Children's Camps at Wyman Tavern Museum in July

June 2009

During July, the Historical Society of Cheshire County will offer two children's camps at the Wyman Tavern Museum that focus on 18th century life.

The first camp, Paddle to the Sea, will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24. This three-day camp is for children ages 10 to 16. Participants will learn the story of "Paddle," the main character in the book Paddle to the Sea by Holling Clancy Holling. While hand carving a small canoe, participants will learn about the importance of rivers as a transportation "highway" for food, water power, and industry to 18th century inhabitants of Cheshire County. All campers will canoe up the Ashuelot River from Ashuelot Park to launch their carved canoes on journeys to the sea. The cost for Paddle to the Sea Camp is $80 for HSCC members and $95 for non- members.

The second camp will focus on making 18th century games and toys. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31. This program is for children ages 8 to 16. Participants will construct toys and games using materials that were available to 18th century children. Such games and toys were constructed for fun and to develop skills. The cost for Making Toys and Games Camp is $75 for HSCC members and $90 for non-members

The Wyman Tavern Museum, Keene's most historic home, is located at 339 Main Street in Keene, NH. Chesterfield teacher, Laurel Powell, will teach both camps. Enrollment is limited to 12 children for each camp. Reservations and a deposit for each camp are required. Campers bring their own drink, snack, and lunch for each day. To make a reservation or for further information, please call HSCC at 352-1895, email dired@hsccnh.org, or visit the Society's website at www.hsccnh.org.