Experimental Archaeology (Grades 4-5)
Did you know that Native Ohlone and Spanish colonists once lived at the Presidio? Archaeologists have excavated sites in the park and have discovered artifacts belonging to these people. By studying the artifacts that were made and used by people in the past, archaeologists have been able to uncover forgotten stories and learn more about the Presidio’s history. Come spend the week at the Presidio Archaeology Lab and explore what life might have been like for the Native Ohlone and the Spanish colonists. Students will examine artifacts and will experiment with making things from the Ohlone and Spanish cultures. Activities include cooking tortillas, making adobe, painting pottery, playing games, singing music, and more!
Ceramics Camp (Grades 6-8)
When the Spanish colonists arrived in San Francisco to establish El Presidio and nearby Mission Dolores, they brought their beliefs, traditions, and material culture with them. Archaeologists working at the Presidio have excavated sites in the park and have discovered artifacts belonging to the Spanish settlers. Come spend a week at the Presidio Archaeology Lab exploring the different types of ceramics that the Spanish brought with them to San Francisco. Campers will work with a historic ceramic artist to make a variety of vessels using traditional manufacturing techniques and different decorative styles. The camp will culminate with a visit to the Presidio Archaeology Lab where campers will have the opportunity to analyze and catalog real ceramic artifacts from the Lab’s collection.
Curator Camp (Grades 6-8)
Think there’s more to archaeology than Indiana Jones? Go beyond the Hollywood stereotype and uncover the many layers of archaeological work including research, survey, excavation, lab analysis, and outreach. Working with an archaeologist, students will receive a behind the scenes tour of the Presidio Archaeology Lab to learn about how artifacts are analyzed, preserved, and curated. Students will examine the importance of sharing the archaeological record with the public and help curate an exhibit of artifacts from the Presidio.
People, Plants & Pixels (Grades 6-8)
Long before the Presidio was a national park site this land was home to Native Ohlone. The native plants that are still growing along the beautiful trails played an important role in the cultures of many local Bay Area tribes. Through oral history, traditional practices, archaeology and historic documentation, the cultural significance and uses of many native plants has been uncovered. Come spend a week at the Presidio Archaeology Lab investigating the ethnobotanical uses of the plants on the Ecology Trail. Campers will uncover the cultural importance of these plants and discover how they were used for food, shelter, tools, medicine and more. The culminating project of this camp will be a student-created Google map that guides future visitors on an ethnobotanical exploration of the Ecology Trail.