POCATELLO — Reconnect Southeast Idaho will continue its annual Constitution Camp this summer, teaching children about various stages of American history.

Michele Holyoak, the camp’s director, said the camp is always held during the first week of June and has run annually for about a decade.

“We have the kids come and learn through hands-on experiences about the Constitution and the founding fathers of our country,” Holyoak said. “They learn about colonial life. They make homemade bread.”

One activity has campers wading in ice water in an inflatable pool, recreating George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. They’ve also learned about Molly Pitcher and the ways she spied on British soldiers.

“We have a junior high school teacher who dresses up like King George, and the kids get to ask him questions,” Holyoak said. “He acts all pompous.”

On the last day of camp, campers gather at Calvary Chapel to perform a musical play.

“The community is invited,” Holyoak said. “We usually have a couple hundred people.”

Since this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution Camp will expand its curriculum beyond the Revolutionary War and the Constitution to cover various stages of American history.

“This year, it’s like they’re traveling through time,” Holyoak said. “On Monday, we’ll be learning about the Mayflower and early settlers, on Tuesday, we’ll be learning about the Civil War, on Wednesday they’ll be learning about Westward Expansion and the Industrial Revolution and Thursday will be World War I and World War II.”

In past years, the camp has held a “Founding Fathers Friday” featuring community members dressed as founding fathers. Holyoak said former Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England has dressed as George Washington.

“This year, we’re calling it ‘Freedom Fighters Friday,’” Holyoak said. “We will have two characters from each time period.”

This year’s musical performance will be an original production written specifically for the camp. The community is invited, and Holyoak said everyone involved is excited to share what they’re working on.

“We’re still working on a few details,” Holyoak said. “It will be a brand new experience.”

Reconnect Southeast Idaho is seeking local business sponsors for this year’s camp. Past sponsors such as Ace Hardware and Idaho Coffee Company have helped keep the camp affordable.

“It’s $50, and they’re here for four or five hours,” Holyoak said.

Holyoak said the camp is important to her because it teaches young children to honor what the founding fathers accomplished 250 years ago and encourages campers to continue standing for freedom.

“We have to continue to grow and hold onto those values in order to remain free,” Holyoak said. “That’s the most important part. Society is changing, so you have to stay involved.”

Reconnect Southeast Idaho typically caps attendance at 60 children per year, but is increasing the limit to 75 this year. About 30 children have registered so far.

Anyone interested in registering or becoming a sponsor can visit reconnectsoutheastidaho.org/education or call 208-252-5318.