History Camp

Children Ages 6-12

This year’s camp theme is History Explorers, and we’ll be learning new skills and putting them to the test! From growing food, to inventing new products, to creating unique art, the people of Macon County’s past lived very different lives to those we live today. Explore their way of life 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 12 through July 31.

Space is limited to 12 campers each Wednesday and camp activities are subject to change.

Online Registration

2024 History Weekly Camps

Register Online

Living Off the Land

Wednesday, June 12, 9am-12pm

Getting a quick bite to eat wasn’t as simple as driving through a fast-food restaurant in 1860! Learn how people sourced, stored, and prepared their food, then try your hand at making a historic snack.

Register Online
Register Online

Archaeology

Wednesday, June 26, 9am-12pm

Archaeologists study human history by excavating sites and learning about artifacts, and in this camp you’ll learn to be one! Get a hands-on demonstration at Rock Springs’ Homestead Prairie Farm and see what you can uncover.

Register Online
Register Online

History Unearthed

Wednesday, July 3, 9am-12pm

The landscape of Macon County was sculpted and changed by glaciers hundreds of thousands of years ago. Visit a glacial kame at Griswold Conservation Area in Blue Mound, and learn about the importance of deposits like these.

Register Online
Register Online

Art Explorers

Wednesday, July 10, 9am-12pm

Learn about the history of art in Macon County, and join an artist to make some artwork of your own.

Register Online
Register Online

Orienteering

Wednesday, July 17, 9am-12pm

How did people navigate before GPS existed? Learn about different navigational methods, then use a map and compass to find your way around.

Register Online
Register Online

Inventors and Inventions

Wednesday, July 24, 9am-12pm
Many unique products and inventions got their start right here in Macon County! Learn about some of these and visit the Mueller Museum, a spot dedicated to one of Decatur’s most famous inventors, Hieronymus Mueller.
Register Online
Register Online

Looking for Lincoln

Wednesday, July 31, 9am-12pm

Our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most beloved political figures in American history. Learn about his connections to Macon County, then head to downtown Decatur to search for statues, artwork, and other sites dedicated to him.

Register Online
Online Registration

Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.