Students in Selma got a look at pioneer life in the US

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- School may be out for summer but campers at First Baptist Church Youth Camp gladly sat in on the day's history lesson. The Recreation Department through the city of Selma wants to make sure their kids stay true to their roots.

"It's really good for them to appreciate where their roots come from-- the struggles and the hard work that it took to create a country like ours," said Terry Nelson, City of Selma Recreation.

Pioneer Village set the stage for interactive learning. The group of historical buildings was preserved by the city of Selma.

Don't think a classroom wasn't involved-- campers got a look at Selma's first one room school house.

"One-hundred-year-old seats, school desks, and learn about what an ink well looks like and why they needed ink those days," said Nelson.

Living in the digital age students had to think about life without screen time.

"They probably played with toys and stuff instead of playing with Facebook and iPhones and stuff," said Tatyana Holbert, camper.

Holbert knew about Pioneer Village but wanted to take advantage of the lesson. She even got the chance to take a wagon ride, see a church built in the 1880's, and learn about how the railroad system was vital in populating the area.

Selma's Train Depot, which was originally in Downtown Selma, now houses a model of the rail system throughout Fresno County. A model so accurate the crossing bars come down when the train approaches which went hand in hand with rail safety lesson.

"By teaching them the value of learning the history of the area-- I think that will want them to preserve it for future generations," said Nelson.