Part of the fulfillment of the CSPM’s mission is to make regional history accessible to all. What better way to immerse some of our youngest audiences in local history than through a week-long summer camp? This past June and July the Museum welcomed 9 elementary students and 16 middle school students for our History Detectives and Museum Discovery Summer Camps. Read on to explore how these campers spent their week at the 1903 El Paso County Courthouse.
A Week as a CSPM Camper
DAY 1
Campers spent the first day getting to know each other and exploring the museum. One of the best treats is a tour of the CSPM tower. Each camper even had the opportunity to ring the tower bell!
DAY 2
Part of the joy of camp is spending time with and learning from museum professionals on staff. Leah Davis Witherow, CSPM Curator of History, helped campers explore different topics and themes in exhibits. She shared the power of storytelling and making connections to our own lives. She then challenged students to create their own exhibits using paintings from our collection.
DAY 3
To learn more about interpretation and local history, campers took a field trip to Rock Ledge Ranch where they learned from both youth and adult presenters. The students loved all of the hands on activities and were impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm from Rock Ledge Ranch volunteers and staff.
DAY 4
Campers spent the morning in the Starsmore Center for Local History learning with Hillary Mannion, CSPM Archivist, and Caitlin Sharpe, CSPM Registrar. The staff prepared materials to help campers discover the story behind historic buildings downtown. We then went on a walking tour and campers presented their findings.
DAY 5
After a busy week of discovery, campers shared their knowledge with friends, family, and the public at our Summer Family Fun Day. Campers presented information in exhibits and helped guide visiting families through crafts and activities. We ended the event with a pizza party and watched the film Night at the Museum.
My camper loved all the behind-the-scenes experiences, the walking tour and the field trip to Rockledge Ranch!
CSPM's Summer Camp Program is generously sponsored by D.A. Davidson & Companies, McCarty, Brown, Eden & Porter Financial Advisor Group
