Family Archaeology Week

A one-week archaeology adventure for the whole family!

Make your next family vacation an archaeology adventure! Your family will love learning together in a program that is as exciting for adults as it is for kids. Family Archaeology Week focuses on fun, hands-on activities that introduce children, parents, and grandparents to archaeology and the ancestral Pueblo Indians (the Anasazi) of the Mesa Verde region.

No experience is necessary—just bring your hat, sunscreen, lots of water, and enthusiasm. We'll provide the rest: fantastic scenery, a peaceful yet stimulating learning environment, great teachers, and world-class archaeology!

Hands-On History

Family Archaeology Week includes several hands-on activities to acquaint the entire family with ancestral Pueblo culture and history. Together, you will compare artifacts from different time periods, try your hand at ancient technologies (like starting a fire without matches, making cordage from plant fibers, and throwing spears with atlatls), play traditional Pueblo games, visit replicas of ancient Pueblo houses, and get a special guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage site.

Science Made Simple

Family Archaeology Week also introduces your family to the modern science of archaeology in a fun and engaging way. You will experience firsthand how scientific research is conducted; learn how to identify pottery, stone, and animal bone artifacts; and practice proper excavation techniques in a simulated excavation.

Real Research in Field and Lab

The capstone of Family Archaeology Week is the opportunity for you and your family to experience world-class archaeology. Working alongside our team of archaeologists, you will analyze artifacts in the lab and excavate at our current site, making discoveries that will help us reconstruct the history of the ancestral Pueblo people.

Information packet for Family Archaeology Week (includes all required forms)

Activities subject to change.

Dates

August 4–10, 2013

Tuition

Adult Member*: $1,495
Nonmember: $1,620
Youth (ages 10 to 17): $1,125

Children under 12 must be paired with an adult when excavating. We regret we cannot accommodate children younger than 10 years of age.

* Minimum $100 membership required. See Membership.

Deposit: $400

Balance due: Full amount is due 45 days before the program start date. Cancellation at any time: $200 handling fee. Cancellation within 40 days of the program start date: forfeiture of all payments.

Tuition covers accommodations, meals, entry fees and permits, and local transportation after your arrival in Cortez until your departure from Cortez. Transportation to and from Cortez is your responsibility.

Accommodations and Meals

Our 170-acre campus provides space for relaxing, watching wildlife, walking through the pinyon and juniper woods, and enjoying panoramic mountain views from the rocking chairs on the lodge deck.

Your family will be housed together in a comfortable, Navajo-style log cabin (hogan). Shared, modern shower and toilet facilities are located in a separate building adjacent to the hogans. You will need to provide your own bedding and towels.

Three delicious meals are served each day. You'll be treated to delectable, healthy meals that feature hearty entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a salad bar. Most special diets can be accommodated.

Be sure to see Plan Your Visit to learn more about Crow Canyon and our campus.

Terms and Conditions

Go to Terms and Conditions for more information about tuition, cancellation and refund policies, and accommodations.

Reserve Your Spot in this Archaeology Adventure

It's easy to reserve your spot in Family Archaeology Week. If you want to sign up online now, click on the button at the top of this page. For other options (phone, mail, or fax), click here.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50