Week four of camp unfolded with an irresistible blend of busyness and excitement, enriching the campers' experiences and sparking their curiosity! Culinary adventures took a flavorful turn as we delved deeper into the realm of preservation, shining a spotlight on the captivating art of fermentation. The week's highlight was the creation of Ginger bugs, a delightful concoction of chopped ginger, sugar, and water—a pivotal step in kickstarting the fermentation process to craft none other than ginger beer! A delectable twist came with crafting our own pizza dough, transforming it into delectable pizzas adorned with an array of vegetable and cheese toppings, crowned by the aromatic touch of freshly harvested basil from our own garden. The DIY realm proved equally enchanting, as we ventured into the world of crafting with a touch of nature's charm. Campers seized the opportunity to pour their own beeswax candles, adorning them with delicate dried flowers. Another practical and nature-conscious endeavor saw us creating natural bug spray infused with essential oils, equipping our young participants with a powerful tool against pesky insects. Permaculture studies embraced the vibrant world of pollinators, guided by the mesmerizing documentary "Hummingbirds." Campers were spellbound by the slow-motion spectacle of these captivating creatures, kindling insightful conversations about evolution and the intricate dance between flowers and their pollinator partners. Our rooftop garden became a hub of exploration and engagement, where observations, watering rituals, and even a dash of harvesting unfolded. The pièce de résistance was the triumphant harvest of a colossal cucumber that had captured the campers' attention as it thrived and grew. Applying newfound knowledge about pollinators, the garden served as a canvas for our campers' creativity, inspiring discussions and drawings that celebrated the diverse pollinators visiting our green haven. Midweek, we embarked on a remarkable journey to Governors Island, setting foot in the captivating realm of the Grow NYC Teaching Garden. Our ferry ride to the island was a joyous prelude to the enriching activities that awaited. The educators at Grow NYC guided us through a garden brimming with diversity, fostering a deep sense of connection as our campers recognized familiar elements mirroring our own garden. Harvesting carrots straight from the earth for a delectable snack and indulging in a sensory scavenger hunt were just a taste of the immersive experiences. Sheltered beneath a leafy pavilion, we unleashed our artistic prowess by creating vibrant collages and drawings using colorful plants and flowers harvested on-site. As the week culminated with a trip to Travers Park, a sense of awe and anticipation hung in the air. With only one week remaining, we eagerly await the adventures that our final week together will unveil, embracing the memories we've woven and the knowledge we've gained along the way. -Teacher Gina Piersanti
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Week four started out with exciting discussions around fermentation with ginger bugs and stretchy pizza dough. The campers collaborated beautifully to make pizzas with veggies, pineapple, both regular and vegan cheese, and our own basil from the rooftop garden. Some campers even volunteered to take home the ginger bugs and feed them ginger and sugar over the weekend.
Our DIY activities were all about delicious scents and keeping bugs from biting. Lavender, lemon, peppermint, geranium, and rosemary were a few of the favorites. Using these oils, we created a deet-free bug spray that campers were able to use on the field trip. Next, we made soaps out of creative molds that gave each one a unique look. The campers were so excited, they had to test everything out before leaving for the day! Permaculture activities revolved around pollinators that are necessary for gardens and crops to grow. We implemented our knowledge at Governor’s Island when we were able to see these pollinators in action. Insects weren’t the only pollinators spoken about — hummingbirds joined the conversation when we screened a documentary about their beauty and benefits in the world. The campers then drew their own pollinator and flower to display what they learned. The campers sparked new conversations around growing plants, found bugs in our garden, and even had the chance to harvest some of the vegetables (including a giant cucumber that we ate in class). As mentioned, our field trip was truly one to remember! The campers loved the sunny boat ride and Governor’s Islands sights. Some favorites were the garden scavenger hunt, carrot harvesting and tasting, and some floral crafts done under the pavilion with only “found” supplies. Additionally, the campers were surprised by the large compost mounds… some even said they started composting at home (so cool)! -Teacher Hannah Berman This week's journey at our summer camp brought us an enriching viewing experience of the documentary "The Biggest Little Farm." The emotional tale of a couple and their steadfast dog striving to transform barren farmland into a flourishing and biodiverse haven struck a chord with our young participants. Engaging in discussions about the film, our students exhibited a profound understanding of the intricate harmony existing among all farm organisms. They keenly absorbed the lesson that challenges can be met by seeking inspiration from nature's ingenious solutions. Notably, the students grasped the concept that while coyotes may pose a threat to chickens, a well-designed solution, such as employing farm dogs as guardians, could elevate the role of coyotes to gopher controllers! Our learners contemplated the farm's design choices and contemplated how these insights could be integrated into their upcoming final design projects.
Our captivating field trip this week led us to the vibrant farmers market. Amidst a colorful array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, our participants reveled in the experience of selecting and purchasing items. This outing also doubled as an opportunity for culinary preparation, as students took an active role in procuring ingredients for pickling and crafting momos later in the week. Culinary endeavors took a delicious turn with the long-awaited momo-making session. Students immersed themselves in the rich history of momos and diverse dumplings worldwide. Hands-on activities included vegetable shredding and dough preparation. In line with our exploration of preservation methods, the focus shifted to fermentation. Pickling cucumbers became a collaborative venture, with students engaging in the art of crafting brine and infusing it with flavorful herbs and spices. Anticipation builds as the students eagerly await the results of their pickling efforts! Within our garden's nurturing embrace, students continued to nurture their seedlings, observe the growth of vegetables, and contribute to the well-being of our worm bin. The garden radiated with the infectious curiosity and excitement of our young participants. The burgeoning cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes served as triumphant markers of our collective efforts. D.I.Y. sessions unfolded with a spotlight on botanical illustration. Students devoted time to observing plants both in our garden and through photo references, translating their observations into meticulous sketches, watercolor paintings, and tempera creations. The addition of beautifully painted mini terracotta pots further showcased their artistic flair. A delightful culmination of this artistic journey came as each student carefully selected a petite succulent to grace their newly adorned pot, a keepsake to adorn their homes. Our week's adventure culminated in a trip to Travers Park, where spirited camaraderie fueled a friendly competition between groups A and B. The objective: to collect the remnants of water balloons strewn across the grounds. Group B emerged triumphant, collecting an impressive five jars of discarded water balloon fragments. Beyond the tangible victory, the most heartening outcome was witnessing the inspiring ripple effect as children outside our program joined the cleanup, united by shared enthusiasm and a commitment to fostering a cleaner environment. -Teacher Gina Piersanti |