Rowdy and Rewarding Experience at McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s Ranching Roundup Summer Camp

Village Creek State Park Ranger Alex Stamatis teaches campers fishing basics at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s Ranching Roundup Summer Camp on June 3.

Bill Wilson, great-grandson of W.P.H. and Ida McFaddin, gives a glimpse of life on the open range with an authentic chuckwagon that once served as a traveling kitchen for cowboys on long cattle drives.

Beaumont, TX; June 9, 2026 – The McFaddin-Ward House Museum grounds were abuzz with youthful energy last week as staff hosted the Museum’s annual Ranching Roundup Summer Camp from June 2-4.

Thirty-nine campers aged eight to 12 took part in the three-day educational camp, which brought history and the McFaddin family’s cattle ranching legacy to life, exploring skills such as butter churning, leatherworking, and farm-to-table cooking that were necessary to run the McFaddin ranch and family home during the early 1900s.

Campers compete in cowboy-inspired relay games, learning teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Activities included a fishing demonstration by Village Creek State Park, making homemade ice cream, cooking on the open range with a visit from an authentic chuckwagon, barbecuing with 1701 Barbecue, and proper hygiene with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, among others.

“At Ranching Roundup, campers experienced history up close through the tangible objects and real-world spaces inside the 1906 home,” said Katherine McAtee, McFaddin-Ward House Museum program manager. “They got their hands dirty—literally—cooking their own biscuits from scratch and planting flowers. Over the week, we watched friendships blossom and new hobbies take shape. Our staff is grateful to the families who participated and the volunteers and community partners who helped make it a fun and rewarding experience. We can’t wait until next summer.”

Ranching Roundup Summer Camp will return in 2027. For more information, call 409-832-1906 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.