Winter Camp Update: Tuesday 12/7

The morning was quite chilly at 39 degrees so we began our day with a lot of movement. We played a favorite game of Farm School: Hungry, Hungry Seagulls. Cali the farm dog stole one of the cones and so they kids loved chasing her around trying to retrieve it. Not sure who was more tired afterwards!

After snack time, we fed the chickens and checked for eggs. Only 2 eggs today!  We discussed how chickens will slow down egg production in the colder months as a natural protection method against the cold. They use that energy to stay warm, rather than laying eggs. 

The big farm project today was planting some plants in the garden beds. We planted mint and cardoons (related to artichoke).  The kids were so natural at planting and they really enjoyed tucking them in with hay mulch afterward to help keep them warm. Since our hands got dirty while planting, naturally they wanted more mud play. So, to the mud kitchen we went.  Some kids made a lot of mud, some kids figured out how to make a see-saw with some wood, while others enjoyed digging in the dirt searching for clever finds. 

We got to witness Farmer Cullen spraying the plants with compost tea, which we learned is like giving them vitamins and probiotics to make the plants more robust against insect pressure and the cold. It also adds fertility. It was a stinky chore since there’s fish emulsion in the compost tea spray and the group could only stand it for a few minutes. 

Tree climbing was another big part of the day. I always tell them that if they can climb by themselves, then they can climb the tree. This allows them to figure out their own body mechanics, check in with themselves if they feel comfortable enough to try and it’s quite empowering. The tricky part for some is coming back down. With a gentle reminder of taking a deep breathe when they feel scared and trusting that their body knows what to do (and of course I’m standing with my hands nearby just in case), they figure out how to calmly climb down. Then they are full of smiles and confidence!  

The day was another beautifully fun one!!  Two more days together and many more intriguing things to do at the farm together. 

See you all tomorrow!

~ Miss Tammy