sailors soldiers & free people 2011 AFS Summer Humanities Series Enrichment programs for ages 11-18 A Whale of a Tale: Reading Moby Dick and Experiencing the World of the Sailor Revolutionary Philadelphia: The Inside story Gettysburg: Reel to Real Fashioning Their Own America: The African-American Experience in Early 19th-century Philadelphia
Courses offered in the Summer Humanities Series are specifically designed and instructed by the master teachers of Abington Friends School. These courses are for a limited number of campers who are looking for an experiential, stimulating and enriching summer, unlike anything they have done in the past. The four discrete units of the 2011 series, entitled “Sailors, Soldiers and Free People,” will take our campers through the streets of Colonial and early 19th-century Philadelphia, the deck of a whaling schooner out of New London, CT and the battlefield at Gettysburg, PA.
A Whale of a Tale: Reading
Gettysburg:
Moby Dick and Experiencing the World of the Sailor (Ages 13-18)
Reel to Real (Ages 13-18)
June 30-July 15 $1,500 Ahoy, all you readers and would-be sailors! Have you ever read a novel and just wanted to live it? You know what I mean: to become one of the characters, take part in the quest or the romance, to feel the breeze and salt water hitting your face as you hoist that topsail? If you have, this is your chance to sign on for a whale of an adventure. We’ll read one of the greatest novels of American literature, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, and immerse ourselves in the historical, social and economic realm that spawned it. Specifically we’ll focus on the island of Nantucket since it ruled the Seven Seas and dominated the whaling industry. Beyond the blubber and wealth of Nantucket, however, we will delve into the fascinating convergence of whales, women, Quakers, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, capitalists, sailors and adventurers. At the same time, you’ll learn to sail on a small sailboat on the Cooper River, NJ, and then we journey to New London, CT. From there, we’ll cast off on a three-day sail as we work and experience life on a tall ship in search of the great white whale. This is your chance to read a tale of the high seas and recreate the experience by sailing and setting out on an adventure. This is a one-of-a-kind chance that no one—landlubber or sailor—should miss! Come join us for two amazing and intense weeks as we chase the whale! Instructed by: Don Kaplan, master English and history teacher of 14 years, degrees from Guilford College and the University of South Carolina, and a participant of the Ocean Classroom for Teachers.
July 25-29 $400 In summer of 1863, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac clashed in the small town of Gettysburg, PA. In what would be known as the largest battle ever seen in the western hemisphere, places like Devils Den, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge would become hallowed ground as many young Americans made the supreme sacrifice for their cause. Men with names like Lee, Pickett, Longstreet, Reynolds and Chamberlain would live on in history books that recall the roles each played in deciding the most famous battle of the Civil War. Using Michael Shaara’s Killer Angels and the critically acclaimed movie Gettysburg, this camp will examine the men, events and importance of the three-day battle. Discussions, projects and simulations will culminate with an overnight trip to Gettysburg where participants will camp out under the stars on the battlefield. While there, campers will spend two days exploring, sketching, photographing and journaling about this historic event. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to seize the high ground, repel the charge and listen for that infamous rebel yell as we go “Reel to Real” in Gettysburg. Instructed by Matt Slagter, Language Department Chair, and Latin teacher of 25 years, degrees from Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Bryn Mawr College, and long-time amateur Civil War historian.
Revolutionary Philadelphia:
Fashioning Their Own America: The African-American
The Inside story (Ages 11-13)
Experience in Early 19th-century Philadelphia (Ages 13-18)
July 11-15 $350 On an evening in 1778 in the “City of Brotherly Love,” James Wilson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was nearly tarred and feathered by either an angry mob of rabble-rousers or a group of lawabiding citizens gathered to protest the high price of flour. This much is known for sure, when local militiamen showed up a riot ensued. Fortunately for James Wilson, he escaped the incident without harm. The story of James Wilson is one of many local tales that are revealed in “Revolutionary Philadelphia: The Inside Story.” In this week-long exploration we will find and expose the full story of Revolutionary Philadelphia as we answer questions like: how did Philadelphians celebrate the 1st Independence Day? What was life like when the British Army occupied the city? When was Philadelphia the country’s first capital? Along the way, you’ll meet and impersonate young Philadelphians who lived through the Revolution: James Forten, Sarah Wister, Sarah Logan, Robert Morton and others. You’ll also visit historic sites in Center City, Germantown and Fort Mifflin; re-enact the “Battle of Fort Wilson” and the Meschianza, make paper and print your own handbills, cook up some delicious pepperpot, Revolutionary Philadelphia’s famous street food, and much more. Instructed by Margaret Guerra, master history teacher of 15 years, degrees from Williams College and the University of Pennsylvania, and a participant of NEH summer program, “Revolutionary Philadelphia.”
July 18-22 $350 You’ve heard of such famous Philadelphians as Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and John Bartram, but do you also know Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, Sarah Forten or Sarah Douglass? And everybody knows Philadelphia was the crucible of the American Revolution. But, after the Revolution, did you know that it was also a hotbed of African-American activism. In fact, did you know that Philadelphia had the largest free black community north of the Mason-Dixon Line? In the early 19th-century, Black Philadelphians founded Mother Bethel AME Church, actively debated American colonization of Liberia and maintained a thriving black business community. Now is your chance to deepen and expand your knowledge of the full history of Philadelphia, the experiences of African-American Philadelphians from 1790 through the Civil War. We will fill our days with discussions, debates, reenactments, visiting experts and trips to local sites as we immerse ourselves in the rich story that is The City of Brotherly Love. Join us as we discover just how these people fashioned their own America right here in Philadelphia. Instructed by Margaret Guerra, master history teacher of 15 years, degrees from Williams College and the University of Pennsylvania, and a participant of NEH summer program, “Revolutionary Philadelphia.” Also instructed by Don Kaplan, master English and history teacher of 14 years, degrees from Guilford College and the University of South Carolina.
We’re planning these grand adventures for campers who relish making the past come alive; won’t you join us and be one of the lucky few? Remember, space is limited. Call now to reserve your passport to the past: 215-576-3996
575 Washington Lane / Jenkintown, PA 19046 215-576-3996 / www.abingtonfriends.net
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