Each week, Fort McAllister is offering History and Eco-Explorers Clubs for elementary school-aged children, ideal for homeschoolers and campers. The programs will alternate between ecology- and history-themed lessons at 2 p.m. each Monday at the historic state park Visitors Center, 3894 Fort McAllister Road.

The program kicked off Monday with a lesson in making hardtack, which is a simple type of biscuit or cracker made from flour, water and salt used by soldiers during the Civil War. Future history themes include dying fabrics from natural dyes, learning about the daily life of a soldier and civilians during the Civil War, and learning about different historical figures.

The next ecology program will be Monday, Oct. 1, when the Eco-Explorers Club will teach the children about ecology and stewardship through exploration and observation. Other topics will include orienteering, building a survivor shelter and conservation. 

The programs are free, but there is a $5 cost to park per vehicle. Annual parking passes are also available to purchase.

For more information, call 912-727-2339 or visit www.gastateparks.org/fortmcallister.