Posted June 19, 2025
History Colorado announced this week that it is expanding its Hands-On History offerings in the San Luis Valley in partnership with The Church Project Community Art Center in Monte Vista. This expansion site will join the existing Hands-On History program at the Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center in meeting the childcare needs of communities in the San Luis Valley.
“Hands-On History has always been about addressing the childcare needs of the communities we serve and giving parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supported, and empowered in their educational journey,” said Tamara Trujillo, Hands-On History program director. “The opening of our program in Monte Vista this summer will also help relieve the burden on parents who are having to choose between going to work or staying home to make sure their children have a safe place to be.”
Programming at The Church Project begins with summer camps during the weeks of July 28 and August 4. Tuition for these week-long camps are $125 per week but there are a number of automatic tuition assistance options available to families, including assistance for families on free/reduced lunch programs, those with multiple children, and for guardians who work in education, military or as first responders, among other discounts.
“The Church Project Community Art Center serves the communities of the San Luis Valley to provide the space and freedom for all people to unlock their creative potential,” said Madeleine Ahlborn, Founder and Steward of The Church Project. “There is need in Monte Vista for inclusive and fun learning experiences for youth to explore and create and dream, and the team at the Church Project is thrilled to be an extension site for Hands-On History to provide programs for youth.”
Plans are in place for a winter break camp at The Church Project, as well as “fifth-day” programming starting in the spring of 2026 to provide support to families whose children are enrolled in school districts operating on a reduced academic calendar.
The Hands-On History program at The Church Project in Monte Vista will closely align with the existing program at Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center, which was founded in 2017 and began offering year-round programming in January 2023.
“The Hands-On History program at Fort Garland has proven to be a reliable and essential resource for working families in our community,” said Eric Carpio, Chief Community Museum Officer and Director of Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center. “We take pride in offering children a safe, fun, and engaging space for them to learn, create, and grow.”
Both programs will offer interactive and engaging history curriculum that is focused on experiential learning. Using history, these programs explore themes and topics specific to the local community that students might not otherwise have a chance to learn about.
“Again and again we have seen that by learning their local history, children gain a stronger sense of identity and belonging to the places they call home,” Carpio said. “Through this education, they become more aware of the generational connections they have to the unique lands, cultures, and communities of the San Luis Valley.”
Hands-On History Summer Camp at The Church Project in Monte Vista runs from July 28 until August 8, 2025. Registration for camp is currently open. The Church Project is located at 256 S Broadway St, Monte Vista, CO 81144.
Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information.
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