Exploring the secrets of a 200-year-old homestead and how its environment influenced early settlers is the focus of an educational summer camp for youth offered by Buttonwood Nature Center on Wednesday, July 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Presented in partnership with Little Antietam Creek, Inc. (LACI), the Rocks and Relics summer day camp is part of Buttonwood’s series of DISCOVER programs for students in grades 5–12 (ages 10 to 17).
The popular program has been expanded this year to a full day summer camp. Students will join Buttonwood educators and LACI archaeologists to “dig into the past” at the historic Stoner Farm, an active, working archaeological site in Waynesboro.
Archaeologist Scott Parker along with other LACI instructors, will lead students to discover the why, what, and how of archaeology, including how artifacts are processed and what they can tell us about how the Stoners lived.
Hands-on activities include digging and working with artifacts, testing the properties of limestone and soil, looking for new dig sites using remote sensing, and learning how limestone is cut and mortar is made.
Buttonwood educators will explore the history, geography, geology and environment of the farm. Students will discover why the Stoners built in this spot, and how they used the natural resources around them (soil, trees, rocks, water, and vegetation). In addition, they will examine the rock used to construct the buildings on the property.
Those attending should wear clothing that can get dirty, and bring a packed lunch, snacks and beverages. Sunscreen is also recommended.
The camp fee is $50 for members of Buttonwood and $55 for the general public. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited; register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. More information at 717-762-0373 or via email at info@buttonwoodnaturecenter.
Underwriting support by DISCOVER program sponsors, Steve and Maxine Beck. Additional support by Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund Contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.
