Kids attending ArchiCamp learned what it was like to perform on the Delphi Opera House stage. They put on skits and read James Whitcomb Riley poetry. Riley did, indeed, frequent Delphi and performed at the local opera house. Photo provided Nineteen youth from Delphi and the surrounding area participated in ArchiCamp in Delphi on June 22 and 23.

Cosponsored by Indiana Landmarks, Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association, and Delphi Preservation Society, ArchiCamp provides a fun way for children ages 8 to 12 to learn about architecture and cultural heritage.

During the first day, camp participants toured three Delphi churches and the Courthouse looking at architectural styles and stained glass. Later in the morning the kids made their own stained glass pieces in the rear of the Opera House Gallery. They also put on skits and read James Whitcomb Riley poetry on the stage of the Delphi Opera House. Another activity was making plaster medallions by pouring plaster into special molds while learning different techniques and uses for decorative plaster.

ArchiCamp participants learned about the former lime kilns in Delphi and got to lay some stones for a replica lime kiln exhibit along the canal. Photo provided Day two of camp took place at the Canal Center where the kids walked the towpath, learning about the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal and its importance to the area. High water scrapped a planned ride in the replica boat, The Delphi, but the kids were able to see the boat in the warehouse where it is stored. They got to lay stones for the replica lime kiln and sat in a one-room schoolhouse, learning about how their ancestors were taught. In the afternoon, they used the kind of hand tools that were used in the Canal era, and also helped groom one of the Canal trails.