From baking goodies to weaving baskets, local children in this year’s Newtown Summer History Camp — hosted at the Matthew Curtiss House by the Newtown Historical Society — experienced living under a summer sun in the Colonial era from July 15 to 19.

According to the Newtown Historical Society, the camp was open to children between 8 and 10 years old. The Newtown Summer History Camp offered “the opportunity to explore the life of a Colonial child living in Newtown back in 1750 through lots of hands-on activities as well as interactive lectures, discussions, and demonstrations,” according to its website, newtownhistory.org. A morning session and an afternoon session were offered.

Campers crafted vests or donned mob caps and aprons for the week, according to a release about the camp.

Campers spent a portion of the morning of July 17 working together under a tent outside to make blueberry pudding cake and apple crisp. The tent protected the campers from the hot summer sun while they juiced a lemon, measured sugar, or peeled apples. They followed directions to make the desserts while camp instructors readied the hearth inside the Matthew Curtiss House.

When asked, a number of campers said they liked attending the camp because they were enjoying learning about Colonial life.

“I think it is really fun, and I am enjoying it,” said camper Warren Vass, 7.

Head Instructress Melissa Houston said the campers were happy and eager all week long.

“It’s going great,” she reflected.

According to Newtown Historical Society Trustee Gordon Williams, other activities throughout the week included touring the Matthew Curtiss House, learning about Colonial government while visiting the Newtown Meeting House, weaving baskets, and churning ice cream.

More information about the Newtown Historical Society is available on its website, newtownhistory.org.