Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization committed to preserving and protecting Savannah’s heritage, will host a “Hands on History” day camp geared towards giving middle and high school students an overview of the field of historic preservation May 30 - June 3. Camp registration is now open to children ages 11 to 15.

“This interactive camp is a great opportunity to give our kids a look at the world of history, preservation and site interpretation at several historic sites in Savannah while providing hands-on experience through lectures, tours and various practical workshops,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “It will be a wonderful and fun learning experience for kids.”

The day camp will begin Monday, May 30 and run through Friday, June 3. Camp hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but campers may be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. at the Kennedy Pharmacy at 323 E. Broughton Street. Since the first day of the camp falls on Memorial Day, the schedule for that day will be slightly different. On Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day), there will be a family day from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a walking tour of memorial monuments and a picnic in Forsyth Park. The following days (May 31 - June 3) will continue as scheduled and will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The camp workshops, tours and sessions will be held at various historic sites throughout Savannah. Parents will receive a detailed itinerary outlining each day’s specific schedule upon registration.

This year’s participants will have the opportunity to enjoy various educational experiences, including touring various historic locations including the Massie Heritage Center, Fort Pulaski, the Tybee Island Light Station, the Coastal Heritage Society’s Georgia State Railroad Museum and participating in masonry repointing and other hands-on activities.  

The fees for the program are underwritten, so the camp is free of charge to all students.  Registrations are selected based on the students’ Personal Statement forms, which will be included in the application. Space is limited.

Lunch will be provided on Monday for the picnic, but not on Tuesday through Thursday.  Students are required to bring their own bagged lunch. Water and sports drinks will be provided during the day for lunch and other activities. There will be a pizza party on the last day – Friday – provided by HSF.

HSF’s 2016 Hands on History Camp is sponsored by JE Dunn Construction, the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs’ Weave - A - Dream Initiative and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

To register, please contact Danielle Meunier at 912.233.7787 or [email protected] or visit www.myhsf.org/advocacy-education/hands-on-history-program/.