Camp Knickerbocker kids are riding into the past this summer at Boothbay Railway Village. Each week, the campers arrive for a history lesson. During the two-hour presentations, campers learn how past generations preserved food, made clothing and used non-motorized transportation.

New BRV educator Rori Smith has been teaching the campers about making clay pots in a lesson about food preservation, how to spin wool for making clothes, and how a blacksmith fixed horse shoes. The program is a joint venture between Camp Knickerbocker and BRV. One day per week, campers visit and experience history.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for several years, but never had the right personnel,” said BRV Executive Director Margaret Hoffman. “We wanted kids to have more of an experience than just riding on the train with their family. This is  a hands-on program. Everything is done with the hands, and it gives kids a chance to learn by interacting with history.”

The pilot program is possible with the addition of Smith. She joined BRV earlier this spring after moving to the region from Virginia.  Hoffman described the new hire as a tremendous find. “She is young, enthusiastic and has a background in education. Tori has been amazing, and really embraced this opportunity."

On Aug. 15, a group of 4-6 year olds learned about old-fashion toys. The program began with campers discussing their favorite current toys before learning about ones their great-great grandparents played with. Campers used a paper cup, button, string and clay in making their own “Ball in a Cup.”

“Today’s toys are made out of plastic and electronics. In the past, toys were made out of things found in the home like thread and buttonspools,” Smith said. “The game was popular until the 19th century and entertained kids for hours.”

In the next weekly lesson, campers will learn about other vintage toys like hoop rolling as described by Laura Ingalls Wilder in her books.

Hoffman is hoping to expand the program next year.