Stewards and stewards in training (SITs) stayed overnight at Tollgate for a great camping experience. The stewards and SITs are middle and high school students who volunteer to help the staff facilitate learning at camp. This weekend was a chance for them to learn about the farm and enjoy camp activities as “campers.” You can find out more about the stewards and SITs program here: http://tollgate.msu.edu/camps/teen-stewards-volunteer-program.
We began the camp day with the flag ceremony. The educational leaders lead the raising of the American flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and the 4-H pledge.
It started to rain and there was dancing!
Staff made some quick changes to accommodate the uncooperative weather. Ms. Ellen lead an activity to talk about comfort zones using circles and common experiences.
First, the inner circle is the comfort zone. For example, watching TV on the couch is comfortable and relaxing.
The second circle is the learning zone. Here may be a variety of scenarios such as: eating a new food, learning a new language, or trying a new activity at camp.
The third circle is the panic zone. This is where learning stops and fear keeps us from engaging with a task. This varies but may include: traveling somewhere new, taking a difficult class, trying a task that is very difficult.
The picture shows how we responded differently to the same scenario: milking a goat.
The rain let up and we were able to continue activity rotations outdoors. Ms. Nicole taught bow and arrow safety at the archery station. The stewards and SITs learned the steps to safely shoot a bow and arrow (1. Take your stance. 2. Bow hand set. 3. Nock Arrow. 4. Set Hook. 5. Raise Bow. 6. Draw. 7. Anchor. 8. Aim. 9. Release).
The teens also experienced canoeing on the pond. They learned canoe safety from Ms. Ellen and their educational leader.
They are ready to show off their skills and teach campers how to canoe! 
Stewards and SITs also participated in casting practice and fishing. Many teens caught fish in the pond!
After dinner, Ms. Nicole explained how to play an all camp game. Stewards and SITs broke into 5 groups and competed to complete tasks for tokens around the farm. 
All teens in each group linked arms to focus on interdependence as a team. 
This team had to milk the goats as a task.
This team hung bird feeders.
These girls practiced casting fishing poles in the field. 
These eggs were found in the chicken coup. One egg was laid with the soft membrane and no hard shell. 
The teens set up “tent city” for a night under the stars. 
How many teens does it take to set up the girl staffs’ tent?
The campfire with s’mores and hot dogs was a favorite! 
We shared songs- new and old. And there was more dancing! Look for the video here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B2AHPBDUEuRfV3dCdmRIQ0VTbGs?usp=sharing!
The campsite was peaceful early in the morning.
After breakfast, the stewards participated in a pond study. They used observation bins and spoons to look at creatures at different levels in our pond.
We had a great two days at summer camp! You can see the entire weekend in photos here: https://goo.gl/photos/rPJUgjpvG4hHFs3i7.