KIRKLAND, Sick. — Space schoolchildren obtained their palms soiled July 27 studying about bugs, composting and the function that worms play in sustainable meals manufacturing through the kickoff of a day camp run by the DeKalb County Group Gardens.
The primary of a two-day Sustainable Meals Safari Camp started at DCCG’s Walnut Grove Vocational Farm, 33600 Pearl St., Kirkland.
Campers ages 11-15 discovered about composting, vermiculture and useful bugs earlier than boarding a bus to Klein’s Farm and Backyard Market in Elgin and the Milk Home in Pingree Grove for personal excursions and sampling at every location.
“That is the second yr that we’ve performed the sustainable meals safari camp,” stated Jackie DiNatale, affiliate director of DeKalb County Group Gardens.
She stated the camp is made attainable by a grant by way of the Sustainable Analysis and Training federal program.
“SARE, it’s an agricultural grant to get children out on the farm and see what’s taking place,” DiNatale stated.
The SARE program, which operates in 4 areas, provides aggressive grants and schooling program funding all through the nation. Illinois is included within the North Central area.
North Central SARE strengthens communities, will increase producers’ profitability and improves the setting by way of grants and schooling.
Throughout the first cease at Walnut Grove, DiNatale stated not solely did college students find out about vermiculture and composting, however additionally they participated in a useful bug hunt throughout which they recognized bugs which are good for vegetation. Members additionally took half in a garden vegetable scavenger hunt by fixing riddles.
Jordan Hargrave, 12, of Kirkland, stated she preferred to study concerning the several types of greens.
Whereas on the scavenger hunt for these greens, Jordan’s sister, Hope Hargrave, 14, discovered one of many useful bugs that was included on the farm bug hunt, a praying mantis mixing in among the many greens.
One among seven different campers, Hunter Belanger, 14, of Esmond, stated he joined the day camp as a result of he wished to study extra about soil and enjoys studying about farm tradition.
As 9:45 a.m. approached, the campers gathered close to the doorway and boarded a bus offered by Voluntary Motion Middle.
At Klein’s, campers discovered about seasonal greens and sustainable weed administration. On the Milk Home, homeowners Clint and Brook Carey confirmed campers learn how to incorporate recent native produce into ice cream flavors.
