Revolutionary War-era camp gives a unique summer experience for Hagerstown kids

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — School is out, and many families are focused on fun summer activities.

Here in the Hagerstown area that can mean spending time on a farm, reliving early American history.

The Conococheague Institute, named after a creek in the Potomac River tributary, recreates life on a Revolutionary War-era farm for young campers.

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Matthew Wedd is executive director of the Institute and runs the summer camping program.

“A lot of kids may never have seen apples growing on trees,” Wedd explains. “But by getting up close with animals in a tangible way we can make history come alive for them.”

Hagerstown fourth-grader, Grace, enjoys the seasonal change of scenery.

“I like to be outdoors,” says Grace. “There’s a lot of space. Our yard is pretty big but I like to be at parks and stuff.”

Sixth-grader James says he likes “…the animals and being outdoors with all this space, and I’ve made a few friends along the way.”

And eighth-grader Noelle explains what she enjoys is “All the history and historical things that they have here, the fun and games and everything.”

Ask the Institute’s Wedd said that what makes the summer camping experience here so special is “What the kids will remember after visiting here is ‘I did that! I drew water from a well! I started a fire! I pet a goat!'”

While the kids spend their weekends at home, the Conocheague Institute welcomes the public to its Revolutionary-era homestead on Saturdays and Sundays.

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