Water Camp + Horse Camp: Day One

Hi everybody! Welcome to Water and Horse Camp. My name is Coltrane the Turtle, and I live at the Tollgate Activity Center in a tank by the bookshelf. BUT, this week, I’m making it my goal to get out of my tank more, and see what’s going on not only in the AC, but all over the farm (both in Water and Horse Camp- scroll halfway down for horse-related activities). Don’t believe that I got out of my tank? Here’s some proof:

Checking out the Garden Kitchen menu

Hanging out with the red peppers

So I’m taking over this blog to log my days of freedom! It all started with a flag ceremony to welcome new campers and welcome back familiar faces.

Oh say can you see?

After that, the campers divided and conquered animal chores! The animals in the barn and I are very close, and they told me they had a great time meeting everyone.

Bunnies make me hoppy

A friendly hello from this goat

After that, campers got acquainted with the garden. They even made a rain gauge to measure precipitation over the week out of only a pop bottle and some fish tank stones. And most groups had some extra time after that to try some fresh raspberries, lettuce, and kale.

The creation of the rain gauge

Berry delicious!

Even I tried the kale– five turtle stars!

Then, campers made tie-dye shirts to wear on Friday. There were lots of great colors, and I have to say, I have a feeling this batch of shirts is going to be one of the best I’ve seen.

A splash of color can brighten up any shirt!

I wonder if they have my size…

After a fun-filled morning, we took a break to eat some lunch and reenergize. And it’s a good thing we did because next on the agenda was a puddle hike. Groups either went to the forest or out by the pond and laid a hula-hoop down around an area that they thought would collect the most rain. I’m told we will be checking each spot throughout the week!

I myself enjoy a good pond hike now and then

These peppers found a smart spot for their hoop!

After that, the peppers needed even more energy because it was time for a game of molecule tag! The different color bandanas represent different molecules that either cause campers to stick together or break free of one another. I think it’s safe to say the peppers enjoyed this game quite a bit!

A record-breaking chain of six molecules! 

Molecule-turned-bandit

After that, campers turned their attention to their STEAM project for the week: building boats. Today, everyone was able to sketch out their ideas and collect some materials for their boats, which must be built out of natural materials found on the Tollgate grounds. I saw the seeds of some very promising ideas!

This camper looks ready to get building!

An inspired design

And finally, a Tollgate favorite: Garden Kitchen. Today in the kitchen, there were tons of veggies from our very own garden, including tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Water Campers and Horse Campers alike joined together to create two tasty treats; get the recipes below!

Secret smoothie ingredient? Ginger!

I’d say she likes it

Mixin’ it up!

Good food & great friends…what more could you need?

Turn your kitchen at home into Garden Kitchen!

All this and it’s only day one!

Now, if you’re wishing my freedom log included a picture of your camper, fear not! I took many more photos during my TAFT (time away from tank). Click here to check them out! 

Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. While out wandering the farm, I noticed something new. Horse campers were on the farm too! They started off the morning learning about horse safety, grooming techniques, and completing K-W-L sheets. K-W-L you ask? This talked about what the camper already knows, what they want to know, and at the end of the week they will write about what they learned at camp!

Campers used the curry comb to loosen up the dirt

The dandy brush was used to brush off the dirt

Red is happy to be clean!

Campers know a lot about horses already! And there is so much more to learn!

K-W-L

The horse campers also tie-dyed camp tee shirts. They sprayed vibrant colors and created some unique designs. I cannot wait for Friday to see their masterpieces!

Tie-Dye fun with the green peppers!

Free style dyeing

I spied with my turtle eyes…A scavenger hunt around the farm! It was a horse scavenger hunt that took campers from the pasture to the hay field to the forest!

First, they checked the map.

What is a castrated male horse called?

Horses are measured in hands. How many inches are in a “hand”?

Later in the afternoon, I saw campers riding horses. They practiced great safety and wore their helmets!

It’s a good fit!

Riding in the arena!

Practicing balance!

Happy camper!

If you are as excited as I am about horse camp, you can view more photos at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ym64nnDy2jzg4Pzt7.

** Horse camp reminder- please wear long pants and shoes with a small heel for safety around the horses**

So as you can see, I saw a ton in only one day of walking around the camp (at a very slow pace, mind you). I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds. Until then!

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