Week 1 of the Jersey Children, Farm Raised camp and Mommy and Me is complete and what a great time we had!

Yes we did have some record high temperatures but the little gardeners who joined us were eager to learn and the weather didn’t seem to bother them one bit.

This week we really focused on what it means to raise organic fruits and vegetables. The little gardeners all learned ways to naturally rid the garden

of pesky bugs and critters. We all decided we didn’t mind sharing some of the produce with the bugs and bunnies but they have to share also. Helpful friends to the garden were also introduced and we learned ways to attract them.

Many of the children brought in their own kitchen compost and thanks to those who did. Next years garden will benefit from that. After composting the gardeners helped us weed and water and harvest some delicious veggies. This week we had a lot of sugar snap peas and beans, as well as radishes and beets. Everyone tried fresh things they picked and washed themselves. How exciting it is to see children try and like vegetables and herbs that they harvested.

We also did some neat arts and crafts projects that included clay plant markers created with our guest artist Beth. The children made some really creative things and they should all be proud.

Along with gardening, art, and cooking the children helped us take care of the Rhode Island Reds and by the end of the week had these chickens eating right out of their hands. For some of us it was the first time we ever had a chance to hold a chicken and see them up close. I think a few Moms may receive requests for pet chickens.

By Wednesday the children had worked hard and played hard and we winded it all down with our friend Cornelia who came in and did a beautiful yoga practice under the shade of a circle of big old trees.

Of course the food prepared by Danielle during the Mommy and Me was delicious and again we had children and adults sampling things they may not have tried before. We have listed the recipes for you to enjoy and they are all have veggies that are right in season now.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the success of our first week. Debbie and Mike Rivers for all the work to ready the field and getting that stubborn tractor going again. Thanks to our junior gardeners Jake, Katie and Brian. The kids really bonded with you and your help to us was immeasurable.  Thanks to Dina, Linda and Farmer Sebastian. You really helped us keep a watchful eye on all the tiny gardeners who joined us for the first time. And thanks to the moms for believing that exposing your little ones to garden life and sustainable practices can really make a difference in our big world and our little families.

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