Friends of Clermont - Special Events and Educational Programs

Spend the Summer in the Past

August 4 to 8, 2008 and August 11 to 15, 2008

History is Fun!

Check out the Days of The Steamboat School Program

Have Fun With History Summer Camp Croquet

The Friends of Clermont and museum staff invite your children to discover their heritage in a safe and enjoyable manner at this year's Summer History Camp.

Two distinctly different camps are offered. Children ages 7 through 12 are invited to the August 4 to August 8, (children must be able to read) while children ages 9 through 14 will enjoy the August 11 to August 15 camp. Mature ten-year-olds, who have attended the Clermont camp in the past, may register for the second camp.

Both camps will feature historical games, crafts and activities that were part of daily life on the Clermont estate in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.

The Summer History Camps are coordinated by Kjirsten Gustavson, Curator of Education at Clermont, and Clermont State Historic Site's staff with first aid training will be present at the site during camp weeks.

How are the Camps Structured?

The camps will take place Monday through Friday, between 9 am and 2 pm each day. Parents or guardians are requested to accompany their child to Clermont's Visitor Center on the first day of the program to meet the coordinator and counselors. Children should be picked up at the end of the camp day at 2 pm in the Visitor Center. Parents or guardians must let the coordinator know in advance if someone other than himself or herself will be picking up a child.

What Takes Place During the Camp?

In the First Camp, for elementary school age children, each day of the week will be devoted to a specific generation of the Livingston family from the Colonial era through the early decades of the 20th century. Among the activities children will participate in are: a mock archaeological dig, a sampling of various family recipes, Summer Camp Fun creating an 18th century toy, and role playing an historical character from the Clermont estate. Each day the children will play a period game or sport. These include the "game of graces," town ball (an early version of baseball) and croquet. To conclude the week, campers will engage in an "historical scavenger hunt." They will create and present their own museum exhibition at a reception for campers and their families to be held on the last day of camp.

The Second Camp, for children 9 to 14, will have a different focus. Campers will learn about the history of the "Great Estates Region" in the Hudson River Valley as they prepare to take on the role of an actual past resident of Clermont. Hands-on activities that will help them to develop their "interpretive performance" will include archaeological and historical research, creation of miniature period rooms, charcoal sketching, watercolor painting and other arts and crafts activities. During the week they will have the opportunity to go "behind the scenes" with the museum's curatorial, horticultural and research staff. On the final day of camp they will incorporate their knowledge about their "character" by performing a brief play, in period costume, in the Livingston home. Families are invited to attend the performance and reception.

What is the Cost of the Camp?

Tuition for the camp which includes all supplies and materials, as well as beverages each day is just $110 per child per week, or $95 per child per week for Friends of Clermont members.

Summer Camp Diorama The Friends of Clermont, a private non-profit educational corporation, offers three scholarships to each camp. Scholarship candidates should attend school or reside in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene or Ulster Counties. Parents seeking scholarships should request a nomination form, which must be completed by the child's teacher. Children who are nominated are asked to write a short essay or draw a poster illustrating why they would like to attend camp at Clermont. Parents are also asked to write a brief note that explains how they believe their child would benefit from the camp experience. Scholarship applications should be submitted by June 15.

How do I register my child?

Registration is limited to 16 children per camp. Please contact the museum office as soon as possible. We will mail you a registration form, which must be returned with your check in order to confirm your reservation. Your check is refundable up to two weeks prior to the start of camp. To register by phone, call Kjirsten Gustavson, Curator of Education at (518) 537-4240. Parents are also welcome to register their child in person. The museum offices, located in the Livingston Mansion at Clermont State Historic Site, are open daily after April from 8:30 am to 5 pm.