History came to life for children taking part in Clark County Park District’s Sixth Annual “Living History Day Camp” at the Hertzler House located at George Rogers Clark Park. Campers spent a busy day learning how to do some of the everyday things children living in 1854 would have done.
Barbara Arnold is the Day Camp Coordinator. Children who just completed fourth and fifth grades are eligible to participate. Camp costs $25.00 per student; however, students can win a scholarship that covers the cost by writing a 200-word essay about George Rogers Clark before March first. This year, three students won scholarships.
Girls get bonnets and boys get straw hats to wear throughout the day. Children may also wear period-style clothing to camp as well. This year, campers learned how to make an 1800’s-style “whizzer” toy and played old-fashioned baseball. They also made crafts and helped make homemade noodles, biscuits, and ice-cream for lunch--all while learning about Clark County’s prominent Hertzler family.
According to Arnold, the Living History Day Camp at the Hertzler House helps foster an interest in history in children by giving them a little bit of an in-depth experience of how life really was in the distant past. It is also an opportunity to teach campers about some local history as well.
Campers were excited about getting to learn how things were done back in the “Olden Days,” with many saying they especially loved playing old-fashioned baseball (the girls won) and were surprised at how much they liked the food. “The food was really yummy, especially the noodles. My mom is a good cook, but she doesn’t cook that good!” said one young lady. Another camper says he had so much fun that he, “wishes the camp lasted at least one or three or more days.”
In speaking of the Hertzler family’s tragic history, one camper said he was sad that so many of the Hertzler children died so young. He also says he was sorry that Mr. Hertzler was killed, but was “happy that it was because he was defending his family.” Most of the children said they would definitely tell people that they should visit the house and hear the family’s story.
The camp is run completely by volunteers, many of whom have participated for many years. Several say they enjoy seeing how the campers grow during the day from not being too sure about what to expect, to really enjoying themselves and getting excited about history.
The Living History Day Camp runs for one week every June; a total of 30 children can participate, with 10 children participating on either Monday, Wednesday or Friday. For more information, visit clarkcountyarks.org or email Barbara Arnold at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
