apply each calendar year.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program, all families must show proof of residency in Bartholomew County and proof that the child is under their care (School document, Medical or Insurance document, Birth Certificate, Social Security card, Hoosier Healthwise card, most recent 1040 with dependents).

Families will also need to show proof of receiving at least one of the following:

• Social Security Supplemental or Disability Income
• Public assistance through the Division of Family Resources, i.e., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Stamps
• Free lunch assistance through the local schools
• Public assistance through the City of Columbus Housing Authority
• Hoosier Healthwise Card
  OR
• If a family has foster children in their household, we will need to see foster paperwork.

Guidelines:

• Scholarship Amount – Individuals are eligible for a maximum of $200.00 per child for the calendar year.
• Scholarships will be awarded only as funds are available.
• Children under the age of 18 are eligible for a scholarship.
• Eligible programs – All Parks and Recreation programs. Scholarship does not cover season passes, private instruction, daily admission, equipment rentals and tickets to local events.
• Families residing in Bartholomew County are eligible.
• Scholarships are available for immediate members of a family or foster children who live with the family throughout the year. Scholarships are not available for friends or relatives visiting or staying for a period of time. Scholarships for such individuals should be submitted by the parent/guardian for that family, if applicable.
• Approval of the scholarship is subject to verification of the information provided with the application.
• Applicants will receive notification or approval or denial via phone within 7 business days from the date of the application.
• The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to revoke admission to a facility, program, or activity for misuse or cause.

If you would like to apply, you will need to fill out our scholarship application and email it to parks@columbus.in.gov or return it to NexusPark (2252 25th St – Entrance 2, Columbus, IN 47201) with the eligibility required paperwork above. Call NexusPark (812-376-2680) if you have questions.

Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Application (PDF)

Solicitud de Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship (PDF)

Donate to the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Program