PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Tired of the traditional summer programs? Not the athletic type? Then why not check out the newest educational experience. Summer camp goes an entirely new route this year, as the Presque Isle Historical Society provides a bit of history to the mix of activities offered for area youth.
“The Presque Isle Historical Society has received a grant from the Agnes Lindsay Trust with which to offer a summer history camp for kids, ages 8 to 12,” said Kim Smith, the Society’s secretary/treasurer and frequent historic tour guide.
Smith said the camp, for children ages 8-12, will run from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch provided daily. Base for camp will be the Campus Center at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
“This camp will offer a safe environment for children while being fun, informative, educational and interactive,” Smith said.
Participants will be engaged in local history, which will increase their knowledge of the community, increase their sense of community pride, build social skills and character, and teach cooperation and fair play.
“Kids will enjoy physical activity while learning 19th century children’s games; gain etiquette skills at the Etiquette Banquet; make crafts such as Victorian Christmas ornaments and candles; visit local museums while traveling aboard the Society’s Molly the Trolley; visit a local farm to better understand the connection between farming, food and clothing; and hear entertaining presentations on Presque Isle and the Civil War, about local ties to national and international history, and much more,” said Smith.
Smith said there is a fee for the camp and space is limited, so register early.
For more information and to obtain a registration form, visit www.pihistory.org/events.htm, call 762-1151 or email pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.
