Hands-On History Summer Adventure Camp

6/8/2015 to 6/12/2015 | First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site | St. Charles, MO

Sign up your young historian for this weeklong journey into Missouri history, nature, outdoor skills and crafts. Historians, educators and naturalists will bring history to life. Exciting new experiences await the campers each day with different learning themes through fun games, hands-on activities and creative, period crafts. This year's topics include:

"Fire in the Hole" - Historically speaking, fire is the most important invention ever tamed or faced. Campers will learn how people of the past used, respected and relied upon this natural force. Campers will explore these concepts by learning how to build a fire, use flint and steel, and making char cloth. Crafts will include candle dipping and making tin lanterns. Don't forget the popular black powder rifle demonstration.

"The Dirt on Dirt" – Campers will discover how explorers like Lewis and Clark had to live off the land and pioneers had to be self-sufficient to survive. We will use natural resources like wood, clay and dirt. The St. Louis Zoo will present a program and bring animals for campers to meet. Also, worm farming is in their future.

"2015-The Year of Water" – To celebrate the "Year of Water," we will be taking the campers on a daylong field trip to Cuivre River State Park in Troy. Trained, certified instructors will teach the group about canoeing, kayaking, fishing, aquatic habitats and Missouri fish species with a historical twist. All equipment will be provided. This day will be one hour longer with pickup at 4 p.m. More details will be provided with confirmation of registration.

"It's all up in the Air" – What would we do without the sun, the sky and the wind? Campers will learn about Missouri birds and solar ovens and perform experiments that helped historical people understand their world. Our snack will even be made by the sun! The World Bird Sanctuary will visit with some of their friends. An evening family astronomy program (just for the campers, family and friends) will be offered complete with bonfire and s'mores. Parents must attend with and be responsible for their children.

"Old Fashion Fun-World's Fair Style" – On Friday, parents are invited to join their child for a special 1904 World's Fair-themed lunch. Lunch will be served at noon. Be prepared to play some period games with your burgeoning historian. We will have World's Fair fun, which might include cotton candy, ice cream cones, games, tug a war contests, sack races, burying a time capsule and the presentation of our camper awards. Don't miss all the fun! Come unplugged.

For more information about the camp and registration, please contact the historic site at 636-940-3322.

First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at:

200 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO | 636-940-3322

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs