History Camp
Children Ages 6-12
This year’s camp theme is Finding History, and we’ll be discovering the history hidden all around us! From modes of transportation to fashion to food, evidence of history is everywhere. Explore how our lives today are different from the lives of people in the past, in this fun and educational half-day camp.
Camp will be held on Wednesday mornings from 9am-12pm. Camp meets at Rock Springs Nature Center in the Rodney Washburn Classroom. Some time may be spent outdoors. A fee of $20/camper each Wednesday covers all supplies, activities, and a mid-morning snack. Pick and choose which weeks to come, or attend all seven from June 11 through July 30.
Space is limited to 12 campers each Wednesday and camp activities are subject to change.
2025 History Weekly Camps
Life Along the River – June 11
Learn about Rock Springs before it was owned by the Macon County Conservation District, and how the pioneers settled along the Sangamon River. Walk to the remnants of the Rock Spring Bottling Plant and explore a prairie.
Extinct Animals – June 18
Unearth some of the prehistoric animals that used to call Illinois home. View replicas of prehistoric skulls, teeth, and other artifacts, and visit Griswold Conservation Area to explore a glacial kame.
People Before Pioneers – June 25
Examine the lives of the Native American people that lived on this land before European settlers arrived. Campers will make some historic food and learn how our lives today are different from several hundred years ago.
Old Fashion(ed) – July 2
What did local people wear in the mid-1800s and how has fashion changed over the years? Discover the answers while examining historic clothing and making your own rag doll.
Pioneer Children – July 9
See how the daily lives of pioneer children looked and compare to your life today. Visit a one-room schoolhouse and play some historic games.
The Life of a Civil War Soldier – July 16
Explore how a Civil War soldier would have cooked, slept, and traveled during the Civil War, and try your hand at survival skills like pitching a tent, starting a fire, and reading a map.
Wheels of Time – July 23
Learn how people traveled from pre-settlement to today, from canoeing to cars. Learn how to canoe and see if you can create a boat that floats.
Lifelong Learning – July 30
Museums help us explore the past and look to the future. Learn about the exhibits on display at Rock Springs Nature Center, then visit the Children’s Museum to see what’s new.
Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.
