Day 1
Home sweet home! This week campers will be cooking and baking a variety of delicious, home-style dishes from around the United States in honor of our country's upcoming independence day. Speaking of home... today began with an interesting hands-on lesson by a volunteer from the Missouri Conservation Society about common snakes and spiders we might find in the garden at home and here at SLU. Some can be dangerous, but many are helpful!
Today we traveled down to the great state of Louisiana and made delicious Creole cuisine. On the menu was some classic New Orleans-style gumbo complemented by a zesty red beans and rice mix, fresh corn bread, and sweet peach cobbler.
Luckily, the weather in St. Louis isn't quite as humid as New Orleans, so we were able to soak up some sunshine and get some fresh air outside during our nutrition lesson and physical activity time.
DAY 2
Today's weather was absolutely perfect for a field trip to Wentzville, Missouri where the campers celebrated American culture (and agriculture!) on a local organic farm. We had a ton of fun helping out farmer Chris by laying hay, harvesting garlic, and feeding his goats.
Farmer Chris shows off some of his hens and explains how they help keep his soil fertile
Hay isn't just for horses... it's for plants, too!
After a great morning, we walked across the street to a great park for a picnic lunch and a little free time
Back at SLU, we continued our culinary adventure to the East Coast, where the campers prepared Maryland style crab cakes and delicious blueberry buckle. A friend from the Occupational Therapy Camp even joined in on the fun!
Day 3
Each week, campers have the opportunity to experience life with a disability during disability awareness day. During the morning garden time, campers attempt to perform ordinary gardening tasks using special assistive devices, wheelchairs, leg braces, and blindness simulation goggles. Most campers find that the tasks are more challenging than they first assumed... and leave the garden with a new sense of admiration and respect for individuals who live with a physical disability.
While in the garden, the campers also take care of our lovely new chickens
Back in the kitchen in the afternoon, the campers learned how to make their own homemade butter to put on our Southern style sweet potato biscuits. Delicious!!
Day 4
Early this morning, the campers enjoyed the beautiful weather out in our garden. They also learned an easy, garden friendly soap recipe that will help get rid of pesky bugs but keep the plants and the environment safe.
Today we were able to show a little USA pride by helping out our neighbors at Campus Kitchen. In the morning, the campers made some delicious barbecue steak, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, and banana muffins. Later that afternoon, they took them over to individuals who have difficulty cooking for themselves.
After delivering the food, campers jumped in the pool and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon!
Day 5
Parent Day!! The campers have been anxiously awaiting this day all week... everyone is very excited to show off all that they have learned. We worked hard all day to make some spicy cinnamon brownies, jalapeno corn muffins, sweet potato tamales, and quinoa black bean salad that the parents will be able to taste this afternoon.
Mmmm.... tasty!!
When the campers weren't cooking, they were preparing decorations and getting themselves ready for the party this afternoon.
Family day was a huge success! Everyone enjoyed the grand finale to such a great week at camp. We hope to see you all again next year!
