Registrations are still being accepted for Summer History Camps at the Barnett Homestead at the Bennington Battlefield New York State Historic Site. Camps begin on July 6 with “In Grandma Moses’ Day,” which gives campers the opportunity to learn how to make their own paint at home, make handmade soap and candles, create original paintings, build a Shaker stool and, of course, cook every day. Games and stories popular in her day will give campers a chance to experience what times were like when
Grandma Moses was young. This camp is followed by “Merrie Olde England,” from July 13 – 17, a virtual visit to the country from which we have received many of our habits and traditions. There will be a visit from a group of medieval knights in full armor and activities including designing your own coat of arms, making model castles, creating mini-dish gardens and lots of good things to cook and eat.
A new offering this year, taught by Mike Chapman, is the “Old Time Radio” camp, running July 20 – 24, reflecting a more recent era of our culture. Campers will build their own crystal radios, learn how to make sound effects props and how to use them and participate in creating a radio broadcast from vintage radio scripts. Campers will receive a CD of the finished broadcast to take home.
The popular “Revolutionary Times” camp will finish the month of camps, from July 27 – 31. Each year this camp offers something new to those who like to return to this exciting period in our history. Activities include making cartridge boxes and “cartridges,” haversacks and embroidered aprons and painted baskets for the ladies. A Revolutionary soldier will return to demonstrate musket firing, and there will be plenty of games and tasty cooking.
The fee for the Grandma Moses Camp is $75; registration for that camp is at the Town of Hoosick offices in the Armory on Church St. in Hoosick Falls. To register for the other camps, contact Phyllis Chapman at 518-686-4438 or Norma Peebles at 802-442-8472. The fee for those camps is $100, and checks should be made payable to “Vintage Voices” and sent to Phyllis Chapman, 108 St. Croix Dr., Eagle Bridge, NY, 12057. Campers must be at least 8 years of age; there is no upper age limit. Remaining space is limited, so prompt registration is recommended.”