The Benton County Historical Society plans to host History Mystery Summer Camp from Aug. 11-15 at Philomath Museum. The camp for students entering grades 3-5 offers participants an immersive journey into 1800s Oregon life.
The weeklong program runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each of the five days. Registration is now open.
Campers will explore the experiences of trappers, settlers and Indigenous peoples who traveled and traded along the Oregon Trail. The program combines hands-on activities, storytelling, cooking and interactive crafts to bring history to life.
Each day features a different “history mystery” that allows participants to develop detective skills while learning how historians uncover and interpret the past.
The camp emphasizes the challenges faced by different groups adapting to life on the Oregon Trail, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal period in Oregon’s development. Activities are designed to be both educational and engaging, giving young learners a tactile connection to historical experiences.
Registration is $275 per child and participants should bring a water bottle and lunch daily. The museum provides snacks throughout the program. Parents seeking registration information or accommodations for disabilities can contact education coordinator Anya Ballinger at education@bentoncountymuseums.org.