Camp Themes

Camp themes vary from week to week, summer to summer.

Each theme involves multiple “levels” in the dirt; we dig one level each day, with the more recent items on top. In the classroom, we study and evaluate the social, cultural, spiritual and economic significance, as well as the context and function of each set of artifacts. Children create their own museum exhibitions, along with accompanying narrative history stories they act out, both based on their interpretation of what “happened.”

With a true student-centered model, there are no right or wrong answers, rather guidance and moderation, as students work out compromises on the meanings of their artifacts and work together to create the stories.

Native American Spirituality (2022)

"New" artifacts from the Lakota Sioux centered on spirituality and the four directions, and a hunt for one's wotai stone.

Ancient Treasures (2021)

Precious metal and stone artifacts from across the globe.

Indigenous America (2019)

This theme focuses on Plains and Southwest Native Americans, as well as ancient Aztecs. Campers dig up a variety of terracotta artifacts, arrowheads and jewelry, while gaining perspective on indigenous environmental interconnectedness and reverence for animals. We will have a unique Minecraft "Aztec" world scavenger hunt! Campers will also participate in an on-site simplified Sioux Four Directions ceremony, utilizing symbolic colors and the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water. Before he passed away in 2017, I became close to Eagle Man, Ed McGaa, who wrote the cultural landmark Mother Earth Spirituality, and later, Black Elk Speaks IV, to clarify the Sioux narrative. This theme is proudly and respectfully dedicated to my late friend, Eagle Man, who taught me how to find personal and spiritual growth through the Sioux Way.

Egypt (August 2016)

Young Egyptologists study the pharaohs, Gods and animals, as well as the common people of ancient and contemporary Egypt. Working as a team, young archaeologists evaluate ancient treasures to decide function, context and chronology, then present their story in an exhibition. Items collected will include scarabs, canopic jars and other golden treasures.

Western Frontier/Southwest Native American (July 2016)

Homesteaders faced serious challenges from ranchers and lack of law enforcement, but also from the elements. Often too close to nature to appreciate it the way we do today, families on the frontier spent most of their time preparing, as their survival could depend on one mistake. Gender roles were well-defined, and children were often forced to grow up fast. But they did manage to have some fun…

The Zuni, Hopi, Pueblo, Apache and Navajo were moving artists, expert weavers and pottery makers, and believed in the spiritual power of turquoise. They made dolls and arrowheads, played games, and generally practiced egalitarian gender roles. What happened when these two groups interacted? The answer might surprise you.

Baseball (March-May 2016)

Baseball was considered the “New Frontier” in many circles after 1893. It evolved into more than a component of our social history, but often transcended class and race - well before 1947 when Jackie Robinson arrived - and served as a cultural tradition for so many families. But it was often a city game, and Denver has a baseball history that dates before the Civil War.

Archaeology All-Stars (Summer 2017)

This camp combines the best of all six themes into extreme digging, supplemented by one scavenger hunt for oversized items.

Explorers: Vikings Vs. Pirates (Summer 2018)

Viking Gods like Odin and their silver goblets, alongside Pirates' buried treasures and their golden Spanish coin!

Custom Birthday Themes

Select the custom theme of your birthday archaeologist's choice, and I will design whatever theme they can imagine! Call 303-590-8761 to discuss specifics and pricing before filling out the Birthday Request Form.