A summer camp in Marietta is making early Ohio history an interactive experience

By: Ty Carpenter
Posted on: Monday, July 14, 2025

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MARIETTA, Ohio (WOUB) – “I need the mirror to make sure I look good!” shouted one camper. Another said it was a waste of space.

A chorus of voices filled the room as small groups of children argued about what should stay or go on a long wagon journey west.

“I don’t need a violin to survive,” argued one, while another said the music would keep them entertained on the trip.

Fists slammed the table and the room grew louder: “What if we just stayed here?!”

But with the ring of the bell, the debate was over, and a new activity got started.

While many summer camps feature swimming, hiking and campfires, The Castle in Marietta is making Ohio history an interactive experience.

Running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a week, the camp delves into life from 1800 to 1820 — turning early Ohio history into a hands-on activity for dozens of children in the summer. It’s been a consistent success, selling out each of the last five years.

“I think that’s our unique approach to summer camps that we do here,” said camp director Kyle Yoho. “How can we make history that you might read in a book or learn in the classroom … how we can make that more hands-on and interesting to kids? How can we get them to understand some of the things today versus back then?”

Activities rotate throughout the day in 50-minute sessions. And each day features six new activities.

“All the kids get to experience new things. They get to learn how to make their own food,” said Mary Parlin, a junior camp counselor. “Or for example, we were doing silhouettes. We were learning about portraits and how portraits have evolved through the years. So that was cool.”

Among the livelier activities allowed campers to discuss what they would bring with them on a wagon journey westward, and debate with their fellow campers for and against a long list of historical items. 

“A coffee grinder was one of the things that settlers took. But the kids say, ‘Is that really necessary?’” said Terri Marlow, a presenter at the summer camp. “But one little girl said, ‘I think it’s necessary because if my parents don’t have their coffee, they get grumpy.’ So, then I said, ‘Do we want grumpy parents?’ And so then everybody voted we would take the coffee grinder.”

To close out the day, campers took on one final test before heading home. They had to design boats that could float — just like those used on the Ohio River more than 200 years ago. Using string, wood and glue, they constructed miniature boats and tested them in tubs of water.

“A little bit of art, a little bit of critical thinking is going on to help them understand the time period,” said Yoho. “They’ll be learning and also making memories along the way.”

Parents are encouraged to sign up early each year if they would like to secure a spot. For more information on The Castle’s educational programs, visit mariettacastle.org.