Curious Parents Summer Camp Resources

Camp Philosophy:
American Adventure Camp seeks to encourage young minds to think about their world in new and creative ways, gain an understanding of community and teamwork, and have lots of fun while learning. Campers will explore history through exciting activities and make new friends as they travel through Philadelphia.

Camp Structure
Come to historic Philadelphia and have the adventure of the summer at the National Constitution Center’s NEW summer camp, American Adventure Camp! The camp is designed to keep kids active in both mind and body all summer long. We fill out the days with activities and adventures that will help your child grow as an active citizen and a happy camper.

American Adventure Camp’s typical day will be structured from a menu of fun-filled activities:
•Town Hall Meeting
•Morning Exploration
•Museum Investigation
•Lunch and Snack
•Field Trip
•Mini and Major Activity
•Snack
•Group Games and Outdoor Quests

2007 American Adventure Camp Themes

Adventure is right around the corner at the National Constitution Center’s summer camp! Explore the history of our country in exciting new ways while spending your summer in the most historic city in the United States. Campers will actively discover history in interactive, hands-on activities and fun-filled adventures in the historic district of Philadelphia. Interact with George Washington and Ben Franklin as you unfold the mysteries and hidden treasures of our city and country. From art to archaeology, you will explore the ideals of our past that shape the dreams of our future.

SESSION I
June 25 - July 6 (11 days)
Private Eyes
Campers will use theater, visual arts and song to investigate and become a reporter on great events in American history. The National Constitution Center’s arts based camp is an exciting, hands-on experience designed to encourage creativity and citizenship using the arts as a medium of expression. Campers will explore art and civic education with award-winning teachers as well as through the new temporary exhibit, Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives.

SESSION II
July 9 - July 20 (10 days)
Revolutionary Philadelphia
Find the patriot inside you as you learn what life was like in colonial Philadelphia during Revolutionary times. Work as an apprentice to Ben Franklin, make colonial toys and clothing, and help found a new country. Activities include candle making, soap making, butter churning, spying on the enemy, exploding cannons, and maybe even starting a revolution!

SESSION III
July 23 - August 3 (10 days)
History Detectives
Who lived in Philadelphia long ago, what did they look like, and what did they do for a living? Be a history detective and unravel the secrets of our past as you visit some of our country’s oldest sites and places to live! Your day will be filled with decoding historic documents, testing items of the past using today’s new technologies, examining artifacts, and uncovering the stories behind them.

SESSION IV
August 6 - August 17 (10 days)
Pirates of the Constitution
Explore the open seas and the rules by which pirates lived in this exciting and “swashbuckling” camp. Write your own laws of the sea and plot your course for treasure. Examine constitution-building through the eyes of a pirate by electing captains and first mates for the crew, writing a code of conduct, and designing a flag. Activities include learning pirate slang and songs, treasure hunting, seamanship, and, of course, a limited amount of plundering.