Summer archaeology camp for kids returns

School is just about out and the St. Augustine Department of Heritage Tourism told local reporters at Historic City News that it is time, once again, for summer archaeology camp.

As in the past three summers, there will be two one-week camps, splitting camp activities between
Government House and de Mesa-Sanchez Yard, where campers will participate in a real dig under the supervision of trained archaeologists.

In addition to working the dig, camp will feature a variety of archaeology-oriented activities and games. Amber Weiss from Florida Public Archaeology, City archaeologist Carl Halbirt and his crew of volunteers, along with members of St. Augustine Archaeology Association (SAAA), will assist at the dig by working side-by-side with campers.

Summer 2010 will be the fourth year that the Department of Heritage Tourism will run Archaeology Camp, a collaborative program utilizing the skills of local archaeology volunteers supplementing those of professional archaeologists at the city, county, and state levels.

Florida Public Archaeology has been instrumental in the development of age appropriate activities that help explain archaeological concepts and working vocabulary to the campers. In addition, volunteers from SAAA and City of St. Augustine Archaeology provide guidance and assistance at all of the stations and the actual dig site.

Geared specifically for those students entering fourth and fifth grade next school year, the two one-week camps will be held June 14 to 18 and June 21 to June 25, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at a cost of $175 per week. Campers are required to bring a bag lunch daily.

For more information, call the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum at 825-6830.

Photo credit: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer