DNR to hold second annual ‘Teddy Bear Camp’ for stuffed animals

Photo provided by DNR

Does your child have a curious stuffed animal friend who loves adventures, new experiences, and making new friends?

If so, make plans to send it to Teddy Bear Camp, May 8 to 14. Run by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA), this second annual “camp” is for stuffed animals belonging to kids ages 5 to 12 who live in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, or Boone counties.

During camp, DHPA staff will take the stuffed animals to a variety of sites to learn about history, architecture, and historic preservation. Photos of the visits will be posted to DHPA’s Facebook page during the week, and a digital photo album will be emailed to parents/guardians. Each stuffed animal and their child owner will be certified as an “Indiana Junior Preservationist.”

For your child’s stuffed animal to participate, drop the stuffed animal at one of three partner locations at the dates and times shown below. Please bring the completed registration form with you. You can find the form at this link.

  • Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers: Inside the Welcome Center from 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 5
  • Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis: Inside the main level doors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4

The program will conclude with owners picking up their stuffed animals at the drop-off location on May 18.