What:

An educational all day field trip geared towards middle school students.

When:

January 2020

Where:

National Western Stock Show

Example Schedule

An example schedule:
8:00 - 8:30 Arrive
9:00 - 9:15 Get settled and wait for other schools 
9:15 - 9:40 Tom Kourlis Introduction Speech 
9:40 - 10:00 Primary Speaker
10:10 - 11: 45 Presenters 
11:45 - 12:30 Lunch 
12:30 - 3:00 Free Time and leave for school

WHD has stations that each group of students will visit for a 10 minute speech. These are the core stations, but depending on the number of students attending the event, there might be a couple special stations.

Animals and Agriculture- This station focuses on the ranch animal, the bond between rancher and livestock, the different byproducts of animal production, and livestock production and welfare. This station is usually led by a CSU professor or CSU extension agent. Most students don't know where their milk, eggs, and bacon come from (usually citing the store). This station hopes to help students learn more about and make educated decisions about animal production.

Colorado History- This station focuses on filling a hole in most cirriculums: Colorado’s History. The stations attempts to establish the connection to the West that all Coloradans share, and to teach students about the diverse and rich history of our State. We are all Coloradans, and it is important to understand our State's past in order to guide its future.

Cowboys and the West- This station attempts to teach students about the historic and modern-day Cowboy. This station explores the day-to-day life of a Cowboy, the difficulty of livestock produciton, the care involved in animal raising, and the Cowboy way of life. This stations hopes to help bridge a divide between urban and rural people by creating a shared knowledge base and understanding.

Western Farms- This station teaches students about the different forms of farm production, the product of local farms, and background information on the American farmer. Everyone eats American grain, produce, or fruit, but not everyone understands the role of farming in their community or the impact of the choices they make at the grocery store.

Water in the West- This station teaches students about water scarcity, origin, and use. Most students never know that their isn't always enough water to go around, and this station helps them become aware of this crucial fact.

Hunting and the Outdoors- This station addresses the many stereotypes surronding hunters/hunting by providing key facts and by discussing the true impact of hunters on wildlife. The station also dicusses Colorado's amazing wildlife and ways in which students can enjoy it responsibly.

Fire in the West- A new station that will explore the increasingly important role of fire in Western lives.

Please find below thoughts of students who have attended our events.

1. “I learned that agriculture jobs are hard to do”

2. “I learned that people do some amazing stuff”

3. “I learned that we have a limited water supply”

4. “I learned that back then, Native Americans used to hunt animals and dry out their bladders”

COMING SOON