GSAC 2 and Horse Camp- Day 3

We had a very fun and busy day at camp!

Meet the yellow peppers at green science camp! They loved the pond study today.

Campers learned about erosion using the erosion table. They designed 3 tracks for water to travel down to compare how different materials erode. Which materials were most resistant to water erosion?

The green peppers spent time in the garden looking for worms in the soil. Why do worms love to live in the garden?

This group also discussed soil types. Here the campers are looking at sand. How do the particles fit together? How does water flow through sand?

The campers also looked at gravel and clay. How do gravel, clay, and sand particles differ? Does water flow through the different soil types in the same way?

The yellow peppers spent time in the garden as well. They weeded the plant beds to allow extra space for the produce.

In the afternoon, campers explored the pond. They used nets and buckets to collect water with bugs and creatures.

Then the campers observed the water samples they collected. What did your camper find?

This group found a turtle. Other groups found mayflies, crayfish, fish, and butterflies.

Campers used pictures to determine species of critters in their buckets.

The pepper groups continued working on their sustainable farm project. What does it mean to have a sustainable farm? What features did your camper add to their farm?

Different groups collected materials from different locations around the farm to create unique projects.

Both green science and horse campers worked together to do the animal chores this morning.

These horse camp girls milked one of the goats.

This group fed the rabbits. What do rabbits like to eat?

This group played with the goats in the pasture.
This group enjoyed quality time with the cows. What is a female cow called? What is her baby called?

All campers on site also enjoyed snacks in garden kitchen today.

The homemade applesauce was serviced on a muffin with sunflower butter.

Here are the recipes:

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)

Blend watermelon in the blender. Strain the pureed watermelon if desired and add fresh lemon juice and mint leaves to taste.

Afternoon: Applesauce

8-10 apples
1 tsp cinnamon
Juice of ½ a lemon
4 chopped dates
½ cup water

Peel and core the apples. Slice into bit size pieces. Place the apples and chopped dates into a heated pan. Add the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. Cook the apples to cook for approximately 30 minutes or until they are soft and mushy. Turn off the heat and either blend the apples with a hand blender or in a blender. Add the lemon juice and cinnamon and blend to a smooth puree. Pour the applesauce into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

Horse campers learned about tying ropes to lead horses today. Should your camper wrap a rope tightly around their hand to lead a horse?

The campers practiced their riding skills today in the corral. What did your camper practice?

For their craft, the campers made horse shoe stones. They started with a pie tin filled with cement. Then they added jewels, beads, and other decorations.

The stones will sit and dry over night. Then you can remove the pie tin for a garden stone.

The farrier visited today to teach campers about horse shoes. How do you increase the size of a horse shoe? How do you make a horse shoe narrower?

The farrier also trimmed the horses’ hooves. Why is it important for a horse to have clipped hooves? Do all horses wear shoes? It is very important to feed horses a healthy diet. What do farmers feed horses to keep them healthy? What do horses enjoy as a treat?