The South Carolina Military Museum wrapped up four weeks of summer camp attended by more than 50 students, ages 7-12, from across the Midlands.
“This year’s camp theme focused on the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, made possible by a grant from SC 250”, said museum education director Cosette Scott.
During the first camp, “Swamp Fox’s Soldiers” the children learned about the life of a Revolutionary War-era soldier from battles and heroes in South Carolina to daily life in camp. Scott said the museum’s programs are interactive thanks to the support of volunteers who serve as presenters.
Erick Nason, who has been involved with the museum in various capacities since 2017, conducted a presentation about life as a continental soldier.
“I decided to split my time between infantry, and take advantage of my cannon being there and speak about artillery,” Nason said.
The second camp, “Crafting a New Nation” focused on crafts and trades that shaped daily life during the Revolutionary War. One of this year’s guest presenters was Patricia Shandor, collections coordinator at the Lexington County Museum.
Shandor demonstrated how to make candles out of bees’ wax and how during colonial times necessities were made by hand.
“The kids got a chance to make a candle that took about 10 minutes,” said Shandor.
Shandor said she focused on scarcity of light and how candles were an important part of colonial life and how precious fire was.
“They got different things out of it,” Shandor said. “The kids put it all together, connecting the period with the hands-on activities.”
The South Carolina Military Department’s Joint Service Detachment funded an intern from the University of South Carolina for the camps.
“Overall, it was a great camp and a very rewarding experience,” Scott said.