Kids Corner
Mountain Explorers summer camp
June 9 - 13, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
For rising 2nd and 3rd graders
Experience the natural wonder of western North Carolina. Investigate different habitats and discover the creatures that live with us. Learn how native people and early explorers viewed and appreciated the plants and animals around them. Explorations will culminate in art-based activities and the week will include a field trip to a wild area within Jackson County.
Appalachian Adventures summer camp
July 21 - 25, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
For rising 4th and 5th graders
Explore the heritage of southern Appalachia beginning with the Native Americans and continuing through to the coming of the railroad. Work on historic crafts, investigate artifacts, listen to a local stories and legends, take field trips to local farms and historic sites of interest, and learn about the people who lived in these mountains 100 to 1000 years ago.
Rope making at summer camp 2023
Games at camp 2023
Summer Camp Packets from June and July 2020
Introduction to the packets
Notes for Week 3
Notes for Week 4, Rag Rug Weaving
Notes for Week 5, Quilt Pillow
2020 summer camp was cancelled but we offered a series of Camp Packets with activities, crafts, instructions, and video links for families with elementary-aged children. Instructions for the packets are available here and include:
- make a quilt pillow
- start a camp fire
- build a shelter
- weave a mug mat
- make simple pottery vessels
Notes for Week 6, Candles, Fire Starting
Themes, activities, and instructions are available for download:
- Week 1: Pastimes, make a corn shuck doll and play games from long ago. Download Packet
- Week 2: Resources, make a clay pot. Download Packet
- Week 3: Food, make cornbread. Download Packet
- Week 4: Home, make a rag rug. Download Packet
- Week 5: Family, make a quilt pillow. Download Packet
- Week 6: Light, make a candle and lantern. Download Packet
- Week 7: Shelter, make a backyard shelter. Download Packet
Activities
Here are some activities you can try at home! Click on the title of the toy or activity to download a pdf of the instructions.
Foxfire 6 has many traditional toys and games. Here's one we've enjoyed making and playing with for many years.
Credit to the High Point Museum and the late Annie Lee Bryson of Cullowhee, NC for their assistance putting this sheet together.
Bark baskets were made in the spring from the bark of Poplar trees. They were used by settlers to carry berries, kindling, and other small items. Make a replica bark basket out of cardboard.
Cardboard Bark Basket in progress.
Thanks to Cagney Guest (MA 2015) and Sophie Potts (History, 2019).
Contact
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723 Phone: 828.227.7129 Email the Center Center Staff