The ninth annual Summer Youth Classes will be held July 14 to 18 at the National
Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC), 3121 Fourth Street, Lubbock. Classes are designed
for elementary students in first through sixth grade.
Courses, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, are scheduled in two blocks of time.
The first is 8:30 to 10:15 a.m., and the second from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students
may sign up for one or two classes at a cost of $25 per course. Camp T-shirts are
available for $9 in advance or $11 after classes start.
"The summer program provides a fun, learning environment for young students in age-appropriate
classes set among the Center’s historic structures," said Emily Arellano, education
director at the NHRC. "Because many students learn by doing, hands-on activities are
planned for each day of the program. This is an excellent opportunity for children
to see what life was like for the early settlers and ranchers of this area while also
having fun."
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. More information and registration
are available on the NRHC Web site at www.nrhc.com or by calling 742-0498 or e-mailing
emily.arellano@ttu.edu.
Class schedule:
Grades 1–3 / 8:30–10:15
Spinning and Weaving — Card, spin and dye natural wool just as early Spanish setters
did to make household items. Weave on a simple frame loom to make your own woven project.
Days of the Bison — Travel through the Old West with Col. Charlie Goodnight and Chief
Quanah parker. Make dream catchers go on a buffalo hunt and more as you explore the
real West.
A Day on the Trail — Students will make their own rope, cowboy vest and gear and learn
about an Old West cattle drive. On the last day of class, they’ll compete in a stick
horse rodeo.
Grades 1–3 / 10:45–12:30
Storytelling by the Campfire — Be entertained by wacky Western stories about cowboys.
Learn about the many uses of the bandana, cowboy hat and boots; learn about branding
cattle and more.
Pioneer Living — Learn about the pioneers and how they settled this area. Experience
what life was like for a 19th century child by participating in wash day, attending
classes in a one-room school, making pioneer crafts and playing period games.
Little Houses on the Prairie — Express your artistic side as you study some of the
NRHC structures. Learn basic watercolor skills as you paint the buildings.
Grades 4–6 / 8:30–10:15
Spinning and Weaving — Card, spin and dye natural wool just like early Spanish setters
did to make household items. Weave on a simple frame loom to make your own woven project.
Western Movie Making — Experience the fun of moviemaking while learning about the
history of some of the NRHC structures. Help write a script, direct and act in a short
film.
Leather Pushers and Cow Riggins — Discover the types and varieties of leather and
how it is used to make saddles, chaps and more. Cut, stamp, finish and braid leather
into projects to take home. Learn what "leather pusher and cow riggings mean."
Grades 4–6 / 10:45–12:30
The Ranch Hand Experience — Hire on to work as a NRHC Ranch Hand and earn your keep
for performing tasks at structures from the XIT, Long S and Matador ranches. Be rewarded
for your work at the end of the week with a visit to the Waggoner Commissary to spend
your earnings on cowboy merchandise.
Let’s Rodeo! — Work with an experienced rodeo team to learn about all aspects of the
rodeo roundup, such as proper horse care and grooming, saddling up with the right
gear and perfecting your roping skills.
Everyday Lie on the Frontier — Learn how pioneers survived on the trail. Plan a trip
across the frontier, learn how they built a dugout house and participate in chores
such as cooking and candle making.