Sixty-four young cowboys and girls saddled up for a week of life on the frontier cooking their meals in the great outdoors and panning for gold right here in the middle of Mexico.

History Camp, which was held June 2-6, is sponsored by the Audrain County Historical Society and was created by a group of retired teachers who wanted to bring history to life for children between third and fifth grade. It was designed so that the theme could center around different time periods while the activities remain the same.

For history camp’s 21st year, the theme was wild wild west and focused on America between 1850 through the turn of the century.

“We really hone in on details of that time period,” said camp director Cara Miller.

Campers were split into four groups all named after different ranches: Running W, Rockin 7, Flying Hearts and Broken Arrow.

Throughout the day, they rotated through four core areas: cooking led by Lori Ray, science led by Brad Rothermich, arts and crafts led by Barb Wilson and living history led by Paul Baum.

The kids also joined guest speakers Ayanna Shivers, Jhett Maxwell, Jaron Thebeau, Mary Litterell and David Maupin for special presentations on a wild west themed topic they were passionate about.

With a name like History Camp, the program can be a tough sell to elementary schoolers, and no one understands that more than Miller. When her son was in third grade, she signed him up and said he was reluctant to go at first.

“He came home on the first day and said, ‘Mom, this was the best,’ so, it is a boring name, but it is an exciting week for those kids,” said Miller.

Raigan Robinett, 10, who just competed her second year of history camp, said history is a lot of fun for her

“I love the cooking and I love the crafts and I love science, too,” said Raigan.

Some of her favorite camp activities from this year include creating her own rainstick, making fried cherry pie, panning for gold, reenacting life on the Sante-Fe Trail and learning fun history facts she can take with her to fifth grade.

“From Missouri all the way to Oregon on the Oregon train in a wagon takes six months but in a stagecoach on a similar route it would only take one month,” she said.

History Camp would not be possible without the help of residents who volunteer their time to be there.

“We have 64 kids and I think we have 48 volunteers – it’s an amazing crew,” said Miller.

Teachers had their own batch of volunteers to help with their activity and the groups were led by an adult counselor who was assisted by teen counselors, many of whom were once History Campers themselves.

From 8 a.m. to noon, they were guiding children through lessons and activities, tending fires and assisting guest speakers.

“At the end of the day, we have a closing ceremony and then they go home,” said Miller. “It is action packed the entire morning and by the end of the week, we are all tired.”