The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point of the American Civil War.
The "thud" of musket fire and the explosion of artillery shells -- these are not sounds from the Battle of Gettysburg, but the clamor of young campers. During vacation, these history buffs are reliving the life of a brave soldier at a Civil War camp.
Camps in Virginia
Just south of Washington, D.C., in Alexandria, Virginia, kids attend a week of hands-on activities at the city's Civil War Kid's Camp. Twenty-four children, ages 8 to 12, enjoy 19th-century games, craft projects, drilling, music, visits by re-enactors and lots more. This summer, half-day program is co-educational.
The Parks and Recreation Department of Spotsylvania provides Civil War activities for 7- to 14-year-olds. Campers visit "learning stations" where they explore life in the military, the home life of the soldiers' families, the woman's role in the war, the Underground Railroad and more. This co-educational camp is held in the spring.
As one of the few overnight Civil War camps in Virginia, the Adventure Camp at Pamplin Historical Park in Petersburg gives kids 8 and up a distinct experience. Campers sleep in barracks, learn drill and tactics and have the rare opportunity to fire a Civil War-type rifle.
EXTREME Camp Naper
The summer camp at Naper Settlement, in Illinois, provides children with multiple Civil War experiences, from camp life and cooking over an open fire, to performing drills and observing soldier's equipment. Campers truly begin to understand the hardships of the war as the camp "transforms history into reality." Just 30 miles outside Chicago, the Naper Settlement experience is a two-day program, including overnight camping in Fort Payne on the second day. Children in grades 6 to 8 may register early to receive a free pass to the Naper Settlement's Civil War Days in May.
Fort Walla Walla Museum
The compass ensured that Civil War troops did not get lost.
Fort Walla Walla Museum and Pioneer Village in Washington state strives to encourage playful learning through various historical activities. It's little wonder, since the Museum has preserved the heritage of the area since the 1880s, providing multiple programs per year for families and children.
As one of two summer programs, Civil War "Boot Camp" is open to 9- to 11-year- olds. The children learn about America's rich military heritage and the "War Between the States" through various learning center activities. The program is usually held the third week of June, from 9 a.m to 3:45 p.m.
Wade House Civil War Day Camp
What better way to explore history than on the site of an original piece of history. Administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wade House was built by true pioneers. Today the house is a well-known museum, but once was a wilderness dwelling and then stagecoach stop. Participants of the day camp enjoy traditional activities, but experience life on the homestead and letter writing to soldiers, too, Boys and girls ages 8 to 13 may register for the event, but must do so in advance.
Tags: Naper Settlement, Battle Gettysburg, Civil Camp, Fort Walla, Fort Walla Walla