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As an
archaeologist, one of the most common things I hear after sharing my
profession with someone I’ve just met is, “ I really wanted to be an
Archaeologist when I was a kid”! It doesn’t matter who they are- people
from all walks of life seem to have shared an early passion for digging
in the dirt in search of old treasure. What strikes me about these
conversations is how little exposure most of these people had to
archaeology as children. They knew it was something that interested
them, but it wasn’t a field that was readily accessible. While most are
now happily involved in other successful careers, you can still see the
spark in their eye when they recall their early passion for
archaeology.
Luckily for kids
today, summer archaeology programs are available across the country,
allowing their passion to be explored. At an archaeology camp or field
school, kids will get to experience a day on the job as an
archaeologist, excavating a native long house or the remains of a small
camp site inhabited by a traveling hunter. Later, they might examine
artifacts from a nearby site where European settlers lived hundreds or
even thousands of years later, discovering what their cracked tea cups
and saucers can tell us about their social status.
Taking part in an
archaeological excavation or camp doesn’t have to be limited to those
interested in archaeology as a future career - it is an experience that
will benefit any child, providing them with an opportunity to get hands
on experience in history and science. Archaeology is truly both fun and
educational - the perfect activity for children of all ages. It seems
to be an almost tailor made summertime activity for kids, requiring a
love of outdoor activity as well as a healthy imagination.
One of the best
ways for your kids to get a taste of archaeology is through a summer
program. Depending on their age and level of dedication, this
experience can take many forms. From a summer camp run through a local
museum to a real hands-on excavation for kids, there’s something to
suit every interest level. There are even full field courses for high
school students which will allow them to obtain high school credits.
Whatever their age, there is a program that will allow your kids to
explore archaeology while having fun.
Experiential
Programs by Region
This list is by no
means complete, but it is a comprehensive introduction to archaeology
programs for kids throughout Canada and beyond. Contacting a museum or
historical site in your area, as well as your local branch of Canadian
Archaeological Association (CAA) is a good way to find more
information.
Ontario
Can you dig
it? Is a weeklong
interactive program run by the Cataraqui Archaeological Research
Foundation and held in Kingston, Ontario. Participants are
introduced to all aspects of archaeology
–
from background and archival research to participating in a real
excavation, cleaning and analyzing artifacts, and preparing an
exhibition of what they found. Programs run summers for children 8
years and up.
http://www.carf.info/education/canyoudigit.php
Boyd
Archaeological Field School,
located in Pickering, is entering its 33rd year of
operation. This three-week program is open to any high school student
who has completed a grade 10 academic course. This comprehensive,
for-credit program introduces students to all aspects of Ontario
Archaeology –
from excavation to artifact cleaning and analyzing what findings mean
about the people who used to inhabit the region.
http://www.boydfieldschool.org/
Quebec
The
Point-du-Buisson Archaeology Complex and Park, located in
Beauharnois, Quebec, is a great resource for information on archaeology
of the Saint Lawrence River area. The complex itself is on a site that
has been continuously occupied for humans for 5,000 years.
Archéo-Ados
is their archaeology camp for 12 - 15 year olds, with sessions in June
and July for the 2010 season. The website offers great information on
many of the archaeology programs they offer; contact
pointedubuisson@videotron.ca for updated camp
information.
http://www.pointedubuisson.com/
Alberta
Bodo
Archaeology Society, located
in Provost, Alberta, offers a range of summer activities for
children and adults alike. Their summer camps accommodate children ages
5-10 and 10-15 years of age, while their family camp offers families
the opportunity to experience traditional life in historic Alberta
together. Lastly, for those kids-at-heart who missed the chance to
explore archaeology when they were younger, Dig It is a camp
designed especially for adults.
http://www.bodoarchaeology.com/conference/
Saskatchewan
The
Saskatchewan Archaeological Society
runs two, one-week field schools every summer
–
both are open to all ages. 2010 field schools will involve work at the
previously unexcavated Wolf Willow Site or at the South Brand House fur
trading post.
http://www.saskarchsoc.ca/programs.html
British Columbia
XA:YTEM
is a National Historic Site
located in Mission, which runs archaeological programs for
school groups and interested visitors. The site aims to educate
visitors on the ancient and contemporary Native Sto:lo culture of the
area. Programs and workshops are run year round.
http://www.xaytem.ca/
The United
States and International
Throughout the US
many interesting volunteer archaeological experiences are offered. It
could be worthwhile to consider incorporating one of these projects
into a memorable family trip.
Passports in
Time (PIT) is a program
run by the National Forest Service at sites throughout the US. PIT
volunteers work with Forest Service Archaeologists on a variety of
projects –
from excavations of prehistoric settlements in Louisiana (where last
year volunteers recovered 9,000 artifacts!) to reconnaissance of
hundreds of Native sites recently revealed in the Los Angeles Country
forest fires. Age and skill requirements vary depending on the
project, but many welcome children as young as 10 who are accompanied
by an adult.
http://www.passportintime.com/
The Earthwatch
Institute is a not-for-profit organization running scientific
experiential programs for volunteers around the world. Currently,
Earthwatch if offering a family expedition to a British excavation
taking place at the site of an ancient Roman military and civilian
settlement. Under the direction of Earthwatch archaeologists, families
will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities at
the site. Earthwatch is also running a trip for teenagers (16 and 17
years of age) at the site. These excavations take place within the
UNESCO Hadrian’s
Wall World Heritage Site.
http://www.earthwatch.org/expedition/familyteams/
The PAST
Foundation aims to create
partnerships between anthropologists and educators - essentially
bringing archaeology and anthropology into classrooms and living rooms
across America. They offer a range of interactive digs and field
schools. For any parent who has been tirelessly researching archaeology
opportunities for their kids and thinking to themselves “wow this
sounds like fun”, I have to point out one PAST program that really
caught my eye; The Clarksberg Shipwreck Marine Archaeology Field
school. This field school is located in Sacramento, California and is
open only to adults - offering participants the opportunity to learn
what it takes to be a marine archaeologist while diving the Clarksberg
Shipwreck. Check out
http://www.pastfoundation.org/2009-clarksburg.htm for
more information.
Interactive
Sites for Kids
The Museum of
Archaeology and Ethnology at Simon Fraser University has a great online component for kids. Along with virtual museum
galleries there are archaeological games and interactive features with
a Canadian focus.
http://www.sfu.ca/archaeology/museum/childrens.htm
Kids Dig Reed
is an interactive site that
lets young archaeologists experience excavations and learn about
artifacts through a series of games and puzzles. The site’s
‘Discovery
Zone’
walks kids through all the steps of an excavation; from initial land
survey to using a metal detector and screening for artifacts.
http://www.kidsdigreed.com/
Dig
is the archaeology magazine for kids published 9 times a year. The
website is a fantastic companion to the print magazine with interactive
features (ask Dr. Dig, test your archaeology IQ) and articles on
current digs around the world.
http://www.digonsite.com/ |
