Middle School Archaeology Camp

Wanted: Enthusiastic middle school students to explore the archaeology of the Mesa Verde region!

Think you're too young for archaeology? Think again! This popular, week-long introduction to the study of the human past is filled with exciting opportunities for middle school students to discover the cultural history, geography, and archaeology of the Four Corners area of the American Southwest.

During your week at Crow Canyon, you will study the fascinating history of the ancestral Pueblo Indians (the Anasazi) who lived in the Mesa Verde region. You'll help our team of professional archaeologists at a working excavation site, learn to sort and identify artifacts in our research laboratory, and have plenty of time to make new friends.

At Crow Canyon's pithouse and pueblo learning centers, you can try your hand at spear-throwing with an atlatl, making a fire without matches, and playing traditional American Indian games. You'll gain an appreciation for the amazing skills and lifeways of the people who inhabited the Mesa Verde region 700 to 2,500 years ago. 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 Cost

Dates: June 23–29, 2013

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

* Minimum $100 membership required. See Membership.

Deposit: $400

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

Balance due: Full amount is due May 10, 2013.
Cancellation at any time: $200 handling fee. Cancellation within 40 days of the program start date: forfeiture of all payments.

Daily Activities

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 history of the ancestral Pueblo Indians. Then, using the same techniques employed by professional archaeologists, students excavate and interpret site replicas that represent different periods in Pueblo history. They also learn about the scientific method and how archaeologists formulate research questions. In the evening, students enjoy an intriguing program on a topic such as rock art.

Tuesday

Today, students take a special field trip designed just for Middle School Archaeology Camp—a visit to an archaeological site located in the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This site is thousands of years old, and our visit helps students imagine what life was like for the hunters and gatherers who lived in the region before the introduction of agriculture. After a picnic lunch, the group hikes to a rock art panel few people have the opportunity to see. In the evening, David Nighteagle, a Lakota flute maker and performer, entertains the students with an exceptional interactive musical program.

Wednesday

This day's activities are held at the Pithouse Learning Center and the Pueblo Learning Center, structures that are replicas of ancient dwellings. Students try their hand at spear-throwing with an atlatl and making fire with a bow drill—skills ancient people needed to survive. Students also play traditional American Indian games. The day ends with an evening outing to the Cortez Cultural Center to watch a performance by American Indian dancers.

Thursday

The morning is spent excavating at our current excavation site, helping Crow Canyon archaeologists do their field research. The afternoon is spent in the archaeology laboratory, where students learn how to recognize various types of artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, and animal bones. The activities include washing, identifying, and analyzing artifacts previously recovered from excavation sites. A counselor-led activity concludes the day.

Friday

A special full-day tour of Mesa Verde National Park rounds out the week at Crow Canyon. Surrounded by the park's incredible natural beauty and remarkable archaeological treasures, students review and discuss what they have learned. In the evening, students celebrate their week with a graduation party.

Saturday

Departures follow a self-serve breakfast.

Schedule and activities subject to change.

Program 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

Students must be 12 years old by program date and must have completed sixth, seventh, or eighth grade.

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: April 12, 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 Middle 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