EXTREME Journey History Camp at Oatlands
Join us this summer for Extreme Journey History Camp, an exciting week-long adventure that combines history, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning — all set against the beautiful backdrop of Oatlands.
Designed especially for middle school students, this dynamic day camp features three immersive one-week sessions—register for one, two, or all three! In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s adventures will dive into the bold ideas that shaped America—and still inspire us today.
Each week will include two-and-a-half travel days to historic sites in the area that allow campers to discover history where it happened.
Session 1, July 13 – July 17: HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: The Art of Historical Detection
Step into the role of a real-life history detective at History’s Mysteries: The Art of Historical Detection! Explore fascinating local stories, investigate real historical “cases,” and uncover secrets hidden in the places around you. If you love solving mysteries, asking big questions, and discovering how the past connects to today, this is your chance to crack the case! Through interactive activities, primary source analysis, and outdoor challenges, campers will learn how historians reconstruct the past using the landscape, documents and material evidence. Campers will be based at Oatlands and explore James Madison’s Montpelier, the Thomas Balch Library, and have a full-day outdoor adventure (tubing). M-F 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Day Camp ONLY
Session 2, July 20 – July 24: AMERICAN IDEALS: The Decisions that Changed our Country
Dive into the big ideas that shaped a nation at American Ideals: The Decisions that Changed our Country! Explore the powerful principles in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution—and discover how they influenced the dramatic decisions that changed the course of American history. If you’re ready to tackle tough questions and see how ideas can spark action, this is your chance to step into history! Campers will be based at Oatlands and visit Monocacy Battlefield, the Civil War Medicine Museum, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and a full-day outdoor excursion (biking the C & O Canal). M-F 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Day Camp ONLY
Session 3, July 27 – July 31: EVERYDAY HEROES: How Ordinary Americans Changed the Nation
Discover the incredible stories of ordinary people who made an extraordinary difference at Everyday Heroes: How Ordinary Americans Changed the Nation! Explore the courage, character, and civic virtue that helped shape turning points in America’s past—and see how everyday actions can lead to big change. You might just find the hero inside you! Campers will be based at Oatlands and will visit Schifferstadt Architectural Museum in Frederick, MD, visit Gettysburg, PA, and enjoy a canoe trip. M-F 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Day Camp ONLY
Details
The program is open to middle school students (rising 6th – 8th graders). High school students interested in volunteering as counselors can reach out to Sophie Huntington (sophie@jthg.org) for more information.
All sessions will be held at Oatlands in Leesburg, Virginia (20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175). Sessions run from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to connect with history, build leadership skills, and experience the stories of the past in a whole new way!
$450 per session
*Please note that activities and site visits are subject to change
