The Colonial Living Experience

Step back in time to see what colonial life was really like. Now you can experience a weekend in an outdoor 18th century campground, complete with cooking fires, tents, and the clothing of the day.

This program is designed to immerse participants in 18th century life, without compromising health and safety. Approximately 25 participants will spend the weekend in the year 1771; for details about the program, read on...

Food: Food is cooked by the participants over an open fire. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated. A root cellar is available for cool storage.

Water: We drink clean municipal water from a tap; it is located discreetly in the woods, and we fill pottery vessels with this water periodically.

Toilet Facilities: One of our first tasks upon arriving is to dig a slit trench-- a hole in the ground, with surrounding tarps for privacy. We allow the small anachronism of toilet paper, though participants are welcome to use leaves if they desire.

Sleeping: We all sleep in cotton A-frame tents; wool blankets are also provided. Further sleeping equipement must be brought by the participants.

Materials Provided: A small storage building holds all the equipment we will need for cooking, eating, and setting up tents. Some tools (draw knife, bow saw, splitting maul) are provided; participants may bring their own hand tools if they desire.

Light: We dip candles during the day so that we will have light at night. Candles are made of beeswax and tallow, and placed in tin lanterns.

Shelter: A large, open pavilion is available for shelter in case of rain; tents can be moved under this shelter.

Fire Safety: During the night, we hold a rotating "fire watch"-- everyone, in pairs, signs up for a 2-hour slot during the night to keep the cook fire and candles burning.

Activities: These depend on the participants' wishes! When they sign up, participants fill out an activity preference sheet, so that the program can be tailored to everyone's interests. Past activities have included hand spinning wool, woodworking, making natural cosmetics, farming on the nearby recreated 1771 farm, and going for a nature hike in the surrounding woods.

Surroundings: The Environmental Living Center is located in a wooded area, near but not visible from the Claude Moore Colonial Farm's office.

Clothing: All participants must wear some approximation of colonial clothing. (We are happy to give guidelines and suggestions.) For a $25 fee, participants may rent a set of clothes from the Farm.

 

Follow the links below for a record of past Colonial Living Experience programs:

• June 2006
• June 2007
• June 2008
• June 2009

More pictures of the facilities can be found on the Environmental Living page (the two programs share facilities, though not at the same time)

Schedule:

The program begins with a Wednesday evening training session, from 6-8pm on the Wednesday before the weekend program. The weekend program begins at 8am on Saturday and continues through 12 noon on Sunday.

2010 program dates* are as follows:

• Friday 6pm through Sunday noon, June 25 - 27
  (required training Wednesday, June 23)

Fees:

The fee for this program is $95 per person. Anyone not able to provide their own 18th century clothing can rent it from the Farm for an additional $25. A non-refundable deposit of $25 is required with your application. The remaining $70 is due by the Wednesday training prior to the weekend program.

Requirements:

Participants must be at least 6 years of age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minors aged 16 and up may participate unaccompanied, with parental consent. All must be able to physically participate in colonial activities at a primitive camp site. All are required to attend the Wednesday training session prior to the weekend program. Paid reservations are required. For further information and an application, contact rwebb@1771.org.

*We reserve the right to cancel the program due to insufficient participation; anyone with a reservation for a cancelled program will receive a full refund.

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