Camp Craftaway: A Summer Craft Camp Just for Adults!

Did you go to summer camp as a kid? Do you have fond memories of learning new skills, roasting marshmallows over a fire, and making new friends?

Do you miss it and wish there was something similar for adults?

As someone who attended Girl Scout camp for as many summers as I can remember, I've been longing for something like it as an adult. While I've come to realize I'm not big on the actual camping part, I've been wanting an event that allows me the freedom to spend time learning new skills and meeting fellow makers. That's why for the past 3 years my friend, Sara Barnes of Brown Paper Bag, and I have been hosting Camp Craftaway. We both realized we wanted a weekend crafty getaway that captured the nostalgia of summer camp without all the rigmarole of camping, cooking, and bugs.

We're excited to welcome you to Camp Craftaway!

Get ready to indulge in the nostalgia of summer camp as an adult! Let's take a break to try something new. Join us at Camp Craftaway to spend a weekend with local artists learning new skills and creating with your hands.

You can take part in three days of fun-filled, hands-on crafting. Learn from experts in their field, meet local makers, and leave with lasting memories, craft supplies, and new projects. We even have camp themed activities like an ice cream social and a craft supply exchange planned.

Camp Craftaway will be held at the at the Des Moines Beach Park Event Center on August 1-3, 2025.

This year we're excited to welcome even more instructors to teach hands-on classes. Our new location allows us to host 25 instructors and 30 craft workshops. This means we can have even more crafting happening throughout the weekend.

You'll be able to try broom making, indigo dyeing, stained glass, truffle making, intricate paper folding, nature sketching, block printing, natural dyeing and more.

Sign up for Camp Craftaway so you can get crafty this summer! And if you bring a friend, you can take advantage of our buddy passes.

-Melissa