Pecos Day Camp
April 5, 2007

Location
The Pecos Day Camp activities were held on the SHUMLA campus at Shumla Ranch, 50 miles west of Del Rio, Texas.

Instructors
SHUMLA instructors included SHUMLA Executive Assistant Angel Johnson, anthropologist Shannon Garard, artist and renowned flintknapper Steve Norman, artist and historical craftsman Brenda Norman, primitive technologist Neal Stilley, rancher Jack Harrington, SHUMLA Education Coordinator Craig Hensley and SHUMLA Curriculum Director Missy Harrington.

Activities
On April 5, 2007, 51 students from the 5^th grade at Seco Mines Elementary in Eagle Pass, Texas, attended a Shumla Survivors Pecos River Kids Day Camp at SHUMLA. Using archeology as a foundation for teaching math and science skills, SHUMLA provided hands-on opportunities for enhancing classroom lessons. Students were divided into five groups: the Bear Clan, Deer Clan, Ringtail Clan, Wolf Clan, and Panther Clan. Upon their arrival at the SHUMLA campus each clan was directed to its first station to begin a rotation of lessons and demonstrations. These stations included:

• Paint Making Experiment: Angel Johnson and Shannon Garard led students in a hands-on experiment replicating prehistoric paint making and discussed how prehistoric art was used to communicate information necessary for survival.
• May the Force be with You, The Atlatl Advantage: Jack Harrington directed students in the use of the atlatl for spear throwing and students calculated the distances of the throws.
• Adaptation—Nature Walk: Craig Hensley and Missy Harrington led students on hikes to identify native plants and their adaptations to desert life.
• Friction Fire Starting: Neal Stilley used primitive fire starting techniques to teach about energy forms and transfer of energy.
• Primitive Technology: Steve Norman demonstrated flintknapping techniques used by early hunters for students. Brenda Norman showed prehistoric techniques for making cordage, sandals, and baskets.

Volunteers
Programs at SHUMLA are made possible through the help of our volunteers. This program's volunteers were Nyta Hensley, Joe Johnson, Wilma Teague, Wanda Matlarocci, Robbie Dudley, and Linda Foltzenlogel.

Cost
This program was underwritten by a grant to SHUMLA from McDonalds, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Community Outreach Program and an anonymous donor.

Information
For more information contact the education division at education@shumla.org or call the office at
432-292-4848.

Evaluation comments from students:

"Today was terrific because the people here were wonderful and we learned a lot."

"Today was awesome because we learned a lot and there was a lot of fun stuff like the fire."

"Today was the best day of my life because I had a lot of fun and I learned something."

"Today was an important day because I learned many things."

Teachers' comments:

Q: Was today a good learning experience for your students?

"Very educational and fun experience!"

"It was a very good learning experience because the students got to see the worth of what they are learning in the classroom."

Q: What was the best part of today's activities?

"The best part of today's activities is the fact that the students are able to connect what they learn in school to life around them and in turn see the interesting side of learning."

"That the children enjoyed themselves and learned."

Q: How can we improve this experience?

"The only way to improve would be to have even more activities for the students."

"We loved it and will keep on coming in the future."

Q: Would you recommend this program to other?

"Absolutely."

"Yes, this program is very commendable."