The Peru Gazette

During the summers of 1916 and 1917, the Plattsburgh Barracks was a place of action and adventure. This summer, Clinton County Historical Association campers will re-live that electric excitement as participants in the Citizen Soldier Youth Camp. During the course of the week, students will explore the socio-political events that led to the Plattsburgh Barracks becoming a central part of America’s military organization. Campers will be immersed in what life was like at the Barracks for new officer candidates. Campers will learn drill from that period with replica training rifles, and will discover the art of trench warfare as was taught at Plattsburgh in 1917. Campers will receive period-enlistment paperwork, pay and enjoy period-food rations. In the course of a week campers will come to have a new-found appreciation for the pivotal role that Plattsburgh played during America’s involvement in World Ware I, as well as a deep respect for the courage and bravery of every man, woman, and child who lived through and experienced the “war to end all wars.”

The Camp is instructed and designed by well-known re-enactor and educator, Matthew T. Hewson. It will be held at the Clinton County Historical Association located at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh from Tuesday, August 12th through Friday, August 15th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Camp is recommended for youth between the ages of 9 and 13. The cost is $50 per camper. Please call the Museum at 518-561-0340 to register your camper today! Spaces are limited.

Funded in-part by the Chapel Hill Foundation and Clinton County.