Kids Corner
Mountain Explorers Summer Camp
June 15 - 19 2026, 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 20- 24 2026, 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.
Summer Camp Packets from June and July 2020
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:
How to:
- make a quilt pillow
- start a camp fire
- build a shelter
- weave a mug mat
- make simple pottery vessel
Introduction to the packets
Notes for Week 3
Notes for Week 4, Rag Rug Weaving
Notes for Week 5, Quilt Pillow
Themes, activities, and instructions are available for download:
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Week 1: Pastimes, make a corn shuck doll and play games from long ago. Download Packet
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Week 2: Resources, make a clay pot. Download Packet
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Week 3: Food, make cornbread. Download Packet
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Week 4: Home, make a rag rug. Download Packet
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Week 5: Family, make a quilt pillow. Download Packet
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Week 6: Light, make a candle and lantern. Download Packet
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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.
Ball In Cup
Foxfire 6 has many traditional toys and games. Here's one we've enjoyed making and playing with for many years.
CORN SHUCK DOLL
Credit to the High Point Museum and the late Annie Lee Bryson of Cullowhee, NC for their assistance putting this sheet together.
WOVEN MUG MAT
Thanks to Susan Leveille for her assistance in working on this craft.
Bark Basket
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).