Summer Camp Fun

Ebenezer's Explorers are on the go from the moment we gather to sing and cheer at our morning Camp Circle.  After a rousing round of motivational song, we split into groups and head out to get the morning chores done. 

Some head into the garden with Mr. Shaw to gather whatever is ripe.  Even weeds have been making into the kitchen for meals.  Lamb's Quarters which is similar to spinach (and even better) is one of our favorites! 

A particularly creative and enthusiastic group concocted  a wild weed soup and it was very well received by most : )  In addition to the Lamb's Quarters there was red clover, lemon sorrel and  yellow dock.    

On another day a trip to the pond brought back tasty cat tail flowers and bright red wild strawberries. 

Mr. Charlie's group has been taking care of the rabbits, providing them with gifts of fresh flowers to munch on every day, along with lots of welcomed affection.  They also visit and tend to the ducks and the task of rescuing the forlorn and wayfaring Beatrix, our Muscovy Duck who was being picked on by our other ducks.  We don't know what was going on, but they kept chasing her out of the pond and she was looking very bedraggled and dirty.  Now she has her own little pool and fresh water every day, so thing are turning around for her and she's beginning to perk up.  Once she's back to her old self, we'll see if we can get her back where she belongs. 
This group has also been making a nice new tree swing area for all to enjoy. 

Our new healthy cooking group, led by Mrs. Hook has been providing us with very good "good for you" snacks everyday.  We love to hear that old school bell clanging, announcing it's time to come and eat.  We all come running, wash up and find a seat around the big farm table and then wait to be served by our hosts.  The Butternut Squash Birthday cake was delicious!  Various dips and vegetables, fruit platters, cheeses, freshly made pretzels and biscuits have all been well received! 

We had a fruit smoothie taste test, yesterday, and we voted for our favorite out of 3 mixtures, each sweetened with a different natural sweetener of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar.  It was a tough vote - they all were just perfect on a very hot day.
We're also learning how avocados, carrots and blueberries as well as other simple foods actually nourish our bodies.  It seems like a good idea to eat those red peppers when we know they help our wounds heal better!

After the chores, we get a chance to blow off a some steam with water games, pond exploration and boat building.  We are on a mission to discover the best type of boat to float.  We're experimenting with all sorts of materials and constructions - we're going to find out what works and what doesn't!

One of Mr. Charlie's group projects was to construct a life size raft to sail out onto the pond.  The kids were very enthusiastic and committed to the effort.  Everyone gathered to witness the launch of the Great Raft. 

We watched as the logs floated away from each other when the ropes loosened in the water.  The building team scrambled to hold it together and finally abandoned ship, grabbing individual logs to hang on and float around the pond with.  They learned a few things by their first attempt and used the next few days to work and a new and improved raft. 

Again we gathered and watched apprehensively. It started out well.  Out into the pond it went.  It held.  Success!!!!  We could have sold tickets to all who waited their turn impatiently for their excursion on the Great Raft of Ebenezer Farm!

All of the experiences we are having together are connecting us in new ways, building relationships between children and leaders, children and other children, and each of us with the wonder-filled world of nature.  The older children are having the opportunity to help with the younger ones, whether it's playing games, or crafting or putting on shoes.  They are such a help to us, but even more than that, it's heartwarming to see them grow together in this way. 

As a matter of fact, the whole Ebenezer Farm environment is heartwarming for us, day after day after day.  Tiring...(make that exhausting!),  for sure, but so worth every bit of energy. 

Warmly,

Grace and Caleb