High School Archaeology Camp

Wanted: Enthusiastic high school students to work side-by-side with professional archaeologists!

Join Crow Canyon for an incredible week of archaeological exploration. In this hands-on introduction to archaeology, you'll help our team of professional archaeologists at a working excavation site and learn to sort and identify artifacts in our research laboratory. You'll learn about the different periods of occupation in the Mesa Verde region of the American Southwest and gain an appreciation for the culture and lifestyles of the ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) Indians who inhabited this land for more than 1,500 years.

At Crow Canyon's pithouse and pueblo learning centers, you can try your hand at spear-throwing with an atlatl, making fire without matches, and playing traditional American Indian games. The week is topped off with a special all-day tour of nearby Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage site.

Educational Focus

Introduction to Pueblo Indian history, archaeology, and the scientific process.

Dates and Tuition

Dates: July 21–27, 2013

Tuition: Member* $1,400; Nonmember: $1,525

* Minimum $100 membership required. See Membership.

Deposit: $400

Balance due: Full amount is due June 7, 2013. Cancellation at any time: $200 handling fee. Cancellation within 40 days of the program start date: forfeiture of all payments.

Daily Activities

Note: Every evening includes a structured activity led by a staff member or guest scholar.

Information packet for parents and students (includes all required forms)

Sunday

Students arrive at the Crow Canyon campus between 2 and 5 p.m. After settling into their rooms, they meet their educators, counselors, and fellow students, and then enjoy dinner and take part in an introductory program.

Monday

The adventure in archaeology begins with a hands-on introduction to the cultural periods of the ancestral Pueblo Indians. After lunch, a tour of our current excavation site sets the stage for the week.

Tuesday

Students work in the archaeology laboratory, contributing to an important part of Crow Canyon's research by washing, sorting, identifying, and cataloging previously excavated artifacts. They learn to recognize different types of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and animal bone. After lunch, students participate in a simulated excavation, where they learn the techniques archaeologists use in the field.

Wednesday

This morning, students become active partners in Crow Canyon's field research. They begin fieldwork at our current excavation site, using the techniques and analytical skills they developed during the first two days of the week. The afternoon is spent learning about the lifestyles of the ancestral Pueblo Indians. Some activities take place in the Pithouse Learning Center and the Pueblo Learning Center, which are replicas of ancient dwellings. Students throw spears with atlatls, try to start a fire with a bow drill, and play traditional American Indian games.

Thursday

Students return to the field for an additional half-day of excavation in the morning and continue learning about the lifestyles of the ancestral Pueblo Indians in the afternoon.

Friday

A full-day guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park tops off the week's activities. The spectacular cliff dwellings and mesa-top sites provide a memorable backdrop for final lessons on the Pueblo people who lived in this area for more than a thousand years. A wrap-up evening program and a graduation party give the staff a chance to thank everyone for their participation and answer any remaining questions about archaeology or becoming an archaeologist.

Saturday

Departures follow a self-serve breakfast.

Schedule and activities subject to change.

Tour Details

Tuition

Tuition covers accommodations, meals, entry fees and permits, and local transportation after the student's arrival in Cortez until the student's departure from Cortez. Transportation to and from Cortez is the responsibility of the student's parents.

Read about scholarships.

Application Information

Incoming high school freshmen through graduated seniors may attend; students must be 14 years old by program date.

After registering for the program and paying the deposit, you will need to fill out an application and other forms, which are available online in the information packet for the program. Materials required for the processing of your application include the following:

an essay written by you that explains why you want to participate in this program

a recommendation from a teacher

a comprehensive medical form and certificate of immunization (both signed by your physician)

Program and scholarship application deadline: May 10, 2013

Campus Life

Our 170-acre rural campus includes indoor and outdoor learning facilities, an archaeological laboratory, and a lodge (with dining hall). It's a peaceful place to relax, watch wildlife, walk through the woods, and enjoy panoramic mountain views from the rocking chairs on the lodge deck.

Students live in a coed dormitory, and they are fully supervised by chaperons. Their roommates are other students of the same sex; same-sex showers and restrooms are down the hall. All rooms have bunk beds—students must bring their own bedding and towels.

Three delicious, healthy meals are served each day. Hearty entrees, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a salad bar are standard fare, and 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 High School Archaeology Camp. If you want to sign up online now, click on the button at the top of this page. Or, you may call or e-mail the registrar at 970.564.4346 (toll-free 800.422.8975, ext. 146), e-mail summercamp@crowcanyon.org.

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