Summer Educational Camps

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CAMP 2008

“There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.” – Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1790

“Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight.” – Jefferson to Dupont de Nemours, 1809

Investigating Science through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson

When Thomas Jefferson sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition, he instructed them to carefully study the waterways, flora, and fauna of the lands they were exploring and the Native American cultures they encountered. The journals produced during the expedition are still studied today, as we rediscover the important impact nature has on human life. Join us at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest to combine Jefferson ’s scientific principles and modern scientific methods. Make your own journal as you investigate the flora (plants), fauna (animals), and aqua (water) environments of Poplar Forest ’s fields and forests. Then, discover the connection between the environment and Native American cultures with a special visit to the Monacan Village at Natural Bridge . This summer, set out on your own expedition, embracing the spirit and curiosity of Thomas Jefferson!

Students may sign up for individual days or the series:

Monday, June 16th:   Flora
Monday, June 23rd:    Aqua
Monday, June 30th:    Fauna
Tuesday, July, 8th:     Native American Cultures
Wednesday, July 9th:  Monacan Village at Natural Bridge

Times: 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. , with Natural Bridge Field Trip Day, 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

On the grounds of Poplar Forest

For rising 5 th, 6 th and 7 th graders

Tuition:
$45.00 per day
$215.00 for series

Parents drop of and pick up at Poplar Forest
Drop Off Time: 8:45 a.m.
Pick Up Time: 3:00 p.m. with the exception of July 9 th, 4 p.m.

Minimum: 10; Maximum: 15

For more information and registration, call the Education Department at Poplar Forest , 434-534-8109

This Science Camp Project was made possible by the Dominion Foundation.

ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORY, AND RESTORATION CAMP

Discover the Excitement at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

Have you ever wondered how we know what we know about the past? Join us at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest to examine the evidence of the past, discovering through documents and artifacts how the octagonal retreat home was built and the grounds laid out. Join our team of junior archaeologists as we map out dig sites, sift, wash and catalogue artifacts, and interpret the findings. Take part in the historical restoration process by making and laying bricks, creating mortar and plastering walls using the same materials and methods as craftsmen did two hundred years ago. This summer, don’t just read about history, live it during this unique, hands-on history camp!

Dates for the Poplar Forest Summer Field Camp for Students: July 14-18, 2008

On the grounds of Poplar Forest
For rising 4th and 5th graders
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Tuition $125.00

Parents drop of and pick up at Poplar Forest
Drop Off Time: 7:45 a.m.
Pick Up Time: Noon

Minimum: 10; Maximum: 15

For more information about these camps, please contact:

Education Coordinator
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419, Forest, Virginia 24551-0419
434-534-8109 or EducAsst@poplarforest.org