Life and Science

Day two of 4-H Jr. Master Gardener (JMG) Day Camp and these campers didn't cloud up and rain about the early hour for our field trip, however Mother Nature was not as kind.  We left early this morning to head up to the Life and Science Museum in Durham.  It is an awesome place that allows us to have all sorts of hands on, and up close and personal experiences that are part of our JMG curriculum.
  The rain started on our drive up and we did our best to adjust when we got to the museum.  Our first stop, the Butterfly Pavilion.  There we saw plants that we had never seen before, saw the largest fruit tree, and the largest seed in the world.  All of that before the most magnificent release of butterflies into the pavilion that contains between 800-1,000 various species of the winged creatures.  After holding, watching, and just being in awe of the beautiful creatures it was time to explore more creatures at the Museum.
  Our campers had a blast watching ants in their habitat, finding the queen in a hive of bees, and running from hissing cockroaches (don't worry they were contained).  The poison tree frogs, hair spiders (and tarantula) were all big draws, but the microscopes, hands on opportunities and opportunities to explore insects under a microscope really got their attention.
  We took a brief break for lunch then headed back in to explore the inside of the main building.  Youth learned origami, weather patterns, and the power of wind.  Our youth got to direct satellites, learn about proportion, and see wildlife up close.  They had a chance to use technology to see what it would be like to try to collect sand in their hands, without ever touching it, and played a variety of games.
  All of that before we loaded the vans and headed back home.  One camper said it was the best day of camp ever!  With that being said, tomorrow is Wednesday and we are going to try to top it.  How will be do it?  Stay tuned...