Westerly Summer Learning Initiative 2023
The 2023 Westerly Summer Learning Initiative Camp funded by United Way combined the efforts and expertise of the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District’s Education Department, Mystic Aquarium STEM Mentoring Program, the Ayers Foundation (AF) of Westerly, Westerly Public Schools and their community partners (including Westerly Rec, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, NESS, Water Wonderers, and more). This camp is offered to more than sixty Westerly elementary- and middle-school students at a minimal cost.
Campers participated in weekly learning expeditions coordinated by the Ayers Foundation, which included hands-on learning at Hillandale Farm (an AF sister company) and local area farms and beaches. Leaders/educators on the farm included professional farmers, licensed teachers, Master Gardeners, nutrition experts, farm science undergraduate students, apiarists and a music teacher.
Campers participated in weekly learning expeditions coordinated by the Ayers Foundation, which included hands-on learning at Hillandale Farm (an AF sister company) and local area farms and beaches. Leaders/educators on the farm included professional farmers, licensed teachers, Master Gardeners, nutrition experts, farm science undergraduate students, apiarists and a music teacher.
This year's Ayers-sponsored learning expeditions allowed for student participation in a variety of hands-on STEM activities including culinary arts & nutritional science, plant care & soil management, aquaculture, animal husbandry, and music/art. Students learned the basics of animal life cycles and husbandry by helping to feed the farm’s laying hens, care for baby chickens, and collect eggs. Campers discussed honey bee behavior with local apiarists, observed the farm’s resident hive activity and sampled Hillandale honey. They searched the greenhouses and garden beds for beneficial insects (incl. Natural pollinators like butterflies and bumble bees), pests, and snakes. They learned about alpacas with a visit from a local alpaca farmer, received hands-on experience with oyster and clam aquaculture, and visited a partner farm to experience the ins and outs of raising heritage breed livestock.
Farmer Alan of Lazy K Ranch in Foster brought alpaca visitors to meet the campers this year. Through engaging discussions, students learned many fascinating facts about these fiber-producing animals, including the ups and downs of raising them.
|
|
Students got their feet wet in the Salt Pond for an in-depth look at salt pond aquaculture, courtesy of Farmer Tom of Tom’s Clam Stand and Watch Hill Oyster Company. Students learned the ins and outs of year-round salt pond farming, and even had a chance to dig up a few clams!
|
|
|
Campers discussed many ways to make healthy and nutritious food and exercise choices every week with Chef Patrick of Fresher Choice. They participated in creating and sampling foods such as smoothies and brick-oven pizza using locally-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. They also learned how to make fast and easy healthy snacks using whole foods.
I learned that olive oil is good for your brain." |
|
Campers laughed as ticklish lady beetles crawled out of their hands and onto the leaves of tomato plants in the greenhouses; these beneficial insects play a helpful role in natural pest management. They planted and nurtured seeds of their choice, which were then taken back to plant in their home gardens. They explored the historic structures at Hillandale Farm and compared how farmers of the past utilized natural springs and land features to aid in refrigeration vs. today’s refrigeration options.
Students came to appreciate the value of composted food waste for farmers. Each student was supplied with a container that they used to transport home food waste back to camp, in order to create new compost at Hillandale Farm, Silk Tree Farm and even in the garden at the Westerly Middle School.
Students came to appreciate the value of composted food waste for farmers. Each student was supplied with a container that they used to transport home food waste back to camp, in order to create new compost at Hillandale Farm, Silk Tree Farm and even in the garden at the Westerly Middle School.
|
|
|
Farmer Cathy of Silk Tree Farm in Exeter welcomed students to her farm to learn more about the unique challenges that come with raising heritage breed goats, pigs and ducks. Farmer Cathy taught students how goats are milked and pigs are fed. They marveled at Pavo the peacock’s call, and giggled as they watched the wiggling ducks run for water.
Students also helped Farmer Cathy by stacking wood using the Holzhausen (“wood house”) technique, which is known for its exemplary ability to keep firewood dryer longer.
Students also helped Farmer Cathy by stacking wood using the Holzhausen (“wood house”) technique, which is known for its exemplary ability to keep firewood dryer longer.
|
|
Throughout all of our learning experiences, campers are encouraged to engage in asking thoughtful questions and thinking constructively, as well as proposing solutions and practical steps that they can take to be agents of change in their community. This Summer Learning camp model has a great history of success. This year's camp, as well as previous incarnations, served as an exemplary service learning model for the state of Rhode Island. The Ayers Foundation, in collaboration with The United Way, other sponsors, and community partners aim to expand/enhance this program in the future to add additional campers across a wider range of age groups and demographics, and to meet new and important learning objectives.
(Note: Above quotations are all reflections by 2023 Camp Participants.)
(Note: Above quotations are all reflections by 2023 Camp Participants.)