Greenwich Historical Society Camp Offers Hands-On Experiences

Information via Greenwich Historical Society

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Historical Society’s Art & History Camp will return this summer, offering new programs and experiences for children in grades 2 through 8. The camp, which emphasizes hands-on activities, aims to introduce participants to the artistic and cultural influences that have shaped the region’s history.

“The Historical Society camp program provides a stimulating and nurturing environment for learning and new experiences that are fun and life-enhancing,” said Lauren Ackerley, the Historical Society’s director of public programs and exhibitions, in a news release. “Our goal this year is to demonstrate how interconnected the world was in our country’s early history and how these connections inspired people in their daily lives.”

Campers will explore textile arts and experiment with natural dyes made from plants and fibers similar to those imported by David Bush in the 18th century. Bush lived at what is now the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House. The program will also introduce students to Japanese block prints, which influenced members of the Cos Cob Art Colony—the first Impressionist art colony in Connecticut—who painted and taught at Bush-Holley House in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The camp will further explore Impressionism through the experiences of the Cos Cob Art Colony. Painter and camp instructor Dmitri Wright said the Impressionist style offers children a unique introduction to art. “Their imagination will be piqued with the freedom to capture a moment in time and to view life and nature their own way, infused with heart, color, and joy,” he said in a news release.

For more than 30 years, the camp has served children from Greenwich and nearby communities. Parents say participants benefit from new relationships and experiences, all under the guidance of trained counselors who emphasize responsibility, sharing, and character development.

“It’s gratifying that many children and their siblings come back year after year to our expansive campus to explore the history and art that make Greenwich unique,” Ackerley said.

Three camp programs are offered:

History Camp
Colonial Connections

July 14–18 | grades 2–4 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Campers will dive into the daily lives of people in Colonial Connecticut and explore what life was like in the Bush-Holley House during the 17th century.

To register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/colonial-connections/

Art Camp
Artful Adventures

July 21–25 | grades 2–4 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

During this art-themed week, campers will learn about the legacy of the Cos Cob Art Colony and the artists that lived and created masterpieces at the Bush-Holley House during the 19th century.

To register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/artful-adventures/

Art & History Camp
Historical Happenings

July 28–August 1 | grades 5–8 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Campers will learn about how Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries connected with, and were inspired by, the wider world.

To register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/historical-happenings

Every Friday afternoon between July 18 – August 1 is Family Day when family and friends are invited to the campus from 2 – 2:30 pm to see what their campers have created.

Registration deadline is May 30. An early-bird discount of $50 will be granted for registrations by April 11. Camp fees are $400 per week for members; $450 non-members. A sibling discount is offered at 15 percent for each registered sibling. For more information: Art & History Camp