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Colorado: Cortez, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center - An Archaeology Adventure for the Whole Family.Colorado Family Dig Sharing a science adventure with your children can be rewarding for everyone. There is no substitute for learning while doing something that is real. At Crow Canyon in addition to awesome field camps for young adults there is also a field camp for families. Eureka!
 
Here's the scoop. The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, located in southwestern Colorado, is dedicated to understanding, teaching, and preserving the rich history of the ancestral Pueblo Indians (also called the Anasazi) who inhabited the canyons and mesas of the Mesa Verde region more than 700 years ago. The area has one of the densest concentrations of well-preserved archaeological sites in the world, attracting the interest of archaeologists, and capturing the imagination of the public, for well over 100 years.

Crow Canyon's campus-based programs allow you to participate in actual archaeological research, making exciting discoveries in the field and laboratory that add to our collective understanding of the Pueblo past. The Center’s award-winning education programs are developed in consultation with American Indians, whose insights complement the archaeological perspective and add a unique cross-cultural dimension to your experience. Bonus Points: In addition, Crow Canyon offers educational travel programs throughout the greater Southwest and around the world—tours that provide additional opportunities for the study of native cultures, both past and present.

Family Archaeology Week (July 18-24, 2010 and August 15-21, 2010). Make your next family vacation an archaeology adventure! Families will love learning together in a program that is as exciting for adults as it is for kids.  Family Archaeology Week focuses on fun, hands-on activities that introduce children, parents, and grandparents to archaeology and the ancestral Pueblo Indians (the Anasazi) of the Mesa Verde region. No experience is necessary – just bring a hat, sunscreen, lots of water, and enthusiasm. They’ll provide the rest: fantastic scenery, a peaceful yet stimulating learning environment, great teachers, and world-class archaeology!

Hands-on history.Colorado Family Archaeology Family Archaeology Week includes several hands-on activities to acquaint the entire family with ancestral Pueblo Indian culture and history. Together, you will compare artifacts from different time periods, try your hand at ancient technologies (like starting a fire without matches, making cordage from plant fibers, and throwing spears with atlatls), play traditional Pueblo games, visit a re-created pueblo and pithouse, and get a special guided tour of Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage site.

Science made simple. Family Archaeology Week also introduces your family to the modern science of archaeology in a fun and engaging way. You will experience firsthand how scientific research is conducted; learn how to identify pottery, stone, and animal bone artifacts; and practice proper excavation techniques in a simulated excavation.

Do real research. The capstone of Family Archaeology Week is the opportunity for you and your family to experience world-class archaeology. Working alongside our team of archaeologists, you will analyze artifacts in the lab and excavate at our current site in the Goodman Point Unit of Hovenweep National Monument, making discoveries that will help us reconstruct the history of the ancestral Pueblo people.

Accommodations and meals. The 170-acre campus provides space for relaxing, watching wildlife, walking through the pinyon and juniper woods, and enjoying panoramic mountain views from the rocking chairs on the lodge deck. Each family will be housed together in comfortable Navajo–style log cabins (hogans). Shared, modern shower and toilet facilities are located in a separate building adjacent to the hogans. Families must provide their own bedding and towels. Three delicious meals are served each day. Families are treated to delectable, healthy meals that feature hearty entrees and fresh fruits and vegetables. A salad bar and vegetable dishes are available for those who favor vegetarian meals.

Need to Know: Colorado Family DiggingTuition for Family Archaeology Week is $1,275 for donors $1,275 (minimum $100 donation) or $1,400 for adult non-donors. Youth tuition (ages 10-17) is $1,050. Children under the age of 12 must be paired with an adult when excavating. The program deposit is $300, full tuition amount is due 40 days before the program start date. Cancellation at any time: $150 handling fee. Cancellation within 40 days of the program date: forfeiture of all payments. Tuition covers accommodations, meals, entry fees and permits, and local transportation after your arrival in Cortez until your departure from Cortez. Transportation to and from Cortez is your responsibility.

Make it Happen. More program details are available here. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. 23390 Road K, Cortez, CO 81321-9408. Toll-free 1-800-422-8975, 1(970) 565-8975 or www.crowcanyon.org

Information and images provided by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. Copyright 2010.
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