Uncle Carl’s Camp is designed for discovery, exploration & creativity. Come explore new and old worlds with us!

About "Uncle Carl"

Charles Kauffman, fondly known as Uncle Carl, brought his museum from South Dakota to North Newton, KS in 1940. He spent the next eighteen years bringing history and the outdoor world to life for children and adults at the Kauffman Museum. In keeping with Uncle Carl’s tradition, Kauffman Museum offers discovery-oriented, hands-on summer camps for children. 

2026 Uncle Carl’s Camps

Charles Kauffman, fondly known as Uncle Carl, brought his museum from South Dakota to North Newton, Kansas, in 1940. He spent the next two decades bringing history and the outdoor world to life for children and adults at the Kauffman Museum on the Bethel College campus. In keeping with Uncle Carl’s tradition, Kauffman Museum offers discovery-oriented, hands-on summer camps for children. Come explore new and old worlds with us!

Payment
Payment must be included with registration. For information about becoming a Kauffman Museum member or about need-based scholarships, contact the museum. Cancellation policy available upon request.

Questions?
If you have questions about the camps or Kauffman Museum, please contact us at 316-283-1612 or by e-mail at kmcamps@bethelks.edu or kauffman@bethelks.edu

Prairie Pathfinders

June 1-5, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Age: 6 to 8 (Completed K-2)

The prairie’s a big place, and there’s a lot to explore! We will learn about the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects and plants that make the prairie such a wonderful place, with a special focus on ecosystems. There’s more to the prairie than you might think. Come explore with us and see!

Application deadline: May 25
Maximum enrollment: 20

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member 

Instructor:
Aaron Voth
USD 373, Newton, KS

Prairie Pals

June 15-19, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Age: 4 to 5 (Preschool)

Come on a Prairie Pals adventure with us! We will find surprises all around as we learn about animals that make their homes on the prairie. We’ll discover animals that poke their heads out of the ground, animals that fly in the air, and animals that graze on the grass and hide in it. Be prepared to explore the prairie plot outside and prairie exhibits indoors.

Application deadline: June 8
Maximum enrollment: 16

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member

Instructor:
Susan Nafzinger
USD 411, Goessel, KS

Exploring Printmaking I

June 22-26, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Age: 6 to 8 (Completed Grade K-2)

Campers will explore a variety of simple printmaking techniques. Drawing from observation, students will use nature as the subject of their works. Exploring Printmaking 1 will use the museum’s collection to discover patterns in a variety of artifacts.

Application deadline: June 15
Maximum enrollment: 16

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member

Instructor:
LaDonna Unruh Voth
USD 373, Newton, KS

Exploring Printmaking II

June 29-July 26, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Age: 9 to 12 (Completed Grade 3-6)

Campers will explore printmaking through the work of Kansas printmakers. Drawing from observation, students will use nature as the subject of their works. Exploring Printmaking 2 will give campers a unique inside glimpse into how an artist turns inspiration into art. Come discover a variety of processes for creating artwork on paper and fabric.

Application deadline: June 22
Maximum enrollment: 20

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member

Instructor:
LaDonna Unruh Voth
USD 373, Newton, KS

Beginning Sewing

July 6-10, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Age: 9 to 11 (Completed Grade 3-5)

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew? You will learn some basic sewing skills and make a few projects to take home. Projects will be completed as time allows and may include a pillow case, drawstring bag, and a small snap-closed bag.

Students may bring their own fabric or choose from donated fabric. Cotton fabric works best.

Application deadline: June 29
Maximum enrollment: 12

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member

Instructor:
Kathy Murphy
USD 373, Newton, KS (retired)

Intermediate Sewing

July 6-10, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Age: 11 to 14 (Completed Grade 5-8 or above)

Campers will make projects a bit more advanced than the beginning class. Projects will be determined based on sewing skill levels of the campers. Projects may include a drawstring shoe bag, small snap bag, pillow case and backpack. All sewing projects will be completed as time allows.

Students may bring their own fabric or choose from donated fabric. Cotton fabric works best.

Application deadline: June 29
Maximum enrollment: 12

$70 per museum member / $85 per non-member

Instructor:
Kathy Murphy
USD 373, Newton, KS (retired)

VISIT US

27th and North Main St.
North Newton, KS 67117
Across from the main campus of
Bethel College

CONTACT US

(316) 283-1612
kauffman@bethelks.edu
Mailing address:
300 E. 27th Street
North Newton, KS, 67117-1716

HOURS

Tue-Fri  9:30am-4:30pm
Sat-Sun 1:30pm-4:30pm
Closed Mondays and
Major Holidays