Registration open for Pony Express Day Camp

By Kendra Simpson

The Pony Express Museum has invited St. Joseph students to go back in time with its annual Pony Express Day Camp.

At the camp in July, kids will learn what it was like to live as pioneers back in the 1860s. There will be educational games, themed arts and crafts and surprises. Campers will learn about blacksmithing, making soap and even how to churn butter.

“These lessons are things that we hope will carry with them the rest of their life,” Pony Express Executive Director Cindy Daffron said. “We hope coming here … teaches you to be a volunteer and that … museums can be fun and (to) explore the rest of your city.”

After recently being recognized with a News-Press NOW Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Summer Camp, the Pony Express Museum is excited to greet new students and welcome back those returning.

“When she handed me (the award) she said, ‘Well, Cindy, here’s your two awards,’ and I go, ‘Two?’ because I kind of knew the museum had gotten one. But we have the summer camp and we were a favorite. So we feel really, really thrilled that people voted for us,” Daffron said. “A lot of these kids have been really rooted to us and support us. We really appreciate if you are a past camper or you’re a past helper, this award belongs to those people.”

The day camp is looking for volunteers to assist in leading the children through the activities. Typically, the museum asks for teachers or former campers to assist children ranging from first to sixth grade.

The camp will be hosted in two sessions: July 8-10 and July 15-17.

Daffron said registration for the Pony Express Day Camp usually fills up quickly and encouraged those interested to register before slots fill up. To register for camp, or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit the Pony Express website at https://www.ponyexpress.org/daycamp.