Seek and find at Naper Settlement summer camps

Hannah Tumblin ran crazily through a room of summer campers at Naper Settlement.

Who was that woman? What was she wearing? Did she have a hat? Shoes? Dark hair or light?

That was for the detectives to figure out in the settlement's annual children's summer camps.

"The kids were able to talk with each other and draw a sketch to get their brains working so they could take on the role of the detective," said Tumblin, 22, an intern during last year's camps.

This year, the settlement introduces two new adventures on its historic 12-acre grounds and beyond: Secret Seekers, a behind the scenes exploration of Naperville, and a Civil War Encampment, which includes an overnight campout at the settlement.

Camps begin at the end of June, but there's a discount for those who register by Friday, April 30.

Now in its 10th year of running summer camps, Naper Settlement organizers decided to modernize the camps a few years ago as the release of a new Indiana Jones movie revitalized children's interest in treasure hunting and playing detective.

They added GPS devices and other crime scene-like technology opportunities to spark interest.

"The kids just loved the whole CSI and treasure-hunting experience," said Nancy Smith, Naper Settlement's education manager. "We're presenting it in a fun, relevant way for them."

The success has paved the way for the two new camps this year, she said.

Children who become Secret Seekers, offered to grades three through six, will wear backstage passes and explore off-limits areas of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, learn about the quarry via a paddle boat, take a historic trolley ride, get hands-on experience with artifacts at North Central College, visit the historic building housing Sugar Monkey bakery and decorate a cupcake, picnic at the carillon and more.

"It's just a lot of really fun activities that will bring the history of Naperville from past to present," Smith said.

At the Civil War Encampment, open to grades six through eight, children will take on the life of a Civil War soldier. They'll learn about the war, use war slang and communication techniques, cook over an open fire, do soldier drills, listen to stories around a campfire and learn about the minimal supplies a soldier would have had with him.

The second day of camp is an overnight in the settlement's Fort Payne. The sleepover is open to parents as well.

"There's something intriguing about being able to transport yourself to a different time and place to be in a historical moment," Smith said. "It's an opportunity for them for history to come to life through an immersive experience."

The two new camps join two existing camps: Treasure Hunters and T.H.E. Detectives - Treasure Hunters Extreme.

Treasure Hunters, for grades one through six, seek treasures throughout the settlement using clues, maps, compasses, puzzles, secret codes and high-tech GPS devices.

T.H.E. Detectives, also for grades one through six, will be supplied with a detective's notebook, magnifying glass, flashlight and GPS system and then search for clues and examine evidence to solve intriguing mysteries.

The settlement hires certified teachers to help run the camps.

It's become an experience that parents wish they could participate in, Smith said.

"We actually heard from a lot of adults that they'd be interested in doing the camp as well, so that's a good sign," Smith said. "We're going to have to do a version for adults only."

The Secret Seekers weeklong camp costs $190 with sessions beginning June 21, July 12, July 19, July 26 and Aug. 2. A $20 discount will be given for registrations received before Friday.

The three-day Civil War Encampment costs $160 and begins June 28 and July 7. Parents may join the overnight stay for $30. Campers who register before May 7 receive free passes for Civil War Days on May 15 and 16 at the settlement.

Treasure Hunters and T.H.E. Detectives are five-day camps and cost $190. A $20 early discount also applies to registration for these camps. For details, visit the settlement's Web site, napersettlement.org.

Parents can register by phone at (630) 420-6020 or walk in to register at Naper Settlement between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Registration forms may be downloaded from the settlement's Web site and can be faxed or mailed in.