Youth Programs

Archaeology Workshops:

For information on dorm reservation waiting list for the 3-day or 5-day Field Schools, please contact, 608.785.6508 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu.

Introduction to Archaeology
Students entering grades 1-4
Discover the science of archaeology by participating in hands-on activities like those used by archaeologists out in the field. Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory, and discover how people lived in Wisconsin by checking out the artifacts that have been recovered in the area. Cancellations prior to July 20, 2012 will receive a full refund minus a $40 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 20, 2012. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
August 6, 2012; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$75, includes travel fee

Experimental Archaeology
Students entering grades 4-6
Learn how stone tools were made and how Native Americans used them. Take a nature hike through the marsh to explore food, shelter, and tools Wisconsin’s first people could have used. Try playing the chunky game and making pottery. Cancellations prior to July 20, 2012 will receive a full refund minus a $40 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 20, 2012. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
August 7, 2012; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$75, includes travel fee

Introduction to Archaeology
Students entering grades 5-9
Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory and work with artifacts recovered from area excavations as an introduction to the science of archaeology. Discover how the first Native Americans in Wisconsin survived using the natural resources found in our area. Students must take this class in order to attend the Middle School Field Experience class. Cancellations prior to July 20, 2012 will receive a full refund minus a $40 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 20, 2012. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
August 8, 2012; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$75, includes travel fee

Middle School Field Experience
Students entering grades 5-9
Take your excitement for archaeology to the field! Students who have taken the Introduction to Archaeology class in the past can join a La Crosse area project. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Activities may include shovel testing and/or small-scale excavations (test units). Weather may require alternate activities. Cancellations prior to July 20, 2012 will receive a full refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 20, 2012. Bring a lunch with drink and snacks, water bottle, insect repellent and sun screen. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
August 9-10, 2012; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
312 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$175

Public Archaeology Field Schools (3 and 5 day experiences)
High School & Adult
This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary.

This experience is open to high school students through adults. Fee includes a one year MVAC membership. Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $185 for 3 days and $295 for 5 days. Cancellation prior to July 6, 2012 will receive a full refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 6, 2012.

Three-day Field School:
August 6-8, 2012
August 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; August 7-8, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$350

Five-day Field School:
August 6-10, 2012
August 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; August 7-10, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$500

Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for financially disadvantaged students (except for the Middle School Field Experience and the Public Archaeology Field Schools). Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 2012 Scholarship applications will be accepted through April 16 or until scholarship funds have been depleted. A required payment of at least 15% is due at time of registration.

For more Information: Karen DeSchepper, 608.785.6508 or kdeschepper@uwlax.edu