We began the day with a “Pepper Party” to review C.A.R.E.S. and get to know each other. We then all gathered for our flag ceremony. The groups are divided into four colors of peppers: Green Peppers are with Ms. Dawn, Yellow Peppers are with Ms. Tanya, Orange Peppers are with Ms. Madeline, and Mr. Julian has the Red Peppers. Groups tie-dyed shirts today by the barn and will receive them on Thursday. Campers are invited to wear them for the last day of camp on Friday!
Since it was the first day of camp, we took a wagon ride around Tollgate to show everyone around.
Animals chores included milking the goats, collecting eggs from the chickens, or feeding and freshening water for the goats, calves, and sheep, depending on the group. Each group will have a chance to assist with each of the animal chores during the week. Other jobs included sweeping the barn and spraying off the shady patio.
After chores, campers get to do various games and activities related to the animals they took care of. Like making goat’s milk soap, going on an animal hike, chicken hangout, and a fun apple game! (I’ll include the soap recipe sometime this week)
Each week of camp we have a STEM activity. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. This week our STEM activity is nest building. Today was nest planning and gathering. Tomorrow we will begin to build our nests. At the end of the week the nests will be dropped to test them.
During garden time, the campers picked raspberries. The fresh raspberries were so delicious! Ms. Pam told us the rules of the garden so we can have a safe week of working in the garden. During garden kitchen, we made cucumber ribbon salad. My favorite part was watching everyone make the cool ribbons!
Cucumber Ribbon Salad
- 1 Medium Cucumber
- 2 Tbs. Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbs. Canola Oil
- ½ tsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
Directions
- Cut the ends off the cucumber. Cut in thirds
- Use spiral cutter to cut cukes
- Combine Vinegar, Oils.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with Sesame Seeds
Chocolate Cherry Crunch
- Cooking spray
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy corn cereal squares
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cherries
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300°.
- Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Coat parchment with cooking spray.
- Combine oats and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Combine honey and canola oil in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat 2 minutes or until warm. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and chocolate, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Gently stir chocolate mixture into oat mixture.
- Spread chocolate mixture onto prepared pan. Bake at 300° for 28 minutes, stirring twice. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Stir in cranberries. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.