Camp Floyd State Park represents a unique part of our state and national history

  February 7, 2014, 6:46 pm

By Erika Douglas

Camp Floyd State Park represents a unique part of our state and national history. Once the home to Johnston's Army, Camp Floyd now boasts the Stagecoach Inn, Commissary/Museum, and Fairfield District Schoolhouse buildings. In addition to touring historic buildings and a museum, Camp Floyd is a living history park which provides an interactive historical experience for the family.

Some activities that are particularly interesting are the scout camps. For Cub Scouts, specifically Bears, there is a 2 hour program that is designed to complete achievement 8: The Past is Exciting and Important. Participants learn the history of Camp Floyd and how to march and drill with replica rifles, receive guided tours of the Museum and Stagecoach Inn, discuss history, and receive a treat. The Boy Scout program meets the requirements for the American Heritage Merit Badge and National Historic Trails Award. Boys and their leaders stay overnight in authentic tent replicas that help emphasize the Camp's history. They also learn about the daily life of a soldier in Johnston's Army by suiting up in authentic clothing and firing a rifle musket. To find out more or register for these programs, visit the park's website: campfloyd.utah.gov.

Park Director and Eagle Mountain resident Mark Trotter, was pleased to announce that the park received grant funding from the Masonic Foundation of Utah. This allows them to offer scholarships to the summer History Camp for 4 deserving children. The application deadline was January 31, 2014, and those chosen will be contacted by February 21, 2014. Mr. Trotter is hopeful for another grant next year but said, "We will have to wait and see how they give out grants next year when we apply again."  He is dedicated to bringing the history of Camp Floyd to life for all his guests, young and old.

Camp Floyd History Day Camp is a fabulous way for children to have a fun, unique experience during the summer. It is for children ages 8-11 and each session is limited to 24 participants. They learn many activities that would be part of a soldier's daily life, both the work and the fun. "I love History Camp because you get to learn about the Civil War and do fun things like play marbles, find silver, make clay bricks, and you get to buy stuff at the Commissary with fake money," said Aiden Larsen of Eagle Mountain. (Soldiers participating in the day camp "earn" wages and are paid in period replica Union bills.) "The battle on the last day is my favorite because you get to show your parents formations."  Children who participate in this camp come away with a better appreciation of history. Registration is available online.

However, don't make the mistake of thinking that all the programs are for children. Take a closer look at the website. Recently there was a Murder Mystery day where participants tried to solve a mystery by role playing, while also learning about some of the pastimes of the soldiers at the Camp. Upcoming events include a Geocache Treasure Hunt, the Pony Express 5k, and Utah Expedition Adventure. The Expedition is similar to the day camps but is tailored to families. Check out the website for more information on any of these great programs and consider planning a day filled with historical undertakings. Who knows, learning about an ordinary day in the past might turn out to be an extraordinary day for the modern family.