Reflections on the First Month of Farm to School Summer Programs

By Justin Allison, AmeriCorps Summer Associate

Campers show off the delicious greens and herbs they harvested to make a snack at camp.

Just like that our first month of summer programming is already in the books. Time really does fly when you're having fun!

We kicked things off this summer with our once a week program at Quail Hollow Cooperative Day School. Meeting every Tuesday, this first month has primarily been focused on getting the garden planted and teaching the little ones about plant parts and garden jobs.

Our first full week summer camp, Garden Explorers, for 1st and 2nd graders started on the 14th and what a blast that was! Some of these kids were able to get into the garden for the very first time and all of our campers were very brave tasters when trying new things. The favorite activity/snack was making 'Garden on a Cracker’ with fresh ingredients harvested from our garden.

A garden on a cracker!

Our next week we had Art in the Garden for 3rd-5th graders as well as the start of our Belgrade Middle School program. Campers created many different works of art inspired by the gardens at Story Mill Park. And, with temperatures on the warmer side during this week it’s no surprise that our camp-made sun tea was a huge hit!

Showing off some garden-inspired art

Wrapping up the month of June, we were excited to offer our first ever multi-camp week at Story Mill park with our Budding Artist camp for 1st and 2nd graders as well as our Magic in the Garden camp for preschool and kindergarteners.

Making some “magical” lemonade and snacks at Magic in the Garden camp

Though the heat remained a constant force through this first month, our amazing staff has made extra efforts in keeping our kids cool, hydrated, and sunscreened throughout the day to ensure their safety while they are having fun.

Watering the garden with sponges helps keep both plants and campers cool!

We’re looking forward to more Summer Camps, community programs, and other activities for youth and families thoroughout the rest of the summer!