Community & Seasonal Events
Come Out & Play
Ages 6-13 | Monday-Friday | June 9-July 25 | 1-4:45pm | Free | Donner Shelter
(Closed: June 11 & 19, June 30–July 4, & 16)
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
Dynamic Disc Trilogy Challenge
Sunday, July 20 | Donner Park Disc Golf Course
Watch our Facebook for more information as it becomes available!
Free Events & Programs
Festival of the Young Child
Ages 8 & Under | April 12 | 10am-12pm | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark | FREE
Join Parks and Recreation and Children Inc. as we celebrate the 55th annual Festival of the Young Child. This year we will be BUILDING Strong Minds at this event that celebrates the youth of Columbus. Community organizations and businesses that focus on serving young children and their families will be present to help celebrate children 8 and under. Join us for this interactive and fun day where families can learn about the different resources available to them. This year, we are BUILDING Strong Minds and the games and activities will be themed around building! Drop in to the fieldhouse for FREE games, activities, and information!
Tuesday Night Trivia
Columbus Indiana Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook Live at 6:30pm
Put your knowledge to the test for fabulous prizes. Join us on Facebook for our live virtual Trivia. Each night’s winner will receive an award. Simply click on the trivia video when it goes live at 6:30pm on trivia nights, enter your answers in the comments and have fun!
- April 15
- May 6 & 20
- June 3 & 17
- July 8 & 22
- August 12 & 26
- September 9 & 23
- October 7 & 21
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Ages 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 | April 19 | 10am | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark | FREE
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt returns! In partnership with 1010 WCSI Please bring a bag or basket for your eggs.
Egg-Ceptional Egg Hunt
All Ages | April 19 | 11am | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark | FREE
Sensory friendly/quiet egg hunt for individuals with sensory and special needs. Lots of eggs and prizes to win! Thank you to our media sponsor, WKKG. We are happy to acknowledge a new partnership with the Rachel Project funded by the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators for providing beeping eggs for the vision and sight impaired at this event.
Elementary Fun Run
Elementary Age (Grade 6 & Younger) | May 3 | 2pm | Mill Race Park | Free
Open to all Bartholomew County elementary students & younger. Distances vary from 1/4 mile and 1 mile. Please visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/Columbus/Elementaryfitnessrun
Bike to Work Day
All Ages | Tuesday, May 13 | 7:30-8:30am | On 4th Street | Free
Bike downtown for coffee and snacks! City staff will share exciting bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure updates! Inclement weather date is Tuesday May 15th.
Contact engineering@columbus.in.gov for more information.
Movies in the Park Series
Sponsored by The Columbus Park Foundation | All Ages | Movies Start at Darkfall | Free
Families, blankets and snacks are all welcome to enjoy movies under the stars once a month at Mill Race Park this summer! Movies start at darkfall so sit back and enjoy the feature! Official start times will be announced on Facebook. Add them to your calendar at cbusinparks.com/movies.
- May 17 | Mill Race Park | Wicked
- June 21 | Mill Race Park | Wonka
- July 18 | Donner Aquatic Center | Moana 2
- September 20 | Mill Race Park | Lilo and Stitch (2025)
- October 4 | Mill Race Park | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Community Fun Days
All Ages | 1:30-3pm | Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark | FREE
Wednesday, June 11 | Medieval Times!
Drop in to the Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark for a performance from court jester, Quibbleflop the Hilarious! His comical renaissance inspired performance will be followed with themed games and activities in the Fieldhouse.
Thursday, July 10 | Mad Science with Professor Steve
Columbus’s favorite scientist is back in town, Professor Steve! Come see his all-new “funducational” show at Circle K Fieldhouse. Games and experiments will be available for everyone after the show!
Wednesday, July 16 | Sports! Sports! Sports!
Drop in to the Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark for a day of fun and sports! Stations, games and activities will be set up throughout the facility for you to try out all the fun offerings Parks and Recreation and NexusPark have to offer!
Chaotic Tuesdays
All Ages | 12-1pm | The Commons | FREE
On Chaotic Tuesdays we flip the switch and Chaos I roars to life. Learn some fun facts about its history and stop by the kids craft table as the sculpture clangs and whirls about.
- June 17
- July 15
- August 12
- October 14
Family Bingo and Make Your Own Sundae Night
All Ages | July 24 | 6:30-8:30pm | Meeting Rooms at NexusPark | FREE
Limit of 5 members per family. Prizes will be awarded to bingo winners.
Registration: April 7–July 3, 5pm
Columbus Bluegrass Jamboree
All Ages | 4-8pm | Free | The REC at NexusPark
Open Jam Session Begins at 4pm. Group Performances begin at 5pm. Donations will be accepted.
- September 13
- November 8
Halloween Fall Fest
October 25 | 4–7pm | Free | Donner Park
Are you ready for an evening of fun fall festivities in the park? Join Columbus Parks and Recreation at Donner Park on October 25 for family fun and take a trip down the Donner Trick-Or-Treat Trail.
Turkey Trot – 5k
All Ages | Thursday, November 27 | 9am | FREE | Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena
Untimed 5k on Thanksgiving morning starting and finishing at Lincoln Park. Enjoy coffee and hot chocolate after your run/walk and find out if you won fun prizes in the raffle! Donations will be accepted for the Columbus Park Foundation’s Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship. Register at cbusinparks.com/cpf-events
Theater & Arts
Holiday Basket Class
Ages 18+ | November 30 | 5-9pm | The REC at NexusPark | $39
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: October 3 – November 27, 5pm
Spring Basket Class
Ages 18+ | April 10 | 5-9pm | The REC at NexusPark | $48
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: January 1- April 7, 5pm
Japanese Taiko Drumming
Discover the art of Japanese Taiko drumming, which has been played in Japan for over 2000 years. The word taiko means big drum, and the art form incorporates large drums, body movement, vocalization, and various instruments. All drums are provided. No drumming experience necessary. All you need is the desire to play, have fun, and a willingness to share the joy of taiko with others. During these fun and energetic classes participants will get a full work out all while learning about rhythm and drumming through the use of games, dance and drumming. Students are required to buy their own drumsticks for $15 on the first day of class. All classes are held at Southern Indiana Taiko.
Children’s
Ages 8-11 | Wednesdays | 3-3:45pm
During this fun and energetic class school age children will learn about rhythm, and drumming through games, songs, dance, and drumming.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $70
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 5 – March 12 | $70
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Teens/Adults
Ages 12+ | Wednesdays | 6-7pm
During this fun and energetic class adults and teens will learn about rhythm and drumming through games, songs, dance,
and drumming.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $75
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Early Spring
March 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 29 – February 28, 5pm
Silver/Parkinson’s
Ages 18+ | Wednesdays | 4-5pm
This drumming class is designed for persons with Parkinson’s, their care partners/families and is perfect for anyone who would like to try taiko at a relaxed pace
with modified movements. This program will promote communication, allow for shared activity, provide emotional support, and encourage physical activity.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $75
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 2 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Early Spring
March 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 29 – February 28, 5pm
Fencing
Ages 7-12+ | 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.
October 10 – November 7 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: September 20 – October 17, 7pm
November 14 and 21*
*$30, November is a two-week session
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: October 18 – November 15, 7pm
December 5 – 19 and January 2 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: November 16 – December 12, 7pm
January 9 – 30 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: December 13 – January 16, 7pm
February 6 – 27 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: January 17 – February 13, 7pm
March 6 – 27 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: February 14 – March 13, 7pm
April 3 – 24 | Thursdays
Ages 7-11 | 6-7pm
Ages 12+ | 7-8pm
Registration: March 14 – April 10, 7pm
Teen & Adult
Park of the Living Dead
All Ages | October 25 | 7pm, 7:10pm, 7:20pm, 7:30pm, 7:45pm | Mill Race Park | $15/person
Do you have what it takes to survive an evening in the Park of the Living Dead? On October 25, Mill Race Park will be overrun with zombies. As survivors, it is your job to secure shelter, find food, train with a weapon, gain access to medical supplies and ultimately create the cure. Starting at 7pm, every 10 minutes, a group of humans will embark on their evening run to different stations to accomplish these essentials of survival and to find the cure. You will receive a map, and you may visit the stations in any order you choose, but the last station you visit must be “the cure”. Sign up for your time slot and prepare yourself for Park of the Living Dead! Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Interested in acting as a volunteer zombie? Sign up today at cbusinparks.com/potld-volunteer
Registration: September 16 – October 14, 5pm
Holiday Creations Craft Show & Sale
Ages 18+ | November 23 | 9am–2pm | Meeting Rooms at NexusPark | $50/space
Attention all crafters! Make plans to join us for our 25th annual sale to display your holiday handiwork! Fee includes booth space (8’ wide x 10’ deep), and up to 3 tables will be provided for vendor use in their space. When registering, you will be asked what types of items you will be selling and if you have electrical needs. No flea-market/garage sale type items. Admission to the sale is FREE to the public.
Set up time: Fri, November 22, 3-5pm & Sat, November 23, 7-8:45am
Registration: October 3 – November 7 at 5 pm
Basket Classes
Ages 18+ | 5-9pm | The REC 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.
Holiday Basket Class
November 30 | 5-9pm | $39
Registration: October 3 – November 27, 5pm
Spring Basket Class
April 10 | 5-9pm | TBD
Registration: January 1- April 7, 5pm
Safe Sitter® Babysitter Safety Training
Ages 11 – 14 | 3:30-5:30pm | The Rec at NexusPark | Fee TBD
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.
January 27 – 30 | Registration: December 1 – January 23, 5pm
April 28 – May 1 | Registration: February 17 – April 24, 5pm
Safe@Home
Ages 9-11 | 4-5:30pm | 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.
October 10 | $10 | Registration: September 6 – October 7, 5pm
February 13 | Fee TDB | Registration: December 30 – February 11, 5pm
May 15 | Fee TBD | Registration: March 3 – May 13, 5pm
Winter Barista Class
Ages 15+ | February 8 | 9:30-11am | The REC at NexusPark | $25
If you are interested in learning the art of making café quality coffee beverages in the comfort of your own home, looking to take your coffee expertise to the next level, or learning how to identify different tasting notes of your morning brew, join us for a hands on lesson. We will go over several simple ways to make a delicious cup of coffee and try an assortment of different, freshly roasted beans.
Registration: October 3 – January 31, 5pm
Japanese Taiko Drumming
Discover the art of Japanese Taiko drumming, which has been played in Japan for over 2000 years. The word taiko means big drum, and the art form incorporates large drums, body movement, vocalization, and various instruments. All drums are provided. No drumming experience necessary. All you need is the desire to play, have fun, and a willingness to share the joy of taiko with others. During these fun and energetic classes participants will get a full work out all while learning about rhythm and drumming through the use of games, dance and drumming. Students are required to buy their own drumsticks for $15 on the first day of class. All classes are held at Southern Indiana Taiko.
Children’s
Ages 8-11 | Wednesdays | 3-3:45pm
During this fun and energetic class school age children will learn about rhythm, and drumming through games, songs, dance, and drumming.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $70
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 5 – March 12 | $70
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Teens/Adults
Ages 12+ | Wednesdays | 6-7pm
During this fun and energetic class adults and teens will learn about rhythm and drumming through games, songs, dance,
and drumming.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $75
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Early Spring
March 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 29 – February 28, 5pm
Silver/Parkinson’s
Ages 18+ | Wednesdays | 4-5pm
This drumming class is designed for persons with Parkinson’s, their care partners/families and is perfect for anyone who would like to try taiko at a relaxed pace
with modified movements. This program will promote communication, allow for shared activity, provide emotional support, and encourage physical activity.
Late Fall / Early Winter
November 6 – December 18 | No class 11/27 | $75
Registration: October 2 – November 1, 5pm
Winter
January 8 – 29 | $50
Registration: December 4 – January 3, 5pm
Late Winter
February 2 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 1 – 31, 5pm
Early Spring
March 5 – 26 | $50
Registration: January 29 – February 28, 5pm
Summer Youth Camps
Campers must be potty trained and meet minimum age requirements by the first day of each week of day camp.
Specialty Camps
American Girl Doll Fun
Ages 5-10 | June 17-18 | 1:30-4:30pm | $45 | The REC at NexusPark
Join us for a fun-filled adventure inspired by American Girl’s 2025 Doll of the Year, Summer! If you love dogs, baking, and crafts, this camp is the perfect place to explore Summer’s world while making new friends and unforgettable memories. Bring your favorite doll and get ready for two days of creativity, kindness, and sweet treats!
Registration: April 7-June 12, 5pm
Bike Camp
Ages 5 + | July 15-17 | 10-11:30am | $15 | Donner Center
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 7-July 12, 5pm
Tots, Trails, & Tales
Ages 5 + | June 17-18 | 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 for story time, a tot-sized walk, and a craft; all of which will open your eyes to the wonderful world of nature, and help sharpen your skills as your child’s guide and teacher. Step back in time and embark on a prehistoric adventure! Designed for toddlers (ages 2-5) and their accompanying adults, this fun-filled day camp brings the world of dinosaurs to like through hands-on activities, interactive storytelling, and exciting exploration.
Registration: April 7-June 12, 5pm
Ages 4-5
Enchanted Adventures: Fairy Tale Camp
Ages 4-5 | June 9-13 | 9–11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark
Step into a magical world where imagination comes to life! This fairy tale-themed day camp is designed for curious 4- and 5-year-olds who love stories, adventure, and creative play. Each day, campers will embark on exciting quests inspired by classic fairy tales, meet friendly characters, and solve fun challenges to help their favorite heroes and heroines.
Registration: April 7-June 5, 5pm
Little Builders Camp: Construct, Create, Imagine!
Ages 4-5 | June 23-27 | 9–11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark
Get ready to build big dreams! This hands-on, builder-themed day camp is perfect for curious 4- and 5-year-olds who love to construct, create, and explore. Each
day, campers will dive into fun activities that bring their imaginations to life as they design and build their own masterpieces.
Registration: April 7–June 19, 5pm
Paw Patrol Summer Adventure Camp
Ages 4-5 | July 7-11 | 9–11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark
Get ready for a “pawsome” summer at our Paw Patrol-themed Day Camp designed for 4- and 5-year-olds! Each day, little campers will join their favorite rescue
pups on exciting missions, fun-filled activities, and teamwork adventures inspired by the world of Adventure Bay.
Registration: April 7–July 3, 5pm
Holidays in July
Ages 4 – 5 | July 14 – 18 | 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 7–July 10, 5pm
Feel the Music
Ages 4- 5 | July 21-25 | 9–11:30am | $80 | The REC at NexusPark
Love to sing? Always busting a move? This is the camp for you! During this week, campers will experience a “musical boot camp” where every day they’ll exercise essential music skills. Campers will sing, dance, and try out some instruments. They’ll practice rhymes, fingerplays, and moving to the beat of the music. They’ll even have the chance to make their own dance prop and instrument! During camp we will be joined by musical guests to showcase their unique instruments and talents. If you’re ready to feel the music, this is the camp for you! No prior music experience is required, just a great attitude and a passion for music.
Registration: April 7–Jul 17, 5pm
Ages 6-7
Once Upon a Time
Ages 6–7 | Jun 9-13 | 1:30–4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark
Step into the magical world of fairy tales at our Fairy Tale-Themed Day Camp designed for imaginative 6- and 7-year-olds! Each day, campers will embark on enchanting adventures inspired by their favorite stories, bringing classic tales to life through exciting activities, creative play, and fun!
Registration: April 7–June 5, 5pm
Construction Zone: Junior Builders Summer Camp
Ages 6–7 | Jun 23 – 27 | 1:30–4:30pm | $96 The REC at NexusPark
Grab your hard hats and get ready to build big at our Junior Builders Day Camp, perfect for 6 and 7-yearolds who love creating, constructing, and problem-solving! This hands-on camp is designed to spark creativity and teamwork as campers bring their ideas to life through exciting building projects and activities.
Registration: Apr 7–June 19, 5pm
Superhero Academy Summer Camp
Ages 6-7 | July 7 – 12 | 1:30–4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark
Calling all young heroes! Join us at Superhero Academy, the ultimate summer day camp for 6 and 7-year-olds who love superheroes and comic book adventures. This action-packed camp is designed to unleash your child’s creativity, energy, and superpowers through thrilling missions, teamwork challenges, and creative fun.
Registration: Apr 7–July 3, 5pm
Holidays in July
Ages 6–7 | July 14-18 | 1:30–4:30pm | $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 7–July 10, 5pm
I Got the Music in Me!
Ages 6-7 | July 21-25 | 1:30–4:30pm | $96 | The REC at NexusPark
Do you love music? When a great song comes on, can you just not resist breaking out in song, or maybe busting a move? If that sounds like your camper, this is the camp for you! This week, campers will experience a “musical boot camp” where every day they’ll exercise essential music skills. Campers will sing lots of songs, learn dances from around the world, and learn all about instruments. They’ll even have the chance to make their own dance props and instrument! During camp we will be joined by musical guests to showcase their unique instruments and talents. If you’ve got the music in you, this is the camp you’ve got to do! Prior music experience is not required just a great attitude and a passion for music.
Registration: April 7 – July 17, 5pm
Ages 7+
Columbus in Motion
Ages 8–12 | June 23–27 | 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 fieldtrips 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 7–June 19, 5pm
Camp MVP
Ages 8–12 | July 14-18 | 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 7–July 9, 5pm
Magic Camp
Ages 7–12 | July 15-17 | 10am–12pm $63 | Jim Lienhoop Meeting Room at NexusPark
Join award winning magician Travis Easterling and experience amazing fun at this summer magic camp! Campers will learn basic magic, how to twist balloons,
build magical props, check out cool puppets and meet Harry the magic bunny.
Registration: April 7–July 9, 5pm
Dirty Jobs: Columbus Edition
Ages 8-12 | July 21-25 | 8:30am-12:30pm | $100 | NexusPark
Pickup and drop off inside Entrance 2 doors Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, get on your thinking caps and discover the tough, messy, and essential jobs that keep the city of Columbus running smoothly? Campers will get an inside look at the unsung heroes behind city operations. We will become Park Rangers, learning what work and equipment goes into the care of our 24 parks, over 1,000 acres, 25+ miles of trails and our unique amenities. We’ll journey to the Department of Public Works and get hands on lessons on what it takes to keep our city clean, trash and recycling collected (and where it goes), and all the other important work they do. We’ll uncover the journey of stormwater and discover how it impacts our environment. Campers will explore where stormwater goes, how it gets there, and whether it gets cleaner or dirtier along the way. They’ll also uncover ways to keep pollutants out of our rivers and streams and learn about stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Through interactive activities, campers become detectives tracking the rainwater’s journey and discovering how to protect our waterways! Finally, we will be Clean Water Heroes! Campers will dive into the world of water and wastewater treatment, learning about its importance, the process, and how to protect our valuable water resources through fun, interactive activities and hands-on learning. Campers will explore the water and wastewater treatment plants, collection and distribution systems, and the quality control laboratory to learn everything there is to know about water quality and protecting our environment.
Registration: April 7-July 17, 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)
