Trailblazers workshop to take place at FSNHS

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- An upcoming workshop at the Fort Scott National Historic Site is designed to teach area youth how to explore history and learn about the mission of the National Park Service.

The site's 10th annual Trailblazer workshop, a five-day educational camp that exposes young people to the National Park Service's mission of caring for the nation's national parks and historic sites, is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Aug. 3-7, at the site.

"The purpose of the Trailblazer program is to introduce young people in the area to what the National Park Service does, and how it is played out here in Fort Scott," NPS Ranger Barak Geertsen said."

Participants in the workshop will be involved in several activities, including an archaeological dig, prairie management, living history presentations and interpretations, searching for bugs and examining them through a microscope, learning how a cannon is fired, and many others. They will also learn about methods used to preserve building and artifacts at the fort, and how the NPS preserves and protects resources nationwide, Geertsen said.

Activities related to global climate change, energy conservation, and keeping the planet clean, will also be part of the camp schedule. At the end of the week, participants will dress up to present a living history play, which is typically one of the favorite activities among participants each year. A ceremony will also be conducted on the last day of the camp in which participants will receive certificates and gifts for completing the program, Geertsen said.

A few of the graduates in the program periodically return to help out or volunteer at the fort, he said.

To register for the Trailblazer workshop, contact the FSNHS at (620) 223-0310. Registration is limited to 12 people. Participants must be 10-14 years of age by the first day of the camp. After registration, participants will be sent an informational packet.

Because space for the workshop is limited, those who are new to the workshop will be given preference over those who are returning, a FSNHS statement said.