Saddle up: Oklahoma Frontier Days ropes in third graders at CTHC

Apr. 16—In true Western fashion, Oklahoma Frontier Days reined in several third graders to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center (CTHC) where they gathered for activities and hands-on learning.

Missy Crimmins, ONE Duncan President, said ONE Duncan organized its annual Oklahoma Frontier Days on April 13 at the CTHC in Duncan, where students participated in frontier day-style events from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The 2023 Frontier Days free event day brought around 278 third graders from Duncan Public Schools.

Kids participated in a land run, followed by visiting the land office, having a little fun on the range by throwing some cow pies, watching a movie, visiting the museum, learning to churn butter, petting a few horses and panning for gold.

In between events, these little cowpokes took a break to grab some grub on the frontier before engaging with the Comanche Nation Youth Dancers.

Crimmins said in beginning the program, ONE Duncan picked something the schools were already doing individually and expanded on it to build relationships across the town.

"Unity and relationship building is our mission," she said.

Over the course of the day, students were able to experience the Oklahoma history they learned in the classroom and engage in hands-on frontier-style activities with other students.

According to Crimmins, Oklahoma Frontier Days brings together all third graders in the Duncan district and allows them to experience the early pioneers days, which includes the Oklahoma land run.

Crimmins said she loves to see all the kids come together for this one-day pioneer event.

"They're enjoying being together," she said. "They're meeting their pen pals they've been corresponding with throughout the year."

According to Crimmins, they have several volunteers who help make this frontier day happen for the third grade students, including groups from the middle school and the high school.

"They always have a great time with the kids," she said. "They do a great job."

Over the last few years, Crimmins said they partnered with the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center to make this event happen for the students, because of all the Oklahoma history available at the Heritage Center.

"They've been great, so helpful," she said. "Together we can make this happen."

Crimmins said this was the first year for the Comanche Nation Youth Dancers and "they were excellent." She said she's already received so much positive feedback from attendees and they look forward to working with them again.

ONE Duncan, a Duncan Public Schools organization, is volunteer led and funded by donations.