Next Indiana Campfires

Next Indiana Campfires pairs nature and literature to spark conversations about Indiana’s future.

Hit the Trails
Next Indiana Campfires
About

“Whatever we contribute is miniscule compared to the riches we inherit.” 

–Scott Russell Sanders, “Common Wealth” 

Indiana Humanities’ award-winning Next Indiana Campfires program pairs nature and literature to spark conversations about Indiana’s future. Something about the combination of wild places, great writing and cold beer gets Hoosiers talking in fresh and surprising ways about the world around us and our place in it.  

Over the years, we’ve taken Hoosiers on indelible hikes and paddling trips, sponsored the creation of original films about Indiana waterways, and published an anthology of our favorite Hoosier environmental writing.  

Due to COVID-19, we’ve paused our normal schedule of outdoor treks. But we’re still encouraging Hoosiers to find renewal, refuge, relaxation and reflection in nature. Check out our Slow Moments campaign to learn more.  

Next Indiana Campfires is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, with additional support from Upland Brewing Co.  

NEXT INDIANA CAMPFIRES: A TRAIL COMPANION

Next Indiana Campfires: A Trail Companion is a collection of 30 of our favorite readings from the Campfires series, along with a trail journal to record your thoughts and observations. This one-of-a-kind anthology is the perfect addition to your backpack. Everyone who purchases the book this May will also receive a link to a second “slow moment” film shot in Meltzer Woods, an old growth forest in Shelby County.

Get your copy today
2020 WATERWAYS FILM PROJECT

Next year, Indiana Humanities will launch a variety of programs to help Hoosiers consider the ways their lives are shaped by the environment, and how they in turn shape the land, air and water of Indiana. A particular focus, building on several years of programming around the White River through its Next Indiana Campfires program, will focus on Hoosiers’ relationship to our waterways. 

We currently seek proposals for the creation of short films (5-15 minutes) that explore Hoosiers’ relationships to our state’s waterways, including but not limited to the White River watershed. Selected filmmakers will receive $6,500 to produce their films. Applications are due Aug. 21. See the full call for proposals for more information and how to apply. 

#INSlowMoments

During this unprecedented time, it can be difficult to take time for ourselves, to slow down, and to find joy in the small constants in life. In 2020 we’re encouraging you to pause and connect with the Indiana landscapes that have inspired generations of Hoosiers. 

While we can’t be together to hit the trails and experience nature this Next Indiana Campfires season, we’re excited to launch Next Indiana Campfires: Slow Moments, a program that encourages Hoosiers like you to slow down and appreciate the beauty Indiana has to offer. 

To Participate: 

  1. Go to your favorite Indiana nature spot. Bring your picnic blanket, pup or pent-up children. Stay for a while. Look. Listen. Scout the area for the best filming location.
  2. After finding your scenic spot, take a minute-long slow video, like the ones below. Capture the sights and sounds. Stay in the moment—don’t worry about production value. 
  3. Make sure the video is saved to your camera roll. You’re in luck— slow videos don’t need to be edited or cut. 
  4. Post your slow video to Instagram, tagging @INHumanities and using #INSlowMoments. Share where your video was taken if you’d like, or keep your special Indiana spot a secret. 
  5. If you complete steps one through four, congratulations! You’ll be entered to win a Next Indiana Campfires prize pack. The winner will be announced via Instagram on May 24.
Where We've Trekked

Since 2016, we’ve checked off some of our bucket list experiences around the state. Here are the wild places we’ve explored so far:

 

 

Questions?

Contact Leah Nahmias, 317-616-9804, or email lnahmias@indianahumanities.org.