Pioneer Camp Fun at Cordell Hull Birthplace
One of the ways that Cordell Hull Birthplace tells the story of the history of our region and the early life of Cordell Hull is to teach traditional skills that would have been in use during the period of his time here. Our first-ever Pioneer Camp, for kids ages 8-13, will give kids an opportunity to try their hands at Pioneer living, including pottery, sewing, spinning, open hearth cooking, natural dyes, and so much more. We’ll also enjoy pastimes of the period, games, songs, hiking, and a visit from Elvis the Cornsnake! This half-day camp will start Monday, July 15th and end Friday, July 19th. Each day begins at 9am every morning and ends at 1pm. Breakfast and lunch are included. The cost per participant is $25. To register, visit www.tnstateparks.com or call the park at 931-864-3247.
Saturday, 13th
10:00 a.m.: Spelunking Bunkum Cave
Spelunking is the exploration of caves. Join interpretive Ranger Rachel for a trip down to Bunkum Cave and explore the interior as we learn about the cave and what it holds! We will see lots of cave critters and the beautiful rock formations formed over thousands of years! The hike to the cave is moderate, and we will be going into some places in the cave we will have to crawl in. Bring sturdy shoes you won’t mind getting wet, water, a light jacket, and maybe some snacks. We will meet at the trailhead. This adventure is limited to only 10 people and is $15 per person. You can sign up at tnstateparks.com under Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park’s upcoming events.
2:00 p.m.: Animal Craft Day
Come to the park and make some fun animal crafts! We’ll be learning about snakes, frogs, and turtles. We’ll spend some time making each animal and you’ll learn some interesting facts too. We will meet in the park office.
Sunday, 14th
1:00 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets
Come on out to the park and bring your best friend with you! Interpretive Ranger Rachel will show us how to make a fun and colorful friendship bracelet! You’ll be able to make your own bracelet, or one for your friend, to take home with you. We will meet in the park office.
2:30 p.m.: Yarn Dolls
Come and join us at Cordell Hull Birthplace. We will be teaching you how to make historical Yarn Dolls that you can take home with you! We will be meeting in the park office.
Sunday, 21st
1:00 p.m.: Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream
Come by the park to learn about the art of making ice cream. Every Sunday for the month of July we will be making a new flavor. At the end of them month we will be giving visitors a chance to vote on their favorite flavor of ice-cream. This Sunday we will be making raspberry flavored ice-cream and have some warm brownies to go with it! We will meet in the park office.
2:30 p.m.: Weave Your Own Potholder
Join us in the park office to learn how to weave on a loom. Each participant will get to make their own potholder to take home with them! Keep in mind that this program is intended for children under 15.
Monday, 22nd
11:30 a.m.: Summer Feeding Program Lunch and Learn
Come join us for a weekly series of programs to kick off the summer feeding program. Any participates 18 and under will receive a free lunch during this event. This week we will learn about our native pollinators, bees. We will learn about bears this week! We will meet at the picnic tables by the museum. (If there is inclement weather then we will meet in the park office). The food is provided by the Pickett County Summer Feeding Program. They will provide breakfast and lunch during the summer for all children 18 and under.
Save-the-Date:
August 31st – Apple Butter Day: Enjoy a day of traditional foodways demonstrations, workshops & speakers. We’ll be making apple butter and pressing fresh cider all day in period dress using traditional techniques. Fred & Jill Sauceman will speak about dried apple stack cake and Dr. Michael Birdwell will speak on fermenting apples. In the morning, we’ll have Amanda Woody to teach a canning workshop. This will be a great opportunity to learn about traditional food and culture.
September 27th & 28th – Cordell Hull Day: On Saturday, September 28th, the general public is invited for a day of music, historical interpretation, workshops, traditional crafts & storytelling. School groups and homeschoolers are welcome to come to our school day on Friday the 27th. Vendors and demonstrators are still welcome to apply to participate. Preference is given to traditional crafters & artisans.
October 26th – Halloween in the Park: Our annual Haunted Trail experience will return, along with expanded spooky fun for the whole family.
For registration or questions about any of our programs, contact the park at 931-864-3247, or message us on facebook.