Summer Camp to Teach History to Kids

A summer camp at the Temecula Valley Museum aims to turn kids into little historians.

The “Summer Explorer” camps run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a week, and each of the four sessions explores a different time period.

Students will get to handle museum artifacts, meet historians, geologists and anthropologists, make crafts, play games and take field trips.

“This wonderful program helps your child develop a deeper understanding of local, natural and social history,” said Susan Blanch, a spokesperson for the museum.

The first session runs July 11-15 and is called “Exploring the Natural History of Our Valley.” Students will learn about the weather, geology, plants, rocks, bugs and animals of the area.

The second session runs July 18-22 and is called “Exploring Native American Heritage.” Students will learn about the history of the local Native Americans. They will learn to make pinch pots, weave baskets, play native games and take a trip to the Great Oak.

The third session is called “Exploring New World Influences” and will run July 25-29. Students will learn about the Spanish missions, plant vegetables, dance ballet folklorico, make adobe bricks and visit Mission San Luis Rey.

The fourth session, called “Exploring Pioneer Life,” will run Aug. 1-5. Students will learn about the Gold Rush and life on cattle ranches. Activities include square dancing, making butter, the Oregon Trail computer game, a wild west show, a walking tour of Old Town and a visit to Vail Ranch.

The camps are open to children ages 8-10 and lets students sign up for a single-week session, multiple weeks or all four weeks. Each week costs $65. The class size is limited to 12.

For contact information for the museum, click here.