The Return of a Great Adventure: Kansas Archaeology Training Program

  It has been a couple of years since our family has had the opportunity to be involved with an archaeological excavation.  Hubby made it a point this year to add the KATP (Kansas Archaeology Training Program) dig to our calendar.  The KATP was where I met Hubby and where he received his first training preparing him to be an archaeologist so it holds a special place in our hearts.  It has been years since we've been able to attend, so it was a great chance to dive back in and reconnect with old buddies and make new friends.

  Hubby and Bubby went out shortly after the dig started.  The excavation was of a prehistoric Native American site that was about 1000 years old located near Hays, Kansas.  The dig is powered by volunteers and you can be as young as 10 (with a supervising adult).  It is a great way to "dig" into archaeology and get a hands on appreciation of the past. 
  The boys found a wonderful variety of artifacts and significant features.  On some digs you might get a square that has absolutely nothing, so it is really encouraging for the younger folks if you have a site that gives them more than a chance to play in the dirt ;)

Bubby's first arrowpoint

Bubby standing by a bison jawbone he helped uncover

  One of Bubby's goals was to use this to gain his Archaeology merit badge for Boy Scouts.  To do this he not only worked at the site, but cleaned and sorted artifacts in the lab.  The lab often gets overlooked since it doesn't seem as glamorous as digging, but it's a great way to see all the cool artifacts coming in and view them sans dirt!
  The KATP is held on a yearly basis generally around the first part of June.  This is its 40th year in Kansas.  I highly recommend it for a visit or to get involved in first hand!