Cos Cob, CT - The Greenwich Historical Society History and Art Camp has openings this summer for both the two-week and single-week options. Session A (Grades 4-6) runs from July 8 to July 19, and Session B (Grades 1-3-and 4, if preferred) runs from July 22 to August 2. The program is based at Bush-Holley House, the Historical Society's headquarters and Greenwich's only National Historic Landmark. As a dual interpretation museum, the house illustrates two distinct time periods: Early American Life (1790 to 1825) and the Art Colony Experience (1890 to 1920), when the site served as home and workplace for artists such as Childe Hassam and Elmer MacRae. Each two-week camp session begins with a week focusing on Colonial history, followed by a week devoted to visual art. (Campers can register for both weeks or choose one.) The experience is highly interactive and designed to utilize the art and original artifacts in Bush-Holley House. Sessions are fun, challenging and age-appropriate. A field trip and a Friday Parents' Day are part of each week's schedule.
The professional staff includes museum educators and counselors who have a special interest in art and history. Reenactors, working artists, musicians and guest teachers will round out the leadership team. Activities vary by age group but may include weaving, baking, candle making and acting. Art instruction encompasses painting, pastels, sculpture, origami and photography. Art shows and performances cap off each session.
Lucy R. Van Atta, Camp Director 2013, vividly remembers her own experience as a camper at the Historical Society more than 15 years ago. "I felt that I had stepped back in time, continually discovering new things about the way children lived in Colonial New England. Now, with the dual-interpretation program, campers can explore two different worlds of the past--using historic "clues" to understand the people who once lived in Bush-Holley House and creating original artwork to follow in their footsteps."
To learn more about the camp and to download a brochure, visit www.greenwichhistory.org or email Camp Director Lucy R. Van Atta at lvanatta@greenwichhistory.org. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.
