
Kids Digs introduces youth to archaeology through a hands-on mock archaeology dig
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, announces Kids Digs programs for children ages 8 to 12 this summer. Kids Dig programs will take place on three Saturdays in July: July 9, July 16, and July 23, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Kids Digs introduces youth to archaeology through a hands-on mock archaeology dig. Kids Digs programs are free with paid regular admission for accompanying adults. Reservations are required; call (360) 816-6230 to reserve a spot.
During these fun and educational programs, National Park Service staff and volunteers will provide children with hands-on opportunities to learn archaeological techniques like excavation, screening, recording, and interpreting findings. Each child will receive a Junior Archaeologist certificate upon completion of the program.
Kids Digs programs this year will take place within view of the Public Archaeology Field School, where Portland State University and Washington State University students will be conducting active archaeological excavations of the historic schoolhouses sites at Fort Vancouver. Learn more about the Field School excavation here.
“Kids Digs give children an immersive experience with archaeology, said Paula Hale, Park Guide at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. “This national park is a tremendous resource for our community. Children who participate in the Kids Dig leave inspired to learn more about history and archaeology.”
Space is limited to 20 children per program. To ensure participant safety, youth must come prepared for active, outdoor play in the dirt; long pants, light long-sleeved shirts, close-toed shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
What: Kids Digs at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Who: The Kids Dig program is designed for participants ages 8-12
When: July 9, July 16, and July 23. Programs take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Participants will meet inside the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, located at 1001 E Fifth Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
Reservations: Reservations are required. Call (360) 816-6230 to reserve your spot(s).
Fee: There is no additional cost for this program. Regular entrance fees to Fort Vancouver apply. Learn more about entrance fees here.
Information provided by Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Also read:
- Here’s what’s happening at the Clark County Fair on Thursday, Aug. 13Thursday is Kids Day at the Clark County Fair, with Monster Truck shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. featuring Megasaurus, a fire-breathing robotic T-Rex.
- Battle Ground Public Schools secures funding for athletics programsDonations from individuals and foundry10 met fundraising goals for golf, gymnastics, swimming, and bowling at BGPS.
- Mars Encounters is a big hit for families at the Clark County FairMars Encounters features mining, live shows, and a new AI character named Alik at the Clark County Fair.
- Vancouver Elite Outreach looks to help city’s youth through mentorshipMatt Young founded Vancouver Elite Outreach 16 years ago to teach youth life skills through mentorship, drawing on his own struggles with dyslexia and a tough upbringing.
- Opinion: XX-XY – Follow the scienceColumnist Nancy Churchill argues Initiative 638 would restore biological-sex requirements to Washington middle and high school sports.






