The Rowan Museum still has a few openings in their annual Summer History Camp for students in rising third through fifth grades (elementary sessions), and rising sixth through eighth grades (middle school session). These weeks will provide an insight into Rowan’s history. Hands-on activities provide a stimulating, educational and fun experience in celebrating their rich heritage here in Rowan County.
Campers explore many different aspects of Rowan’s early history. The camp location will involve all museum sites, as well as a visit to the Old English Cemetery, Freedman’s Cemetery and many other local historic sites. Campers participate in activities that include book making/journal keeping/quill writing, cemetery search/rubbings, local lore and ghost stories, tin punch, weaving fabric and rugs, old tools/antiques/artifacts use and recognition, candle dipping, outdoor cooking/butter making, gardening and many other activities, as well as early children’s games and folk music.
Middle school students are involved in advanced activities stemming from those mentioned above, including making gourd bird houses, basket weaving, and studying period clothing, historical interpretation, archaeological dig, following the History and Art Trail, and a scavenger hunt. Middle school camp also includes one overnight stay at the museum.
The middle school Civil War Camp is an intense three day long adventure in the history of the war. Campers relive the life of a soldier through 19th century life skills, cooking, medicine, marches, drill, and military maneuvers.
The camps are staffed by museum personnel, local history teachers and local college history majors. Camp fee for each camper is $140 ($120 for museum members). Refreshments are provided mid-morning. Campers should bring their lunch every day. Camp hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A few openings remain in the following camps:
Elementary session II
July 9-13 (rising 3rd-5th grades)
Elementary session III
August 6-10 (rising 3rd-5th grades)
Middle School session
July 23-27 (rising 6th-8th grades)
Middle School Civil War session
July 17-19 (rising 6th- 8th grades), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information and to request an application, call the museum office at 704-633-5946 or email rowanmuseum@fibrant.com. Several of the camps are almost full. A limited number of scholarships are available.