Kids Summer Camp with focus on history

History Camp Returns in 2009 to Bedminster's Historic Jacobus Vanderveer House

RESISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 5, 2009

Boys & Girls

Bedminster Township Recreation, in partnership with The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, is thrilled to once again offer a unique summer camp experience --Summer History Camp at the Jacobus Vanderveer House!

This historic Bedminster landmark building is the focal point for this hands-on 18th century fun- filled, history-centered summer enrichment program. Children will be provided authentic 18th century clothing and experience activities reminiscent of life in the 1700s including craft projects, basket weaving, rug making, bee-keeping, music, games, open-fire cooking, and architectural exploration.

Two Sessions to choose:
June 29 - July 2 or July 20 - 24 (Ages 9 to 12)

The 2009 History Camp is led by John Philips, Bedminster Middle School History Teacher, with special presentations by experienced professionals.

Camp takes place in the natural historic setting of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, located at River Road Park in Bedminster. The camp is open to all Somerset County residents between the ages of 9 and 12.

Please register early as class size is limited to 15 students. The fee fro Session 1 is $175, and Session 2 is $195 and includes either a boy’s or girls’ period costume to be worn daily to camp. Please use the River Road Park entrance off of Routes 202/206 for access to the Jacobus Vanderveer House.

Register on-line with credit card at www.bedminster.us or return registration form with check payable to “Bedminster Recreation” by Friday, June 5th!

Registration Form Download - Click Here

For 2009, the fee for Session 1 is $175, and Session 2 is $195 and includes either a boy’s or girls’ period costume to be worn daily to camp.

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2008 Recap
Read the JVH History Camp Diary ...
See the Photos...

Day 1 Diary | Day 2 Diary | Day 3 Diary | Day 4 Diary | Day 5 Diary

2008 Schedule Recap
Date	Time	Activity
Mon, July 14, 2008	1 to 4 pm	Welcome, Pass out Clothing, History of JVH, “Bee Keeping and Colonial Farming” with Tassot Apiaries.  Discussion and processing.
Tues, July 15, 2008	1 to 4 pm	“Basket Weaving” with Elisa Kessler Caporale - Children will learn about the history of colonial basket making, purposes, materials, etc. and will be making round reed baskets with multicolored reed finished, looped or braided trim.  Discussion and processing.
Weds, July 16, 2008	1 to 4 pm	“Colonial Crafts” with June Kennedy and Members of the Historical Society of Somerset Hills.  Children will be making punch can lanterns and family crests on parchment.  Other crafts if time permitting.  Discussion and processing.
Thur, July 17, 2008	1 to 4 pm	“Archeological Exploration” with Ian Burrow of Hunter Research.  Children will participate in a real excavation of a small area south of the kitchen (a foot path from house to barn location); artifact processing washing, sorting and classifying artifacts; discussion of items located on the site and the archeological tools and methods used today.  Discussion and processing
Fri, July 18, 2008	1 to 4 pm	“Cooking & Costuming” with Michele Dansak & Kathy Ormosi.  The plan is to cook two items over an open outdoor fire pit, either soup and a bread or fried dough, and also churn butter.  Children will be involved with the food prep that doesn’t actually involve being over the fire. (All necessary fire approvals have been satisfied with the township in addition to the location of the fire pit & dimensions with Hunter Research).  Clothing styles and their purposes will be discussed relative to children.  Discussion and processing.