The "Spirit of the Woods"
We decided to call this annual event the "Spirit of the Woods" to honor the mystical, indescribable feeling that comes from growing, laughing, and living with others in "the Woods." If you want to know more about the Spirit, ask any camper, staff member, or alumnus of a Bradford Woods program.
The Spirit of the Woods started in 1937, when John Bradford deeded 2,000+ acres to Indiana University to be used for the "betterment of the children of Indiana." Because of the giving spirit of this generous donation that started Bradford Woods, our annual fundraising event is 1930's themed.
The first camp programs started in 1955, and since then, we've been providing important recreational, therapuetic, and educational outdoor experiences for people of all abilities. Our goal is to ensure Bradford Woods is a barrier-free and inclusive environment for all for decades to come.