Pioneer Trek

Meet the Kettle family, about to begin their journey on the Oregon Trail.

For the past few years, we have been part of a history club.  It has been our favorite homeschooling group.  Each family reads the assigned history chapters at home, and then we get together to do related activities.  In December, we read about Westward Expansion and the Oregon Trail.  My wonderful friend, Stephanie, planned a reenactment for the kids in the "prairies" behind her home.  It was one of our best activities yet!

First, everyone drew a slip out of a hat to find out which character they would be in the Kettle family.  Then they were given a map, and off they went.  Along the trail, there were markers with instructions they had to complete before they could go on.

 Archer Kettle in the covered wagon.

 Pa (Charles Kettle) tries to fit in with him, but it is a tight squeeze.

 The cover doesn't last long.

 Tanner Kettle climbs a tree to scope out the trail.

 A blizzard hits the Kettle family!  They cannot see because of the snow flurries.  They have to hang on to ropes in order to find their way through the blizzard. 

 Food supplies are running out.  Only flour and water remain.  They mix it together and make a meal.  Everyone has to taste it.  YUM!

 Next challenge--there is no firewood to be found.  Everyone needs to search the area for buffalo chips.

 Tanner is tired of searching, he stops to rest.

 Timmy, the oldest and most helpful son, hurts his leg when it is run over by a handcart.  He must ride in the wagon the rest of the way.  Not only does the family have to pull a heavier load, they have lost the aid of this valuable family member.

 Tragedy strikes again.  Ma and her son, Billy, have frostbite on their toes.  Their toes must be amputated to keep the frostbite from spreading.  Ma and Billy have to walk on their heels the rest of the way.

 The family is completely out of food.  If they don't have success hunting, they will starve.  Everyone tries to make a hit.  (If they hit the target, they receive beef jerky).

Only Timmy, injured leg and all, has success hunting.

Ma finds it hard to walk without toes and sits down to rest.

The hardships of the trail are over.  The Kettle family has reached their destination.  They are ready to begin their new life in Oregon territory.

Jason made a video of the trek.  Here is a one-minute clip with some highlights: