Welcome back to Day 2 of Wildlife Animal Camp! Campers are discovering the similarities and differences between our farm animals and those that live in the wilderness around us. Our activities are helping us to explore these various ways of life.
The animals that we house here at Tollgate are used to a feeding schedule and know exactly when and where to expect their next meal. This isn’t always true for animals in the wilderness. Campers made bird-feeders to put up as a snack for birds that might be passing through our gardens and fields. Pepper Groups used Crisco as an adhesive to stick oatmeal and birdseeds to pinecones. Later in the week, we’ll take time to place our homemade bird-feeders around our camp.
Just a short walk away from our barn animals, live many wild creatures and critters of the woods. In order to investigate the different animals living in the woods, Pepper Groups laid out white paper and a stamp pad. Their hope was that when left alone, animals would walk through the ink and leave their footprints on the white paper, giving us clues as to what types of animals live in or visit these parts of the woods. The Green Peppers placed their paper at the base of a fallen tree. They hypothesized that some of the prints on their paper might have been from raccoons that live in this tree and come out at night. They also noticed that groups that placed their papers closer to our walking trails had fewer animal prints. They guessed that one reason for this could be the fact that the wildlife tries to keep their distance from human scent.
Miss Sara led the campers on a scavenger hunt for wildlife around the Children’s Garden. They were equipped with a magnifying glass to better examine different specimens, and paper and pencil for recording their findings. Campers were excited to find a large group of caterpillars living in the garden! We even collected a few to keep in the AC. Our hope is that we’ll be able to watch the daily changes that take place as they metamorphosize into butterflies.
We’re glad to announce that our sheep and goats are back this week! Campers will get to participate in feeding, milking and cleaning their pens.
Purple Peppers found some free time to pay a visit to a few of our horses, Sesame and Friday. The horses enjoyed grooming and a few treats.
Later this week, we’ll take a walk to the pond and try our luck with fishing. Before that happens, campers had a chance to familiarize themselves with casting and reeling with the fishing poles. When they were done, they played a few rounds of Wrens and Jays.
During the morning sessions of Garden Kitchen, campers made Cucumber Ribbon Salad. The ribbons were topped with toasted sesame seeds, giving it a smokey crunch!
When campers came back in the afternoon, they helped Miss Emma make Deviled Eggs. The recipe is listed below.
Deviled Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
Directions: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add eggs. Set a timer for 14 min. Prepare an ice water bath and set aside. When timer goes off, place eggs in ice water. Once the eggs have cooled completely, peel them and slice in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl. Set egg whites on a plate. Mash the yolks with a fork and add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir to mix. Use a spoon to add a portion of the deviled egg mixture back into the hole of each egg white. Sprinkle with paprika.
Reminder: We’re expecting a mix of high temperatures and rain this week! Please send your campers prepared with a water bottle, rain gear, sunscreen and bug spray. We’re looking forward to a great week!