CASPER, Wyo. — The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center has rolled out its fall schedule for the Hands-on History Club, offering children an engaging journey into the past. Starting Saturday, Sept. 16, the Trails Center will launch a series of free interactive youth programs.
Kicking off at 11 a.m., the first lesson takes young historians back to the days of homesteading, where they’ll learn the art of Dutch oven cooking, a vital skill for pioneers on the move, according to a news release by the High Plains District of the Bureau of Land Management.
Participants will not only discover how pioneers adapted their meals while traveling but will also get hands-on experience preparing a snack in the traditional Dutch oven.
Though primarily designed for kids ages 7 through 11, the History Club welcomes all ages.
The monthly lessons run from 11 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays, with the following program schedule:
- Sept. 16 – Homesteading Skills: Dutch Oven Cooking
- Oct. 21 – Outlaws of the West: Participants design wanted posters to help capture the West’s infamous outlaws.
- Nov. 18 – Pioneer Engineering: Wagon Building: Delve into STEM as students learn about wagon components and their function, followed by building miniature replicas.
- Dec. 16 – Holiday Tea Party (1 to 3 p.m.; registration required): Step into the 1800s with a Victorian Tea Party at the Trails Center. Role-playing, games, tea and snacks will be part of the celebration. Due to limited space, registration for this event is mandatory. Email samoore@blm.gov with participant counts and ages to register.
While the History Club is free of charge, reservations, though not necessary, are highly recommended. A chaperone must accompany all participating students.
For inquiries or to make a reservation, reach out to Stacey Moore at samoore@blm.gov or call 307-261-7787.
The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, located at 1501 N. Poplar St., remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
