History and leadership come to life at Barker-James' summer camp
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For the third year, local historian Robin Barker-James is offering a History Summer Day Camp that will run from July 2 to August 21.
The camp will operate Mondays to Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barker-James is using Fridays to do production work for his upcoming WWI play '1914' that will premier in the last week of August. Campers willing to help with this Friday work may attend on that day for no charge.
LEADERSHIP
The theme this year is leadership. The goal is to examine examples of effective leadership and bad leadership in history to gain an appreciation that successful leadership is an art and not just a wielding of authority and power. Students will also take on creative challenges that will hone their own leadership skills such as designing and building a museum exhibit, running an archeological dig, inventing and producing a historical game, leading and umpiring a re-enactment battle or activity, creating historical props and costumes, running a historical trial, organizing a search and rescue operation, creating and managing a survival exercise like an aircraft crash.
"One of the greatest problems in our society today is lack of effective leadership," said Barker-James. "Too many people with power and authority exercise 'loudership' instead of leadership. The result is that huge numbers of normal people are being bullied in their work places and in their daily lives. I believe that almost any human being has basic qualities of leadership. They just have to be taught how in an accepting and challenging environment. Creating that special place where leadership can germinate and flower is my own personal challenge with the youth and parents of my history campers.
"True leaders oppose bullying and have the courage and character to prevent it. Building positive character in youth is what this camp is all about."
HISTORY
History Camp will include games, documentaries, movies, battle re-enactments, reading, creative writing, artifact talks, construction of sets, props, fortifications and structures, archeological digs, and more. There will be theme days that campers will help to organize like The Wild West, Pirates, Roman Gladiators, and others that campers themselves choose to create and help run. There will be a special focus on World War One because of the centennial this year.
Campers will be encouraged to join the cast of 1914 and can spend time designing and developing their combat stunt parts.
"There is a special magic that happens when you get a group together that loves history," said Barker-James. "The air gets charged with excitement and energy. A healthy group identity develops. To date I have not seen a single hand-held device in a camper's hand unless we've been using it as part of an activity. People and their stories trump technology here."
History and Leadership camp has reasonable fees, said Barker-James, based on a family's ability to pay and 'scholarships' are available for families in need.
"I grew up in a very poor family. I could never have afforded to go to a summer camp. Never went to one except in Cub Scouts. It's not acceptable to me to imagine a youth not coming here just because of money."
Campers who are involved in the play 1914 will be given half price rates to thank them for their efforts.
Call Robin Barker-James for more details at 519-688-0066.
Pre-register campers on the Sunday before their arrival. Campers are welcome for one day, several days, or a full week or more based on family schedules.