It’s a dirty job, but that just adds to the fun.

About a dozen 8- to 12-year-old kids spent their spring break last week getting a hands-on experience at Henricus Historical Park of what archaeologists do and how it helps us understand our past.

Among the activities at the annual Henricus Archaeology Spring Break Camp, according to lead educator Sarah Robinson, were mock digs in which park staff bury items that the campers then excavate using typical archaeological tools and techniques.