INAUGURAL TEXAS HISTORY YOUTH CAMP AT WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS AUGUST 3-6
The Washington County Historical Commission and the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County are preparing to host their inaugural “Gone to Texas” Youth History Camp.
The free camp will be held from August 3-6 at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, hosting 30 children ages 9-11 from throughout Washington County.
Washington-on-the-Brazos Site Manager Jon Failor said the hands-on experience will “immerse the campers in four unique sites – Fanthorp Inn, Barrington Plantation, the Star of the Republic Museum, and Independence Hall,” and will also “engage each participant with the unique and diverse story of Texas.”
Washington County Historical Commission Chair Tom Stevens said the Historical Commission looks forward to “enriching our students with our state’s history.” Project Chairperson Mary Tom Middlebrooks said the campers “will experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to live early Texas Republic history.”
Donna Barker, Lead Educator at the Star of the Republic Museum, said letting campers explore where the Convention of 1836 happened, hear real stories about the lives of settlers and participate in learning activities “gives them a much deeper understanding of why Texas, especially Washington-on-the-Brazos, is an integral part of our collective identity.” Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Stephanie Wehring said the program is “an opportunity to bring history to life for our kids.”
The Historical Commission thanks the partners that have supported the initiative of either meals, funds, or in-kind contributions: the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation, Brenham National Bank, Bank of Brenham, Chappell Hill Bank, H-E-B College Station, Chappell Hill Bakery and Deli, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, Creatively Yours, Whataburger, Brannon Industrial Group, Clay and Kathy Parker, Priscilla Newman, the Moorman Tate Law Firm, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Blue Bell Creameries.
Parents, sponsors and county officials will join the children for lunch on the final day of the camp. Historical Commission members will provide a report about the camp at a future Washington County Commissioners Court meeting.