June 4-6, 2024
Eco Adventure Day Camp is a one-to-three half-day educational adventure open to students entering 2nd-4th grades. Explore the outdoors in scenic Calhoun County with staff from the Center for American Archeology and McCully Heritage Project, and learn how people have interacted with the natural world and its resources since prehistoric times.
Participants may attend just one, two, or three days. Each day will include a hike and activities to create ancient tools and technology using local natural resources. Hikes include information about methods of navigation, plants, wildlife, geology, archaeology and more.
Activities
Day 1 : June 4
- Nature Hike: learn tree identification, map reading, spot animals, mushrooms, and more
- Cordage & Weaving: learn about native plants used for making rope and textiles
- Spear-throwing: throw spears using an atlatl
Day 2: June 5
- Creek Walk: nature hike Kampsville Creek to collect clay for pottery-making
- Ceramics: learn how to make precolumbian pottery using local clay collected on the creek walk
- Spear-throwing: throw spears using an atlatl
Day 3: June 6
- Nature Hike: learn tree identification, map reading, spot animals, mushrooms, and more
- Archaeology Skills: visit an archaeological site, learn skills archaeologists use through our trash bin excavation activity
- Spear-throwing: throw spears using an atlatl
Schedule
Drop-Off: 8:30-9:00 am
Program: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Pickup: 12:00-12:30 pm
Camp will begin each day at 9:00 am and the programming will be over by 12:00 pm. Drop off begins no earlier than 8:30 am, and all students must be picked up by 12:30 pm.
Location
Eco Adventure Day Camp is held at McCully Heritage Project, a 940 acre preserve in Calhoun County, Illinois, located a half mile south of Kampsville. There are 15 miles of hiking trails, two ponds, a wetland with a boardwalk, a hill prairie plot and more. Hiking is pleasant even in the summer as the wooded trails provide plenty of shade. There are flush toilets and a pavilion.
Drop-off and Pickup will be at the McCully Heritage Project pavilion on Crawford Creek Road. Participants must be signed in and out each day by a parent or guardian.
What to Bring
Each camper should bring snacks, and a refillable water bottle to use throughout the day. Water will be provided. Campers should arrive dressed for outdoor activities that will include hiking in grasslands, forest, and across a creek. Proper footwear is needed. Clothing may get dirty and wet. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended. If you would like to send a sack lunch, campers may eat while waiting to be picked up.
Tuition
- 1 Day: $25
- 2 Days: $50
- 3 Days: $70
How to Apply
Download, complete, and return the 2024 Eco Adventure Day Camp Application.
Upon receipt of your application, we will send you a confirmation by email. If you have not received confirmation, we have not received your application.
Registration for the program closes one week prior to the start of each session.
Maximum Enrollments: 20 students per day. Those applying after enrollment capacity is reached will be added to the waiting list in the order of receipt of a complete application.
Questions: If you have any questions, please contact the CAA at education@caa-archeology.org or 618-653-4316 for more information.