Hello, camp families! We had such a great time learning about archaeology this week. Campers are now officially Junior Archaeologists.
On Monday, we introduced campers to archaeology basics. We created a venn diagram to compare the fields of archaeology and paleontology. Then, it was time to dive deeper into the process of archaeology, so we unscrambled and drew the steps of an archaeological dig. Before long, we decided to head outside to look for archeological clues of human existence. Campers documented the objects they found on a map and compared their responses. Later, we told stories with symbols and mummified apples in canopic jars. Campers experimented with different combinations of salt, sugar, vinegar, and baking soda to see which would preserve the apple best. Finally, we talked on Zoom with a real archaeologist, live from Italy!
On Tuesday, we explored ancient Egypt! Campers played the Snake Game, called Mehen, before building their own paper pyramid. To explore the world of ancient bartering, campers played the Egypt Trading Game. This game required campers to work together to survive tough situations, like famine and natural disasters. Then, we created our own bookmarks out of papyrus. To close out the day, we translated secret hieroglyphic messages.
On Wednesday, we began our two day investigation of archaeology in the Mediterranean. All of our campers started the day by creating their own Olympic Flag. After, our older campers went to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. They had such a great time exploring the artifacts there. Here at our museum, younger campers studied Greek vases before making their own on rainbow scratch paper. Then, we headed to Palmer Field for the Camp Explorations Olympics. Campers competed in discus, rhythmic gymnastics, a short run, and a long jump.
On Thursday, we finished up our studies of archeology in the Mediterranean. Younger campers headed to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology to complete a pottery reconstruction activity. Older campers stayed at our museum and learned about mythical monsters before creating their own using paper towel tubes. Next, campers created paper laurel wreaths then walked to Palmer Field for the Camp Explorations Olympic Games. Campers competed in discus, rhythmic gymnastics, a short run, and a long jump.
On Friday, we closed out the week by uncovering archaeology in the Americas. Campers watched Tales of the Maya Skies in the dome theater. Then, we played the Maya Snakes and Ladders Board Game. To practice our archaeology skills, we completed dig stations outside. Campers uncovered ancient objects and documented their findings in their archaeological notebook. As our last activity of a fantastic week of camp, we learned about the life of the Aztecs. Campers explored Aztec language, writing, codices, and games.
Thank you so much for sending your camper(s) to Camp Explorations. If we won’t be seeing you next week for our last session, please have a relaxing rest of your summer and great start to the school year!