Day 1
Today campers traveled to the great Northern European country of Ireland, where they enjoyed a delicious sampling of some hearty Irish cooking. The menu included Irish soda bread, homemade toffee, Yukon and sweet potato gratin, and lentil salad.
Day 2
Campers spent the morning at a farm in Alhambra, IL picking deliciously ripe blackberries. Luckily, we narrowly avoided an ominous looking storm and were able to get a great harvest.
When we returned to camp, the campers made a sweet blackberry crisp with their freshly picked fruit then helped decorate our own garden with some custom made concrete stepping stones.
Day 3
Every Wednesday, campers experience Disabilities Awareness Day, where they venture outside to the garden and try various assistive devices, wheelchairs, splints, and casts. The day is always a big hit, and the campers go home with a greater sense of respect and appreciation for individuals who cope with physical disabilities.
Day 4
Today was an extra special day as two of our campers had birthdays to celebrate! We threw them a surprise birthday party, complete with cupcakes and everything.
The campers were able to put their culinary skills to work while helping others today. They made a delicious teriyaki salmon with steamed veggies and peach cobbler for residents that are part of the campus kitchen program, a program that provides meals using donated food for individuals who have trouble cooking for themselves. It is always a great experience and the kids feel great about helping others in need. Afterward, they headed to the pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun!
Day 5
The culmination of our Northern European week was a culinary adventure to Sweden, and the campers were anxious to let their parents taste the cinnamon rolls, gingersnaps, savory Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and colorful cucumber salad.
