The President James K. Polk Home offers plenty of opportunities for kids to learn outside of school. Our educational camps give kids hands-on history lessons through historic crafts, games, and activities.
Polk Academy Summer Camps
$175 members | $200 non-members
Since 1998, Polk Academy has invited campers graduating the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade to learn about life in the 19th century through crafts, activities, and living history presentations. From wood graining to candle making to water balloon war reenactments, the Polk Home’s seminal summer camp has something for everyone.
Join us in the summer of 2025 for the following camps: Tennessee Time Traveler Camp, Gold Rush Camp, Native American Culture Camp, and Curator Camp!
The “click here to register” button will take you to the registration and payment for each individual camp.
Camp runs from 9 AM to 2 PM daily.
Tuition includes all necessary supplies and a daily snack.
Students should pack their own lunch.
Enrollment is limited, so register early!
Tennessee Time Traveler Camp
June 16th – 20th | Rising 3rd-6th graders
What does it take to be elected President of the United States? In this fun camp, Polk’s career in all three branches of government, his laws, trials and more will be discussed through the lens of civics and leadership. Campers will learn about the working of government through Polk’s achievements, and recreate some of the exciting features of his career, including mock trials, designing a campaign for governor and more. In addition to engaging activities, campers will hear from local and state lawmakers and craft their own stump speech!
Native American Culture Camp
June 23rd – 27th | Rising 4th-10th graders
Polk Academy is excited to announce a new camp, Native American Culture Camp! Tennessee is home to many Native American Tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee. Campers will engage in learning about the rich cultural heritage with hands-on activities, storytelling, traditional music, crafts and more!
Gold Rush Camp
July 7th – 11th | Rising 3rd-6th graders
In James K. Polk’s final address to Congress, he confirmed the discovery of gold in California! Campers will engage in 5 days of hands-on activities and exciting presentations that will take them from the Polk White House, to the volunteer army corps of the Mexican-American War, to the Oregon Trail, and all the way to the gold fields of California!
Curator Camp
July 14th – 18th | Rising 7th-12th graders
This exciting opportunity to get behind the scenes of history will allow students to get hands-on experience in historical research, museum planning, and artifact care and interpretation. Throughout the week, students will learn about proper artifact handling, researching a historical topic, designing and manufacturing their own exhibit and more. The camp will conclude with a reception and opening of the new exhibit for families and friends.
Curator camp is perfect for history lovers, graduates of Polk Academy who want to learn more, or any student interested in a behind-the-scenes peek at the world of museums.
