Discover the Past from the Ground Up: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's Summer Programs for Teens

January 18, 2005. Timely through May 31, 2005.
For more information, call 1-800-422-8975, ext. 130.

Cortez, Colorado
Is your middle school child or high school teen searching for something to do this summer? Perhaps a camp-like program that will allow them to learn about archaeology, meet teens from around the country, and spend time in the spectacular American Southwest? Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, located near Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez, Colorado, offers three extraordinary programs for middle and high school students. The High School Field School, High School Archaeology Program, and the Middle School Archaeology Program are designed to educate students with an exciting experiential curriculum that is multidisciplinary and provides lasting memories.

During the three-week High School Field School, incoming sophomores through graduated seniors work side-by-side with professional archaeologists and educators in a comprehensive examination of ancestral Pueblo Indian culture in the Mesa Verde region. High School Field School students become members of our research team, engaging in field and laboratory activities which make a significant contribution to the Center’s on-going research program. Participants learn about ancient lifestyles at the Pithouse Learning Center and the Pueblo Learning Center, replica buildings based on ancient Pueblo Indian dwellings. Students will experience firsthand some ancient life skills, including fire-starting, pottery making, and throwing a spear with an atlatl. This three-week program is filled with field excavation and lab work, field trips, study and discussion, and opportunities to make new friends. Weekends include hiking and camping trips to explore the area. The High School Field School runs from July 10–30, 2005 and the cost is $2,950 per person.

The High School Excavation Program, July 31–August 6, 2005, offers a one-week program for teens to gain a valuable, hands-on introduction to archaeology. Participants will explore the archaeology of the Southwest, excavate at an archaeological site, work in the laboratory, and visit Mesa Verde National Park. Incoming freshmen through graduated seniors are eligible to attend; participants must be 14 years old by September 1, 2005. The cost of this one-week program is $875 per person.

The Middle School Archaeology Program is a great way for younger students to get involved in archaeology. Middle schoolers who are at least 12 years old by September 1, 2005, and attending sixth, seventh, or eighth grade are eligible to attend this one-week program focused on Southwestern archaeology and Pueblo Indian cultures. Students visit archaeological sites, including Mesa Verde National Park; play traditional Native American games; learn how an archaeological laboratory works; help our research team at a working excavation; and participate in many other interesting and fun activities. The Middle School Archaeology Program runs from June 26–July 2, 2005 and the cost is $875 per person.

All program participants stay in our lodge, sharing a dorm room with other students in the program, working with our professional staff and counselors. Crow Canyon’s 170-acre campus provides space for relaxing, watching wildlife, walking through the pinyon and juniper woods, and enjoying mountain views from the rocking chairs on the lodge deck.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is a not-for-profit research and educational organization. The cost of each program includes tuition, lodging, meals, and local transportation. These popular programs are a prestigious precollegiate experience and have limited enrollments—so early application is recommended. For more information visit our Web site at www.crowcanyon.org or call 1-800-422-8975, ext. 130.