For the past several years, Fourth Grade Teacher Casey Kunkle and Fifth Grade Teacher Mary Austin have led a summer program for rising fifth through eighth graders that brings the rich history of Boston to life. The camp combines hands-on activities with immersive learning to show how the city’s past continues to shape the present.
Throughout the week, students created skits, crafts, mock protests, and games—creative projects that made history both memorable and fun. Ms. Austin and Ms. Kunkle, who have guided the program for many years, continue to refine and reimagine the experience each summer.
From Monday through Thursday, students researched key landmarks and events while building a guidebook for their big Friday field trip along the Freedom Trail. Highlights included:
- Monday: Fenway, Bunker Hill, and Park Street Church
- Tuesday: The Boston Massacre, Granary Burying Ground, and King’s Chapel & Burying Ground
- Wednesday: The State House, the Old State House, and the Boston Tea Party
- Thursday: Revolutionary leaders and protests that shaped history
All of this preparation led to Friday’s exciting Freedom Trail exploration, where students visited the very sites they had studied.
Rising Loyola Academy student Violet shared, “I really enjoyed making all the different crafts and getting Boston Cream Donuts.” The week offered a wonderful blend of learning and fun, keeping the spirit of curiosity alive throughout the summer.
Saint Columbkille looks forward to continuing to expand this camp each summer, making it accessible to even more students. Understanding the history of the city you live in is essential to creating positive change in the future.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Kunkle and Ms. Austin for making history engaging, meaningful, and unforgettable for our students.