Campers experience pioneer life
Eli Criswell, 7, of Finleyville, tries his hand at an American Indian game by flipping sticks off the back of his hand then catching them during Pioneer Living Day Camp at Mingo Creek County Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Seven-year-old Josh Silveira, right, of Canonsburg, learns how to play tug-of-war from Jeff Donahue with Washingtion County Parks and Recreation during Pioneer Living Day Camp at Mingo Creek County Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Seven-year-old Josh Silveira, 7, of Canonsburg, and Josh Talarico, 8, of Mt. Lebanon, pan for gold in a creek during Pioneer Living Day Camp at Mingo Creek County Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Jeffrey Chickis, 10, of Cecil, tries his hand at an American Indian game by flipping sticks off the back of his hand then catching them during Pioneer Living Day Camp at Mingo Creek County Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Sarah Sandin, recreation programmer/coordinator with Washington County Parks and Recreation, holds a salamander caught in the creek during Pioneer Living Day Camp at Mingo Creek County Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Boys and girls from ages 7 to 10 put down their video games and iPads and step out into the bright sunshine and fresh air to take part in some old-fashioned fun this week. During Pioneer Living Day Camp run by the Washington County Parks and Recreation Department at Mingo Creek County Park, the campers enjoyed activities in the spirit of those who settled the United States such as Native American games, archery, butter making, panning for gold and much, much more. Even in the absence of electronics or a high-speed Internet connection, the kids seemed to enjoy connecting with nature and learning about the past.