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Fort Scott National Historic SitePhotograph of Powder Magazine and Officers Quarters at Fort Scott
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Fort Scott National Historic Site
Trailblazer Program
Workshop participants performing a mock archaeological dig.
NPS Photo
Workshop participants doing a mock archaeological dig.

Explore history at Fort Scott National Historic Site. On your journey, you will dig for buried treasure, learn how a cannon is fired, find bugs, take a prairie safari, and discover how you can save the planet along the way. These activities will be offered as part of the annual Trailblazer program, a weeklong day camp held at Fort Scott National Historic Site. 

This year the Trailblazer Camp will be held from July 28-August 1, 2008 and will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. To register for this program, contact Fort Scott National Historic Site at (620) 223-0310. Registration will begin July 14, 2008  and is limited to 16 people. Participants must be aged 10-14 as of the beginning day of the camp. They will be sent an informational packet after registration is complete.

The Trailblazer Camp will expose young people to the mission of the National Park Service in caring for the nation’s crown jewels. Participants will take part in an archaeological dig, work in the prairie, and gain knowledge of methods used to preserve the buildings and artifacts of the fort. They will learn about living history and interpretation and will work on a program that they will present at the end of the week. And new this year, there will be activities that relate to global climate change, energy conservation, and keeping our planet clean.

Officers Quarters that later became the Goodlander Home for Children  

Did You Know?
After Fort Scott was abandoned by the army in 1853, the buildings were sold at public auction, and the fort became the town of Fort Scott. One of the officers' quarters eventually became the Goodlander Home for Children. For about fifty years, orphans and other needy children were cared for here.

Last Updated: July 29, 2008 at 16:48 EST