Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Detective Coltrane Turtle, and I have been hired by some Tollgate employees to investigate Survival 2 Camp and Horse Camp in order to determine whether or not the campers are having fun. In case you don’t believe that a turtle can be a detective, check out this pic:
Detective C.T. at your service
I started off my inquiry by noting that the campers have split up into four pepper groups. From youngest to oldest, they are: green, yellow, orange, and red. Then, I noticed that the campers went to the barn and started feeding and giving water to all the animals.
Breakfast time for the sheep!
Beautiful bovine
Quite a friendly goat
They seem very hungry
It was during this time that the Red Peppers discovered that some sneaky chickens laid DOZENS of eggs in the hay, just out of reach!
Egg galore!
After the animals were cared for, the peppers started to spray shirts with various colors, and from what I heard, this is called tie-dye. I saw some really awesome shirts, and I heard that peppers will get them on Thursday to wear for Friday!
I love tie-dye and I cannot lie
The beginnings of a masterpiece
Peppers at work
Then, it seemed like the peppers really started getting into the “survival” aspect of things with a talk about “Leave No Trace.” This series, which will go on throughout the week, teaches campers about how to treat nature, how to prepare for outdoor adventures, and how to handle emergency situations. Today, we discussed the ten essentials any hiker must take with them.
Camper listening ears are on
A little lesson in survival
After that, we had some time for lunch to re-energize for the next activity: a hike! But this wasn’t just any hike; it was a shelter building hike! This week, the campers will be adding to their shelters out in the woods every day they’re here!
Teamwork is the key to shelter building
The gathering of the materials
Getting to know each other while hiking is always fun!
When the peppers got back, they got to have another lesson on survival priorities. Campers learned the “STOP” method, which means stop, think, observe, and plan. They also got to rank all the things that hikers might need in an emergency from most important to least important.
Learning how to survive and thrive
Which is a higher priority: first aid supplies or water?
I also have to mention that when the campers had some extra time, they got to play with a big parachute and some plastic balls. It was a very colorful activity!
Mushroom!
Having a ball!
What more pics from my investigation? Click here!
As I mentioned above, I was also hired to look into Horse Camp this week. The horse campers started the day grooming the horses. I learned that it is important to use a curry comb, hard brush, soft brush, and tail and mane comb to keep the horses looking clean. Hoof picks are used to remove gravel, dirt, and other debris from the horse’s hoof.
The horse’s hooves were picked to keep them clean
These girls used curry combs and soft brushes
Red was hungry for breakfast
Then the campers talked about horse knowledge. They started something called a KWL- what they know, what they want to learn, and what they learned. This will be completed at the end of horse camp to look at all of their new knowledge and skills!
I know LOTS about horses!
I want to learn new riding skills!
Every good detective uses a magnifying glass. I took mine out to the horse pasture to investigate horse time. Campers were riding on Scout and Max today- learning to go, stop, steer, and back up.
Riding Max
Riding looks like fun to me
He learned to steer using the reins
These campers loved Big Max the Percheron
If you would like to see additional horse camp photos, you can click on the link! https://photos.app.goo.gl/nnnZ3F9xDp1jaRwk7
The campers all came together for Garden Kitchen! We kicked this week off with a scrumptious smoothie and salad. Check out the recipes below!
Secret ingredient = chia seeds
Nothing like a morning smoothie
Two pals and curly kale
I’ve composed a list of today’s activities
AND the recipes from today, which include Tollgate veggies
Thus concludes my findings from today. It’s looking promising, but I won’t make a call yet. Join me tomorrow for another day of sleuthing!
-C.T.