Immersive Programs
War in the Pacific National Historical Park
War in the Pacific National Historical Park preserves former World War II battlefield landscapes of Guam from the offshore waters, to the landing beaches, to the high ground – all places that youth can explore to understand their island’s rich history and culture. Young children become immersed in park themes through song, story, and art. Literacy skills are enhanced through reading books focused on the people, places, and events of World War II. The park’s habitats support a diversity of life that can be explored from ridge to reef. Middle school students analyze memorials and monuments to discover the impact of World War II. History comes to life at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center when high school students become historical figures while cultivating a sense of civic engagement. Join the Pacific Historic Parks Education Department as they share compelling stories through programs and provide unique opportunities to connect visitors to park resources.
Program Descriptions
-
Pacific Circle Consortium
Pacific Historic Parks is proud to host the 43rd annual Pacific Circle Consortium on the island of Guam. This dynamic education conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Guam from July 8 -12, 2019. The conference theme is “Connecting Past and Present in the Pacific: Educating Across Generations,” and we invite all educators to join us to share their relevant research and experiences in a symposium-like setting. Together, educators can discuss, develop, and inspire innovative, effective programs and curriculum focusing on the Asia- Pacific region. Topics include remembering our past, understanding its ramifications, and moving toward the future. The last day to register is June 14, 2019. Register now at www.pccguam2019.org
-
Park Pals Adventure Camp
Kindergarten and first grade students get a wonderful introduction to the work –and fun – park rangers are faced with each day. The Park Pals Adventure Camp offers an experience the park hopes will inspire youths for a lifetime by developing a new understanding of history and science which may lead to future careers in biology, archaeology, natural resource management, interpretation, education, or in federal service caring for our public lands. Campers learn unique stories from World War II, discover the diverse array of plants and animals we protect, and learn about National Parks through songs, stories, crafts and games.
-
Book Buddies
Book Buddies is a youth reading program that encourages literacy. Throughout the year, the program will highlight different books for second and third graders that touch on the park’s mission to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of those participating in the campaigns of the Pacific Theater of World War II and to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects of the island of Guam.
-
Guahan Heritage Academy
This program brings history to life for middle school students (sixth through eighth grade) by encouraging curiosity, inquisitiveness, and a passion for knowledge of Guam’s history. Students discover unique stories from multiple perspectives through historical activities and tours at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park and other historic sites.
-
Eco-Explorers
This dynamic program introduces fourth and fifth graders to a fun, safe, and exciting way to get up-close and personal with one of Guam’s less-visited ecosystems: freshwater rivers. Through exploration, interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and experiments, kids learn about Guam’s freshwater fauna and flora, as well as what they can do to help protect them.
-
T.E.A.M. PHP
Students in high school are eligible to apply to an unpaid internship program called TEAM PHP, which stands for Teaching Teens to Exemplify Excellence and Memorialize Pacific Historic Parks. Teens gain comprehensive community outreach training that promotes the mission of the park, civic engagement and stewardship. They engage in workshops focusing on leadership, public speaking, natural, cultural and historic resources preservation and conservation as well as a focus on WWII and the War in the Pacific Survivors, Veterans, Memorials & Monuments. They become certified in First Aid and CPR to ensure safety. TEAM Players support other park education programs involving younger children, where they promote safety in the park and serve as youth mentors by being positive role models for the younger children. TEAM Players serve as ambassadors of the park and youth leaders for future park programs and events.
-
Day/Night at the Museum
This Service-Learning high school program offers a new interpretive and historical experience that motivates youth to find personal meaning in the World War II stories of the people of Guam. In this two-part program, students bring to life historical figures in the exhibits of the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center. The first part of the program is “Monologue at the Museum: From Page to Stage,” a weeklong summer youth writer’s workshop encouraging and educating the island youths to convey the experience of the park’s vast collection of personal stories of survival, triumph, peace, and forgiveness in World War II. Monologues produced in this writing workshop are then presented in the second part of the program, titled, “Day/ Night at the Museum,” where students apply theatrical and first person interpretation skills in their school’s drama class and perform at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center to encourage other island youths, their families, and the community to engage with the stories of people during World War II on Guam.
To learn more about any of these education programs and how you can play a part in preserving history, please contact the Pacific Historic Parks Guam Education Department at guamed@PacificHistoricParks.org.