Kids’ First Summer Camp
By Pam Myers
Board Member and Summer Camp Director
Laughter, creativity, and discovery filled the Kirkman House Museum this summer as young explorers gathered for the 2026 Kids’ First Summer Camp. Throughout the week, campers experienced history in a way that only the Kirkman House can provide—through hands-on activities, teamwork, and plenty of imagination.
The week began with each camper creating a colorful tie-dyed T-shirt before dividing into teams to write original stories. Using handmade paper puppets attached to sticks, the groups brought their stories to life through lively performances that showcased their creativity and teamwork.
As the week continued, campers enjoyed games and learned new skills, including how to make a macramé plant hanger. Each child selected a basil plant to take home, proudly displaying it in the hanger they had made themselves.
One of the most popular days focused on practical life skills. Campers prepared waffles from scratch, learning how to whip egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the batter before cooking their creations in waffle irons. After enjoying their delicious morning treat, everyone learned another timeless skill—how to thread a needle and sew on a button.
In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, campers explored an important chapter in our nation's history by learning about the Battle of Bunker Hill. They sang The Star-Spangled Banner before concluding the day's history lesson with an energetic—and appropriately memorable—water balloon reenactment of the battle.
The final day was filled with celebration. Campers created colorful diamond-painted note cards, enjoyed a pizza party, and worked together to solve the mystery game, I've Lost My Backpack. Teams followed clues, rolled dice, and searched from room to room until they discovered the missing backpack filled with prizes. Every camper received an award to celebrate a week of learning and accomplishment.
By week's end, the Kirkman House had once again become much more than a historic home. With a different theme each day, the museum was transformed into a place where history came alive through laughter, creativity, friendship, and hands-on discovery.
You can be part of the Kids’ First Summer Camp next summer! Volunteers are an essential part of making camp a success, and we'd love to have you join us.
Whether you'd like to help plan the camp, guide a small group of children through one day's activities, or volunteer for the entire week, there's a place for you. The more volunteers we have, the more personal attention we can give each camper—and the more fun everyone has.
If you'd like to be part of next year's camp, please contact Pam at 509-520-1570. We'd love to have you join our team as we create another memorable week of learning, creativity, and discovery.