This exciting USF Tampa summer camp for middle school students combines history and creativity as campers learn excavation techniques, use 3D scanning to recreate artifacts, and document discoveries in their own comic books. Led by USF experts, campers dive into archaeology basics, uncover ancient secrets, and explore cultural traditions through hands-on art projects like weaving and pottery. Designed for budding archaeologists, artists, and storytellers, this camp blends science, technology, and creativity, building teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence as campers unravel historical mysteries and craft their own narratives.
USF Archaeology + Art Camp Details
Camp Director: Dr. Laura Harrison
Location: USF Tampa - 3D Access Lab
Grades: Entering 6th - 8th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dates: TBD
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Intro to Archaeology
Campers embark on a virtual tour of global archaeological sites, from the Bronze Age to today. Hands-on 3D scanning demos reveal how artifacts are preserved digitally. Campers will see how art tells stories across cultures and prepare to create with textiles, clay, and comics. A lab tour will showcase how digital tools bring history to life.
Digging Up History: Bronze Age Artifacts
Campers excavate 3D-printed replicas of Bronze Age artifacts, learning mapping and documentation skills. Through these hands-on activities, they explore how artifacts reveal cultural connections, gaining insight into the evolution and influence of ancient societies across time and space.
Textile Traditions: Hands-On Cultural Crafting
Campers explore weaving by creating small textiles, building patience, precision, and fine motor skills. Through weaving, they discuss how textiles reflect both function and artistry in various cultures, gaining appreciation for these traditions. This activity fosters focus, mindfulness, and a hands-on connection to past societies.
Hands-On History: Sculpting the Past
Campers work with clay to recreate artifacts like pottery and figurines, gaining insight into ancient artistry and daily life. This hands-on activity encourages problem-solving and creativity as they mimic ancient objects such as tableware and jewelry. By crafting their own 鈥渁rtifacts,鈥� campers will deepen their appreciation for cultural heritage.
From Dig to Page: Create Your Archaeology Comic
Campers create a comic that combines their discoveries from the week, using storytelling techniques like plot, framing, and dialogue. They reflect on their experiences with excavation, artifacts, textiles, and pottery, turning them into a visual narrative. Campers will deepen their understanding of archaeology in a fun, engaging way.
Join USF鈥檚 Archaeology + Art Camp for an unforgettable adventure into the past! Middle schoolers will dig into hands-on activities like 3D-printed excavations, artifact recreations, and global site tours, all guided by USF experts. Through pottery, weaving, and comics, campers will explore ancient cultures and bring history to life with creativity and teamwork.
This camp is perfect for aspiring archaeologists, artists, and storytellers. Each day inspires curiosity and cultural appreciation as campers develop problem-solving skills and confidence, making real-life connections to the world鈥檚 fascinating past.
Useful Information
Registration & Program Details
When does registration open for USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
USF Archaeology + Art Camp has a capacity of 30 campers.
Where is USF Archaeology + Art Camp located?
The USF Archaeology + Art Camp is hosted at the USF Tampa campus, specifically within the College of Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Complex (CMC) at the state-of-the-art Access 3D Lab, located at 12010 USF Cherry Dr, Tampa, FL 33620.
What is the 3D Access Lab?
Access 3D Lab is a shared user facility for 3D virtualization in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF. The lab consists of a 3D scanning lab, a 24-seat classroom equipped with 3D workstations, a conference room and a flexible office space. The 3D scanning lab houses a wide range of 3D scanners and six computer workstations equipped with processing software. Resources in the lab can be used in undergraduate and graduate courses, workshops, independent study projects, internships and faculty research.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the USF Tampa College of Education building, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
After registering for USF Archaeology + Art Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF Archaeology + Art Camp.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading the USF Archaeology + Art Camp?
The USF Archaeology + Art Camp is led by Dr. Laura K. Harrison, Director of the Access 3D Lab at USF. With over 10 years of experience in archaeology and museum studies, Dr. Harrison specializes in digital science and humanities, including 3D virtualization and archaeological research. She has led projects such as digitally reconstructing endangered sites in Turkey and creating virtual museums of global artifacts. Dr. Harrison鈥檚 expertise and passion for interdisciplinary learning make her an ideal guide for this hands-on exploration of history and art.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.
How are medications handled during camp?
911爆料网 ask families to share any medical information that our staff should be aware of to help keep your child safe. Our team does not hold, offer, or administer medications at any time. If a medical emergency occurs, staff will provide basic support while immediately contacting emergency services (911).
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.
911爆料网 make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Check out the 3D Access Lab, where USF Archaeology + Art Camp happens!
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