Storrowton offers history camp

WEST SPRINGFIELD Storrowton Village Museum's Early American Summer Days, an educationally valuable experience for children age 7-12, is accepting registrations for its first session August 1-5. Children participate in a hands-on approach to learning about life in a 19th century New England village. The cost for the session is $140 and registration is required.

The program is also offered August 8-12 and each session consists of five days of activities, crafts and games on the historic Village Green with professional staff. To make the experience more realistic, children will don the clothing of the times while indulging in activities such as working a blacksmith's forge, milling corn into meal for cooking, writing with quill pens, weaving baskets and playing hoop and sack games of the era.

Each day of the week will have its own unique activities:

Monday: Along with getting acquainted with the other children, the first day offers the opportunity to delve into the Early American experience. Children will recreate the roles of their early American predecessors and learn about life in New England in the 1800s.

Tuesday: Day 2 the fun continues! Through hands on learning, children are offered the chance to try their hand at Early American crafts including candle dipping and tile mosaics. After a morning of fun, it's time for school! In the second half of the day, campers will write on slate in a one-room schoolhouse, visit the homes and workshops of Storrowton's villagers and enjoy the sharing of Early American stories.

Wednesday: Day 3 youth will roll their sleeves up and get dirty! Learn about dairy products first-hand by milking a cow and churning butter! The fun continues in the afternoon with singing and dancing to the great live music of the 19th century and an opportunity to make apple cider using an authentic wood cider press.

Thursday: Day 4 is pure fun! Children spend the day carding and spinning wool, weaving cloth from fiber, playing marbles and dipping candles.

Friday: Show-off day! After a week of fun and learning, children get to share what they've learned. Parents are welcome to watch their children perform a skit on stage, take a guided tour of the Village and witness their child's newly learned crafts and skills.

For information on registering your child for this popular program, or for more information, contact Storrowton Village Museum at 413-205-5051.