Lighting a Fire Under Us

  Today it is about fire, magic, and safety.  If you are trying to figure out how this all fits into day three of our 4-H Jr. Chef Day Camp, not to worry we will be happy to explain how it all fits together. 
  Like with most camps we started the day going over what we liked and learned so far.  You would be amazed at how much our day campers have soaked up and are able to talk with us about.  From the parts of a cow, to how meat is cooked, and even their favorite cuts, they are happy to talk with us about all the details involved with BBQ.
  From there we practiced for the big event on Friday.  That is when we will be lighting the grills.  We have three grills that can be lit using a charcoal chimney and either paper, lighter fluid, or a fire starting cube.  Our youth learned first and foremost, they will not be lighting any kind of fire without an adult.  After a successful practice round it was time to split up and head into the kitchen and auditorium for a day of fun and learning.
  In the kitchen our youth made blueberry muffins from scratch.  We used local berries and measured to the nearest t.  When the muffins came out of the oven some were brushed with a lemon glaze and were dipped in sugar.  The others were dipped in a cinnamon sugar.  Both were judged as excellent.
  While some of us were cooking the rest were working on communication skills.  We played a game that stressed the importance of listening.  After all in a kitchen not only do you need to communicated with others about instructions on food but also your location in the kitchen.  It is just as important to listen to others who are communicating with you.  From there were played some brain teasers that made our youth look at things from different angles and start having a little fun figuring out different types of brain teasers.  They all did a great job.
  After lunch we made a magic fruit salad, and worked on taking temperatures and learning what is safe and what is a bacteria inducing haven. 
In between all the learning we took a break to meet Lumberton Assistant Fire Chief Chris West who talked with us about fire safety, especially with the grill.  We know better how to handle a fire, and again he stressed that we don't grill without an adult.     At the end of the day we had learned a lot and were very happy to hit the carpet and play our favorite game, the quiet game.  It gives us a little time to think about what is coming tomorrow.  YUM!