Location
The Pecos Day Camp activities were held on the SHUMLA campus and on the Shumla Ranch, 50 miles west of Del Rio, Texas.
Instructors
SHUMLA instructors included Mescalero Apache, Ray Olachia; artist/archeologist Dr. Carolyn Boyd,
naturalist and author Patty Leslie Pasztor,
outdoor education specialist Neal Stilley,
archeologist/botanist Dr. Phil Dering,
artist and renowned flintknapper Steve Norman,
rancher Jack Harrington,
educator Sharon Anderson,
and
educator Missy Harrington.
Activities
On May 7, 2004, one hundred six (92% minority) sixth grade students (Rice Owls Team) and their teachers from Marion Russell Middle School in Del Rio, Texas attended a full-day program at the SHUMLA campus. SHUMLA was asked to provide an in-the-field experience for the children relating to human survival and problem-solving. Prior to coming to SHUMLA, teachers were provided with an in-class activity to prepare students for their "Shumla Survivors Day" at the school. In this classroom activity students were challenged to identify the problems that humans throughout time and around the world must solve in order to survive and then, using problem-solving techniques, present ways that these problems could be solved in the harsh desert environment of the Lower Pecos. This activity helps students discover that all cultures of the world, despite their many differences, share a number of common features and face a number of common problems. The teachers were instructed to divide the students into five groups (clans) prior to their arrival at SHUMLA. Upon arrival at the school, the five clans — Deer, Bear, Wolf, Panther and Hawk — were directed to their first station to begin a rotation of lessons and demonstrations. These stations included:
- Paint Making Experiment: Dr. Carolyn Boyd led students in a hands-on experiment replicating prehistoric paint making and discussed how art was used in prehistory to communicate information necessary for survival.
- Native American Lifeways: Ray Olachia used Native American storytelling to teach lessons in personal responsibility and Native American lifeways.
- Shumla Foragers: Patty Leslie Pasztor, a naturalist and author, taught students how Native Americans and early settlers of Texas used native trees, shrubs, and flowers for food, fiber, dyes, and in ceremonies.
- Prehistoric Technology: Outdoor education specialist Neal Stilley provided hands-on instruction in various forms of prehistoric technology such as fire-starting without matches.
- Dr. Phil's Kitchen: Dr. Dering educated the students about prehistoric land-use and the techniques used by archeologists to study our ancestors. Students were shown two earth ovens, one prehistoric and one in use today. He explained how inhabitants used these ovens to process local plant resources for food.
Between morning and afternoon sessions hands-on activities were provided. These activities included:
- Flintknapping: Steve Norman, artist and one of the most renowned flintknappers in North America, demonstrated to students stone tool making and lead children in hands-on activities.
- Spear Throwing: Jack Harrington instructed students in the use of an atlatl to facilitate spear throwing and allowed each student to practice the technique.
- Prehistoric Dying Techniques: Sharon Anderson demonstrated how juice from prickly pear tunas could be used for dying plant fibers.
- Cordage Techniques: Missy Harrington demonstrated how to render plant fibers from lechuguilla to produce cordage. She then helped students make cordage bracelets as a souvenir from Shumla School.
Cost
This program was underwritten by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program grant and gifts to SHUMLA from individual donations.
Information
For more information contact the education division at education@shumla.org or call the office at
432-292-4848. |
