Time Travelers Camp
Summer 2012
The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to offer the Time Travelers Camp. Register your child for this exciting two hour session, one morning a week for the months of June and July. Children entering 2nd through 6th grade are invited to journey back in time to explore key events in history and investigate how they impacted the lives of those in our region. Campers will learn in a fun and engaging environment as they study the museum’s artifacts, visit with guest speakers and participate in hands-on activities.
Schedule
The Time Travelers Camp will be offered June 4 through July 27 and will be held at the Western Illinois Museum from 9:00 to 11:00 am.
Three sessions will be held each week
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Monday: 2nd and 3rd graders
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Wednesday: 3rd and 4th graders
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Friday: 5th and 6th graders
The museum is pleased to partner with the YMCA of McDonough County. Children enrolled in the YMCA’s day camp can participate in the morning Time Travelers Camp at the museum. Select that option on your child’s YMCA application.
Time Travelers will explore the following topics:
Week 1: (June 4, 6, 8) Local Indians and Archeology
With an emphasis on archaeology, the campers will learn about the first Native Americans in our area. Lessons and activities will be built around the artifacts that these native people left behind.
Week 2: (June 11, 13, 15) French fur trade and life on the river
Campers will learn about how the French fur trade led to the modern development of much of North America, including our area. Through engaging activities, campers will become aware of the importance of rivers to the success of the fur trade.
Week 3: (June 22) French fur trade re-enactment program at Spring Lake
This fun Friday activity will take the campers to Spring Lake for a fur trade re-enactment program led by Dr. Mike McGowan. The campers will apply what they learned the previous week during this popular activity. This is an all day session (9:00 am to 2:00 pm) and all ages are welcome to participate. Camper need to bring a pack lunch. The cost for field trip is $16.
Week 4 (June 25, 27, 29) The War of 1812 and the founding of McDonough County
Campers will be introduced to War of 1812 heroes General Alexander Macomb and Commodore Thomas McDonough. Time Travelers will be transported back to the 1800s to learn about the battles that took place in our area between Indians and Rangers, as well as learn how the war led to the creation of McDonough County and Macomb.
Week 5 (July 2, 6) Lincoln and Life during the Civil War (no Wednesday session; 4th graders are welcome to attend the Friday, June 6th session)
Campers will explore the life of Abraham Lincoln, including his two visits to Macomb. Campers will also learn about key battles and the consequences the war had on people in our country as well as in Macomb.
Week 6 (July 9, 11, 13) Clay and how it built Macomb
Through fun and engaging hands-on activities, campers will come to understand how important the clay industry was in Macomb during the 19th and early 20th century. Clay literally built Macomb and its effects can still be seen. A field trip to the Moses King Brick and Tile Works is scheduled for the Friday session.
Week 7 (July 16, 18, 20) National and Local Inventors
The campers will explore national and local inventors: who they were, what they invented, how the inventions changed Macomb, and why the inventions are important to the region.
Week 8 (July 23, 25, 27) Macomb during the Great Depression
The Depression was a national event, but it affected many people and businesses in Macomb. Through interactive activities, campers will learn how Macomb survived the Depression.
Cost:
The cost per week is $8. Scholarships are available for those who can show financial need. Contact the museum for information about eligibility or download application.
Registration:
Sign up for individual weeks or the entire session. Each session will be limited to 16 participants. Download application, emergency contact form and liability form or stop by the museum to pick up a copy. Contact the YMCA at 309-833-2129 to register for the Day Camp with the Time Traveler morning program.
Thank you to our contriubtors
The program is made possible in part from a grant from the WalMart Foundation. Scholarships are made possible by the Altrusa Club of Macomb and the Youth Assistance Program, Macomb.