This past week we had 4-H Discovery Camp at our Bladen Extension Office! This was a 2-day camp for 5-8 year olds that allowed them to discover all the different areas of 4-H. There were 5 staff members who helped put on the camp which included Toni Newby (4-H agent), Krista Johnson (FCS agent), Jacob Barber (Horticulture agent), Matt Strickland (Row crops agent), and Libby Blosser (intern). We had a great turn out, with 16 kids attending each day!
On the first day of camp, students learned how to make a healthy fruit side salad with homemade citrus vinaigrette dressing, lasagna cups, and “ladybug” pancakes for dessert! The kids made their recipes each morning and enjoyed their homemade foods for lunch. After lunch, the 4-H agent, Toni Newby led several activities on bugs. The kids played a bug memory game, a big sweep activity to find different bugs outside, and time to draw their findings with chalk. After that, they got to “create” their own bug and present it to everyone. Later in the afternoon, we did crafts including making our own caterpillars and painting bug keychains. To end the day, we painted and decorated aprons to wear the next day when making our recipes!
The second day of camp was just as exciting! Students made homemade salsa, foil packet street corn, and tacos from scratch. They also made healthy banana splits for dessert! Following a yummy lunch, our Horticulture agent, Jacob Barber, presented the importance of flowers. The kids learned that flowers can be used for beautifying a home or garden, providing food for pollinators, and their role in producing fruit. They also learned about the different parts of a flower, and got to “discover” different flowers and dissect flower parts during an outdoor activity. The kids got to make their own mini greenhouse using basil seeds, a cotton ball, water, and a plastic cup and lid. During this activity, they learned about seed germination. To end the day, they learned about soil particles and how different types of particles differ in size and water-holding capacity. Lastly, they got to do the “soil shuffle” to end a fun-filled day.
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