Our mission is to ignite passion for learning through captivating educational experiences. Fostering a safe environment for hands-on learning, we nurture the inquisitive nature of children, allowing it to thrive.
Read a Note From the Directors!A Note From the Directors
We know how important it is to find the right fit for your child, so we’d like to take this opportunity to share what makes Camp Curiosity such a special place. As a parent or guardian, you want to know that your child is safe, supported, and inspired. We want you to know—that’s precisely what Camp Curiosity is about.
Fostering a safe environment for hands-on learning, we nurture children's inquisitive nature and allow it to thrive. Kindness is at the heart of that. We’re committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome, included, and respected. Our instructors are passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making learning exciting and meaningful. And we work closely with them to ensure they’re ready to lead compassionately and foster a positive atmosphere.
We also believe in celebrating every child’s uniqueness. Whether your child is an artist, a budding scientist, or simply curious about the world, Camp Curiosity is a place where they can be themselves. We encourage every child to explore their interests and let their individuality shine. From discovering a new passion to exploring a potential career path or even simply figuring out what excites them most, at Camp Curiosity, we believe that giving children the freedom to make choices fuels their spirit.
Beyond the classes, Camp Curiosity is about connection. It’s where friendships are made, teamwork is built, and children gain confidence navigating new experiences. At Camp Curiosity, we want your children to grow, discover new passions, and walk away with a curiosity that will last a lifetime.
We look forward to welcoming your family to Camp Curiosity. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’d love to connect with you!
Jeff Stanley
Julie Stanley
Our Founding
After COVID-19 cancelled the 2020 and 2021 camps, Franklin College chose to halt the beloved camp.
To continue the work of the now-defunct program, founders Jeff and Julie Stanley created Camp Curiosity. Dedicated to providing totally unique and thoroughly fun educational experiences, the first camp was hosted by Grassy Creek Elementary School in 2024 and will visit the campuses of Clark-Pleasant Middle School and Franklin College as well as the Johnson County Public Library in 2025.
“At Camp Curiosity, our mission is to ignite a lifelong love of learning and exploration in every child. I hope each child leaves with new skills, meaningful connections, and a sense of wonder about the world around them.”
Thoughtfully Designed Curriculum
We aim to develop the whole child by offering classes in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Understanding the importance of holistic development, we also incorporate fun fitness options.
World-Class Educators
Camp Curiosity hand-picks world-class educators to design and lead each class. Everyone at Camp Curiosity has a true passion for finding new and interesting ways to ignite the minds of young people.
"Camp Curiosity provides children with a unique opportunity to try new things, have fun while learning, and make lifelong memories."
Fostering Connection & Friendship
Our staff focuses constantly on building strong relationships with every child. From day one, we set the tone with messages promoting connection and camaraderie. With limited class sizes, our instructors can form meaningful bonds with each child, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Learning what you love
We offer a hugely diverse set of classes, each one with the potential to unlock a new love of astronomy or biology; of hiking or foraging; of coding, robotics, history, or math. Whether a child discovers a lifelong passion in an unexpected art class or finds a future career dissecting a squid, our curriculum ensures that they explore and develop their interests.
Jayden Kennett
Jayden Kennett is a nationally recognized reporter, photojournalist, and storyteller. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Indianapolis and has won several awards for her reporting, including the prestigious Nina Mason Pulliam Environmental Journalism award. She assisted the U.S. Department of Agriculture in developing a leadership class in Washington, D.C., and is dedicated to teaching people how to be civically engaged storytellers. Jayden believes good journalism is all about curiosity and truth, and she strives to make the world of news accessible and exciting for everyone.
James Robertson
James Robertson is a dedicated educator of 22 years, working with grades 2nd to college. James has spent most of his career in Indiana and locally in Johnson County and currently teaches STEM at Indian Creek Middle School. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ball State and a Master of Education from the University of Phoenix. His passion for 3D printing, Robotics, Custom Printing, and more shows in and outside the classroom. James is heavily involved with his school and community, running an after-school Video Club and Robotics Team and coaching basketball. However, he still finds time to work on creating apparel and custom crafts.
Leigh Evans
Leigh Evans is a fifth-generation teacher in his 35th year of teaching middle school social studies/history. A winner of several history-related grants, Evans was named teacher of the year in 1995 and was honored as a Virgil Sweet Award winner by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association in 2009. A graduate of Indiana State, Leigh is married to fellow teacher Patty Evans, and they have two daughters. Additionally, Evans is a 32° Master Mason and serves as an officer, trustee, and historian for Lodge #514 in Greenwood.
Scott Parkhurst
Scott is a professional musician and veteran U.S. History teacher with 30 years of experience in the Clark-Pleasant school district. A graduate of Franklin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Scott is passionate about sparking students' interest in subjects they once overlooked. He believes that interest breeds love, love breeds inspiration, and inspiration can ignite a lifelong passion. As a musician, Scott sings and plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, and resophonic guitar, performing with various groups professionally. He is happily married and the proud father of two children.
Amanda Hemsarth
Amanda Hemsarth is an experienced educator with over 12 years in the classroom and a bachelor’s degree in education from Franklin College. She is passionate about innovative approaches to learning and integrates principles of design thinking, educational neuroscience, and sustainability into her teaching. She is dedicated to professional growth and inspiring creativity in her students. Amanda is involved with her family’s winery, plays ice hockey, and is a proud mother of four.
Julia Tinkle
With 18 years of teaching experience, Julia Tinkle loves integrating cutting-edge technology into the classroom. She strives to create an engaging learning environment that sparks creativity and innovation in her students. Julia has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in educational psychology with a high-ability endorsement from Ball State University. Julia cherishes time spent with her family and two dogs and volunteers as part of a therapy dog team at Paws and Think.
Samantha Stubbs
With 14 years of teaching experience, Samantha Stubbs is passionate about fostering a love of learning in her students. She holds a Master of Arts in English language learning, equipping her with the skills to support diverse learners in the classroom. Samantha encourages creativity and critical thinking through hands-on projects, and her enthusiasm for reading and innovative teaching methods helps create an engaging learning environment. She is trained in StarLab Digitarium, enhancing her ability to inspire curiosity about the universe.
Stacie Stanley
A veteran educator with over twenty years of experience, Stacie Stanley has taught third grade in Perry Township since 2018. She is passionate about reading and serves on the elementary selection committee of the Young Hoosier Book Award Program. Besides teaching and reading, Stacie enjoys classic movies, writing, drawing, painting, playing board games, walking in nature, and cooking with her four children. Stacie earned her bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education from Birmingham-Southern College.
Nathan Winship Smith
Nathan Winship Smith is an artist and educator based in Central Indiana. He owns Beech Grove Clay Works and teaches drawing as an Ivy Tech Community College adjunct professor. Nathan has a passion for learning, teaching, and sharing his knowledge. In addition to teaching and making his artwork, he also undertakes various art commissions and ceramic and plaster repairs. Nathan holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Herron School of Art and Design.
Trisha Ruppert
Trisha Ruppert is an experienced elementary educator with 17 years of dedicated service in Johnson County, Indiana. With a strong foundation in teaching kindergarten, 4th, and 5th grade, Trisha has also been a math instructional coach for three years. Known for her passion for teaching and commitment to student success, Trisha approaches each day with compassion, care, and a deep enthusiasm for fostering a love of learning in children. Trisha received her bachelor’s degree in K-6 education from Indiana University.
Sheila Raghavendran
Sheila Raghavendran is a 7th-grade English teacher at Clark-Pleasant Middle School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a certificate in journalism from Indiana University before completing IU’s Transition to Teaching program for secondary English education. Outside the classroom, Sheila is an avid participant in Indianapolis community theater and received an Encore Award for Best Performance of a Major Supporting Role in a Musical. Sheila loves cuddling her black cat and watching “Survivor!”
Shannon Proctor
Shannon Proctor has been a devoted educator for the past 26 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a computer endorsement and her master’s degree in curriculum from Indiana Wesleyan. Shannon is passionate about inspiring young minds in the world of technology! Along with her love of all things computer, she loves to travel and learn about food and culture.
Haley Green Miley
Haley Green Miley is a local artist and mother of two wonderful girls. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University and has spent many years as a photographer, editor, and producer. Haley has a deep passion for students, as shown through her service as an advisor on student experience and wellness boards and as president of Webb Elementary PTO. Her goal is to encourage a lifelong love of learning and to explore anything that sparks your interest.
Jeremy Gray
Jeremy Gray has 14 years of teaching experience and has led various esports programs. He teaches the importance of teamwork and leverages esports' strategic and cooperative elements to foster valuable skills beyond gaming, such as communication, problem-solving, and resilience. Jeremy continually seeks innovative ways to enhance his programs and inspire his students. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Indiana University and completed the Transition to Teaching program at Marion University.
Jennifer Gragg
Jennifer Gragg has been a dedicated educator for 29 years. A graduate of Franklin College, she later earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan. Jennifer uses books and her passion for reading as a catalyst for inspiring readers and writers each year. She knows many things in education have changed over the decades, but one thing remains the same: building relationships! Jennifer believes books can be the segue to this! She likes spending time with her family, traveling, and attending sporting events and music festivals.
Angela Fowler
Angela Fowler earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University and is in her 10th year as a 3rd/4th grade math teacher. She is passionate about getting students to think critically about math in a "building thinking classroom" format. Angela has served as grade-level chair, sits on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team, leads her school’s math professional learning community, and has delivered professional development on how students learn mathematical concepts. Angela is a Milken Educator Award recipient.
Hilary Florian
Hilary Florian is an assistant professor of chemistry at Franklin College and leads the Gender Minorities in STEM student organization. She also runs a part-time cookie business and enjoys developing classes incorporating baking to pursue both passions. Hilary received her Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Pennsylvania State University and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Purdue University. She has received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching at Franklin College, as well as Academic Advisor of the Year and Student Organization Advisor of the Year.
Patty Evans
Patty Evans is an accomplished educator with over 35 years of experience. Known for her nurturing approach, she builds positive relationships with her students and fosters an inspiring learning environment that promotes academic and personal growth. Patty earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University. She has completed numerous graduate-level courses and continuously seeks to implement the latest educational strategies to ensure her students receive the highest-quality instruction. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters, and a son-in-law.
Trista Deel
A 6th-grade math and science teacher, Trista Deel has been an educator and tennis coach at Clark-Pleasant Middle School for four years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education from Trine University, where she played tennis. Trista is also a member of the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association. When she is not in the classroom or on the tennis court, she loves taking walks with her husband and dog and cooking new recipes.
Bailey Borges-Hardesty
Bailey Borges-Hardesty is a dedicated teacher with experience in kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grade. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a degree in elementary education, she combines her academic background with her passion for cheer and dance. She loves inspiring children to embrace their passions and fosters a love for learning new things. Bailey believes every child has unique talents and strives to create a nurturing environment where they can thrive.
Meet your Educators!
We partner with leading local institutions to offer a diverse range of high-quality experiences that enrich our programs.
Johnson County Public Library
Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation
Franklin College
Endress+Hauser
