Children & Families
Programs for children build on the core curriculum, while families have many opportunities to learn, grow and play together. Summer camps, after-school programs, vacation camps, family days and family game nights all provide children with learning experiences in a fun and supportive environment. Our family programs allow the children to take charge and share their knowledge with their parents and siblings as the entire family learns more about our shared history. As always, our activities are based on hands-on, experiencial learning. As we develop these programs, we always welcome your feedback and suggestions! Please email your thoughts, suggestions or ideas to Zoe Keefer-Norris at education@oldyork.org or call us at (207) 363-4974 x12.
2010 Calendar of Events
March
3 After School Program: The King is Coming!
A medieval king is coming to visit! Prepare for his arrival by building a throne that will support his weight, creating a shield that will protect him in battle and inventing a play that will make him laugh. Wednesday, March 3rd from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road in York Village. Ages 6 and above. $6 members, $8 non-members. Advanced registration is required.
9 After School Program: Creative Coil Baskets
Native Americans across the continent are famous for the beautiful coil baskets they've made for hundreds of years. Learn this traditional basket making technique and take home what you create. Tuesday, March 9th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road in York Village. Ages 8 and above. $6 members, $8 non-members. Advanced registration is required.
18 After School Program: Atlatl Attack
Early peoples across the world used simple tools to hunt. Come experiment with these early technologies: build an atlatl spear thrower, make a sling and try knocking over tin cans with a throwing stick. Thursday, March 18th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road in York Village. Ages 8 and above. $6 members, $8 non-members. Advanced registration is required.
23 After School Program: Celebration of Spring
Cultures across the world historically celebrated the Vernal Equinox as the beginning of spring. Experience some of these traditions; listen to the story of Eostre, decorate eggs, and create a Mayan serpent pyramid. Tuesday, March 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road in York Village. Ages 6 and above. $6 members, $8 non-members. Advanced registration is required.
April
6 After School Program: Victorian Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a common hobby today, but it was even more popular in the 19th century. Create a beautiful scrapbook in the Victorian style and begin to fill its pages with clipped poems, pretty pictures, and memorabilia from your life. Tuesday, April 6th from 3-5 p.m. $8 ($6 members)
15 After School Program: Graffiti Hunt
Historic buildings are filled with graffiti from past families, prisoners, students, and carpenters. Explore Old York’s buildings in search of these hidden drawings carved into wood hundreds of years ago. Draw your own graffiti to leave behind for future generations! Thursday, April 15th from 3-5 p.m. $8 ($6 members)
20-22 After School Program: Vacation in Prehistoric Maine
Who lived in Maine before the arrival of Europeans? Where are their descendents today? Join us during spring break as we learn about the Native Americans who have lived in Maine for thousands of years.
Tuesday, April 20th: Try your hands at pottery and basket making, two traditional crafts of the Abenaki people. Venture into Steedman Woods to make a miniature Abenaki village complete with wigwams and birch bark canoes.
Wednesday, April 21st: Examine prehistoric artifacts including spear points and hammer heads. Listen to legends about Gluskabe, make a corn husk doll and plant corn, beans, and squash to take home.
Thursday, April 22nd: Learn what happened to the Native Americans in Maine after the Europeans arrived. Try to separate Indian facts from fiction using images, videos, and stories. Cook a traditional Abanaki stew over the fire for lunch. Wednesday, April 20 – 22, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $65 ($60 members)
28 After School Program: Survivor! History Edition
Become an 18th century farmer trying to sell your crops at market. Choose between clues that lead you into different historic scenarios, send you in and out of historic buildings and encourage you to creatively problem solve as you attempt to make a living in Colonial York. Wednesday, April 28th from 3-5 pm $8 ($6 members)
May
6 After School Program: Gundalow Time
Experience what it was like to sail up and down the York River on a flat bottomed Gundalow. Tour the boat and try your hands at some of the chore river men had to perform. Learn the arts of the sailor and the dangers of the sea in the John Hancock Warehouse. Thursday, May 6th from 3 – 5 p.m. $8 ($6 members)
7 River Celebration
Join the Gundalow Company and Old York to celebrate the river. Tour the Gundalow, participate in maritime games and crafts and enjoy a day on the York River. For more information contact the Gundalow Company education@gundalow.org. Saturday, May 7th, 2010
19 After School Program: Fun in the Sun
Learn the history of long forgotten, as well as still popular sports. Follow the early rules for horseshoes, boce ball, croquette and base ball as we play these games and more on the lawn of the Elizabeth Perkins House. Wednesday, May 19th from 3 – 5 p.m. $8 ($6 members)
27 After School Program: Simple Sun Catchers
Create a Victorian pressed flower sun catcher to celebrate the warmer weather. Make a portable flower press to take into the field as we collect flowers. Turn your flattened flora into a beautiful piece of window art using wax paper, ribbon, and an iron. Thursday, May 27th from 3 – 5 p.m. $8 ($6 members)