This exciting USF Tampa summer camp for middle school students combines history and creativity as campers learn excavation techniques, use 3D scanning to recreate artifacts, and document discoveries in their own comic books. Led by USF experts, campers dive into archaeology basics, uncover ancient secrets, and explore cultural traditions through hands-on art projects like weaving and pottery. Designed for budding archaeologists, artists, and storytellers, this camp blends science, technology, and creativity, building teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence as campers unravel historical mysteries and craft their own narratives.
USF Archaeology + Art Camp Details
Camp Director: Dr. Laura Harrison
Location: USF Tampa - 3D Access Lab
Grades: Entering 6th - 8th
Dates: July 21st - 25th, 2025
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Intro to Archaeology
Campers embark on a virtual tour of global archaeological sites, from the Bronze Age to today. Hands-on 3D scanning demos reveal how artifacts are preserved digitally. Campers will see how art tells stories across cultures and prepare to create with textiles, clay, and comics. A lab tour will showcase how digital tools bring history to life.
Digging Up History: Bronze Age Artifacts
Campers excavate 3D-printed replicas of Bronze Age artifacts, learning mapping and documentation skills. Through these hands-on activities, they explore how artifacts reveal cultural connections, gaining insight into the evolution and influence of ancient societies across time and space.
Textile Traditions: Hands-On Cultural Crafting
Campers explore weaving by creating small textiles, building patience, precision, and fine motor skills. Through weaving, they discuss how textiles reflect both function and artistry in various cultures, gaining appreciation for these traditions. This activity fosters focus, mindfulness, and a hands-on connection to past societies.
Hands-On History: Sculpting the Past
Campers work with clay to recreate artifacts like pottery and figurines, gaining insight into ancient artistry and daily life. This hands-on activity encourages problem-solving and creativity as they mimic ancient objects such as tableware and jewelry. By crafting their own “artifacts,” campers will deepen their appreciation for cultural heritage.
From Dig to Page: Create Your Archaeology Comic
Campers create a comic that combines their discoveries from the week, using storytelling techniques like plot, framing, and dialogue. They reflect on their experiences with excavation, artifacts, textiles, and pottery, turning them into a visual narrative. Campers will deepen their understanding of archaeology in a fun, engaging way.
Join USF’s Archaeology + Art Camp for an unforgettable adventure into the past! Middle schoolers will dig into hands-on activities like 3D-printed excavations, artifact recreations, and global site tours, all guided by USF experts. Through pottery, weaving, and comics, campers will explore ancient cultures and bring history to life with creativity and teamwork.
This camp is perfect for aspiring archaeologists, artists, and storytellers. Each day inspires curiosity and cultural appreciation as campers develop problem-solving skills and confidence, making real-life connections to the world’s fascinating past.
Useful Information
When does registration open for USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2025.
What is the capacity of USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
USF Archaeology + Art Camp has a capacity of 30 campers.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who lead USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
The USF Archaeology + Art Camp is led by Dr. Laura K. Harrison, Director of the Access 3D Lab at USF. With over 10 years of experience in archaeology and museum studies, Dr. Harrison specializes in digital science and humanities, including 3D virtualization and archaeological research. She has led projects such as digitally reconstructing endangered sites in Turkey and creating virtual museums of global artifacts. Dr. Harrison’s expertise and passion for interdisciplinary learning make her an ideal guide for this hands-on exploration of history and art.
Where is USF Archaeology + Art Camp located?
The USF Archaeology + Art Camp is hosted at the USF Tampa campus, specifically within the College of Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Complex (CMC) at the state-of-the-art Access 3D Lab, located at 12010 USF Cherry Dr, Tampa, FL 33620.
What is the 3D Access Lab?
Access 3D Lab is a shared user facility for 3D virtualization in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF. The lab consists of a 3D scanning lab, a 24-seat classroom equipped with 3D workstations, a conference room and a flexible office space. The 3D scanning lab houses a wide range of 3D scanners and six computer workstations equipped with processing software. Resources in the lab can be used in undergraduate and graduate courses, workshops, independent study projects, internships and faculty research.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the USF Tampa College of Education building, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
Check out the 3D Access Lab, where USF Archaeology + Art Camp happens!
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