BATH — Young campers are taking a step into the colonial era this summer as part of Historic Bath State Historic Site’s past-times day camp.

This year’s theme is called “It’s Revolutionary,” and the camp runs every Thursday in July from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campers will learn about famous Revolutionary War figures, the Declaration of Independence and the difference between patriots and loyalists, according to Elizabeth Midyette, historic interpreter at Historic Bath.

Children are divided into two groups: pre-kindergarten through third grade and fourth through sixth grades, with activities tailored to that particular age group. The older students, for example, will get to learn about colonial-era ciphers that patriots used to communicate their plans in secret, she said.

Along with learning historical information, campers will also get an opportunity for hands-on activities such as crafts and colonial games. One of the more recognizable games is hoop-and-stick, in which children try to balance a rolling hoop with a stick — a simple game with which today’s students may not be familiar, Midyette said.

“A lot of kids are more accustomed to the technology of the toys, instead of just picking up a stick and doing something outside,” she said. “That way, they get some hands-on experience or learn something else that’s fun.”

Midyette said the historic site hosts day camps every year, but organizers try to change it up, especially since campers from previous years may come back.

She said there are a lot of other camps in the county, so that can hurt the number of signups, but she hopes to see more as the month progresses.

“We were a part of England, and this is about breaking away from them,” Midyette said. “It’s a good way to just bring out both sides.”

The camp costs $10 per person, and most of that money goes straight back to fund the camps, Midyette said.

To sign up, call 252-923-3971. For a closer look at some of the camp’s activities, see this weekend’s edition of Pamlico Life.