July 24: Primary Celebrates Pioneers

   Mokelumne River Ward Primary celebrated the Mormon pioneers traveling to the Salt Lake valley by hosting an amazing event that included lots of participation, fun, friendship, and learning about what it was like to be a pioneer.  Children and their families were greeted by a welcome sign, and a beautiful map showing the trip made by the pioneers.  Sister Liz Carlston, Primary 2nd Counselor,  greeted everyone as they arrived at the stake center pavilion.  Girls were presented with a gift bag containing a pioneer bonnet to wear.  Bonnets were sewn by Relief Society sisters, Judy Wilcox, Sherrill Adamska, Lori Shore, Tena Peters, and Liz Carlston.

Children enjoyed creative activities such as painting pictures of pioneer wagons, making dolls, and carving from soap.  (See next picture.)  Adults were at every station to help and encourage.

    As well as soap carving, children and their families enjoyed pioneer strength games, testing out freezing water, and gunny sack races , as well as other fun activities.  And of course, everyone had to try  traveling with a handcart.

    The event ended with refreshing drinks and pioneer lessons by Sister Ardell Gillingwater who told stories about her pioneer ancestors, and Sister Tami Woods who explained how some pioneers came to America on the ship Brooklyn.  Primary President Ginny Shull was instrumental in producing this event and was there the whole time overseeing the fun.  Below is a picture of the group as they posed before leaving.