By: Grayson Meck, Agricultural Sciences Virginia Tech
Summer Day Camp Week 1: Food Camp
In my previous post, I explained that my final meeting last Friday would consist of organizing and preparing for the Food Day Camp that we had this week. I am happy to say that all of that planning and discussing payed off, as we had a large total of 16 campers attend–and as far as I can tell they had a BLAST! Of course, the actual planning of the activities to help teach the campers important kitchen safety tips, how to cook, and about germs/bacteria was done by Miss Kim and Miss Kendra since they’re more involved with food nutrition and 4-H, but I was happy to jump in where I could. Most of the time I led the active, game type of activities because I think the kids enjoyed the presence of someone closer to their age. On the first day, I think Miss Kim and Miss Kendra could tell I might be a little anxious (I wasn’t very nervous since I’ve been a camp counselor for several years in the past). However, once I got up and led an introduction game where the campers got to introduce themselves and I introduced myself, too, I quickly realized that it was going to be a fun week filled with smiles and great food! Speaking of food, Miss Kendra and Miss Kim picked some excellent recipes for the kids that included many common household cooking machines in order to put them in the hands-on type of scenario that 4-H and FFA strive for. On Monday, we made Quinoa Pizza Bites, several different types of cheese spreads, and then provided a cheese plate with over 8 different kinds of cheese for them to try. In addition to the cooking, we emphasized the importance of dairy and made sure the campers knew that June is Dairy Month. The next day was focused primarily on breakfast and its importance for kids their age as they need to get that fiber, energy, and calcium that will help them grow strong. First, we cooked a variety of muffins, each containing a different type of flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, half all-purpose half whole wheat, and gluten free) to see if the campers might actually find that they enjoy these healthier alternatives. After some more fun and games, we made omelets in mugs, providing several different herbs and cheese choices. And to wrap the day up, the campers used mixers to create a sorbet for the following day. On Wednesday, the primary focus was vegetables and fruits. Along with several activities meant to emphasize the vitamins and minerals provided by fruits and vegetables, the campers made a stir fry with vegetables and noodles–which most of them enjoyed tremendously! Our second recipe for that day was yogurt parfaits, which I indulged in as well. On our final day of Camp this Thursday, our primary focus was protein. We played fruit bingo, the fishing food pyramid, and did a bacteria growing activity, but the highlight of that day was our Parmesan Chicken Nuggets. To go along with the nuggets, I was in charge of making the brown rice and orange salad, which to my surprise, the kids seem to like a lot! It was pretty tough saying goodbye to all the guys who wouldn’t be attending next weeks Horticulture camp, but when they left the kitchen demo room with big smiles on their faces, I couldn’t help but feel a huge sense of reward and accomplishment for providing a safe, educational program in which they met new friends, cooked new recipes, and learned in the process. That being said, today’s agenda was focused primarily on heading out to Wal-Mart and Lowes with Ed to get all of the supplies we will need for next weeks Horticulture Day Camp! I must say I am a little nervous because I am leading the entire first day with my own planned out activities, and I think most of my nervousness comes from the question of whether or not I picked activities that the kids will truly enjoy! Also, I am hoping that I can stick to my agenda time-table so that there won’t be any time wasted and that the campers are busy throughout. In either case, I am very, very excited to see all that Ed has planned for the rest of the week, and I am sure it will be just as successful as this past week! It’s so hard to believe June is coming to a close here soon, but I am proud to say that I have done something significant here at the Henrico office, and can’t wait to contribute more over the next few weeks!
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