Can You Dig It?
Examples of the work done by some Can You Dig It? campers are listed on our "Campers' Projects" page.
Can You Dig It? is a week-long interactive archaeology programme. Offered by the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation in conjunction with Kingston area museums, Can You Dig It? comprises a number of varied sessions for participants from aged 8 through to adults. Due to the nature of archaeological activities and the importance of the recovered information, an instructor to student ratio of at least 1:5 is maintained. Each session includes a section on:
Research and the Archives
Where to look and what to look for. How does this help us to do archaeology?
Archaeology and Excavation
Preparation for fieldwork; learning the tools of the archaeologist: recording, and mapping.
Fieldwork
Participation in a real "dig" using the skills developed in the first two workshops.
What Happens After the Dig
Work with the excavated artifacts: cleaning, numbering, sorting, identifying and drawing.
How Do We Show What Was Found?
Learn how to display the history that has been dug up; make an exhibit to be shown at a Kingston area museum and at the Kingston Archaeological Centre.
Details and Registration Information
Each session runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The schedule for 2010 is as follows:
| July 12 to 16 | First Year Camp (ages 8 to 16) |
|---|---|
| July 19 to 23 | Youth and Parent Camp (parents and kids together or kids independently) |
| August 9 to 13 | First Year Camp (ages 8 to 16) |
| August 16 to 20 | Adult Field School (age 17+) |
In addition to the regular curriculum, advanced programmes are also offered for students who have attended the camp during one or more previous summers. Please contact us for information about the schedule for returning campers.
The fee schedule is as follows:
- $185 for a supporter participant *
*The non-supporter rate is $210.00; the family rate to become a supporter of the Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation is $25.
Family rate for supporters:
- $160 for each additional supporter participant within the same household (the family rate to become a supporter is $25)
Refunds are subject to certain restrictions.
To register, you can either come to the Kingston Archaeological Centre and fill out an application, or you can download, print and mail (or drop off) a PDF version of the registration form:
- registration for First Year Camp (ages 8 to 16)
- registration for Upper Year Camp (ages 9 to 16)
- registration for Youth and Parent Camp (parents and kids together or kids independently)
- registration for Adult Field School (age 17+)
Space is limited and preregistration is required. Applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. All proceeds from the project go to the support and ongoing creation of similar ventures. For further information, please contact us.
Campers' Resources
Following are some resources for campers (all resources are PDF).