Fields of Green campers dig for understanding

VERNON — In the spirit of Indiana Jones, a group of hands-on campers became archaeologists digging and analyzing Crypta Balbi Cmapus Martius of Rome to better understand the ancient civilization of Renaissance Italy on the site of Fields of Green School in Vernon.
Archaeological Summer Camp is administered by The Archaeological Perspective, a company based in Albany, N.Y.Educational programs are created with a hands- on concept, familiarizing children with the rules, tools, terms and meanings of archaeology. The annual camp has been held at the school for several years and according to student archaeologist Caterina Pleva, who is a six year camp veteran, the camp deserves much praise.
“Coming to the camp has opened a new world for me,” Pleva said. “We forget that we’re kids in Vernon and really get into the historical aspect.”
Pleva, who is a middle schooler actually has future thoughts of being an archaeologist.
The camp is under the guidance and supervision of professional archaeologist Geoffrey “Big Dog” Purcell who specializes in the archaeological education of children. Personally, he has participated in digs and analysis in Mexico, Greece, England, Scotland, Yugoslavia, Egypt and the entire USA. Purcell incorporates digging in the dirt, stories, puzzles and games and celebration into his archaeological teaching format. Celebration includes a last camp day “museum” where an explanation of what was learned over the week is demonstrated.
According to Purcell, piecing together the finds to solve the mystery is how an ancient culture can be better understood.