More Than Half Way There

                 It seems normal now to get up, get ourselves dressed, clean our cabins, and head to breakfast in the dining hall.  After all this is our third full day ofcamp.  What hasn't set in for our campers is that they are nearing the end of this adventure and we aren't saying a word because we want them to enjoy every single second.  Breakfast this morning was a familiar sight; bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches along with hash browns.  If that didn't suit their fancy there was fresh fruit and cereal always available to them to munch on.  After making sure our chores were done it was off to have fun.

                For our younger group there was an activity called bugs thrown into the group.  Now please don’t get squeamish thinking this is a creepy crawly kind of thing.  It is actually an environmental education workshop but it sounds a whole lot more fun if we call it bugs and it lets our youth do a little creek stomping.  They also got the chance to search for fossils today and play new games and kickball.  Don’t worry, the weather was perfect, with very little humidity and the temperatures were just right in the mid 80’s.  Even though they weren't necessarily sweating up a storm, everyone got the chance to get in to the pool (after all it isn't camp without a dip in the water every day). 

                While our younger campers were enjoying their new stomping grounds the older youth were learning some helpful skills like building a camp fire, using a gps, and our trekkers were headed to the Dan River for their canoeing/camping adventure.  The adventurers were at the outpost setting up camp, cooking over the campfire, and have practical environmental education experiences.

                After all this fun you might be wondering if we did take a moment to stop and eat, and even refresh ourselves.  Well we sure did.  Lunch was a big favorite of meatball subs, and cheese sticks.  Want to see meals get devoured?  This one sure did.  Of course after lunch it was back to the fun of camp until our next break at camp store where we can get one snack (ice cream or chips) and a drink.  After a ginormous 4 square tournament, and some serious dance moves it was time to head back out for more fun on the camp grounds.

                After the last activity and a rest break it was time to eat again.  Honestly no one should ever go hungry.  Dinner tonight was the most tender pot roast you can imagine, paired with dirty rice, mixed veggies, and yeast rolls.  It was a meal fit for the most active of campers.  No time to nap after that wonderful meal because it was time for the most important announcement of the day, the winner of the golden faucet.  As the flags were lowered anticipation grew.  Dr. J was ready to make the big announcement…the silver toilet seat (second place) was awarded to cabin 5 (the youngest boys cabin) while the golden faucet was awarded to the girls in cabin 1 (the youngest girls cabin).

                No time to celebrate as we headed directly into the rec hall to enjoy the talent show.  I can tell you we have some very talented youth.  Everything from solving a Rubik’s Cube to belly rolls, singing, dancing, and soo much more.  Our hosts for the event were Scary Potter and Dr. J’s GrandPaPa.  After intermission (which of course included popcorn) two other characters (and we should leave it at characters) hosted our talent showcase.  Needless to say everyone had a great time.

                After all this fun it was time to hit the showers.  Literally our campers went back to the cabins to hit the showers and then hit the hay.  Time to dream away the night and rest up for our last full day of camp. 

Nothing Terrible about These Twos.

We hit the ground running today as we got up and hit day two of 4-H camp at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H educational center.  The activity schedule each day is a little different for our groups but the main schedule which includes times to eat all stays the same.  Speaking of eating, breakfast included eggs and bagels.  Of course there was also fresh fruit available.  Have we mentioned we have lots of food choices here?

                After all the fun of cleaning up around the camp it was time to head to our first activity.  Today canoeing, boulder wall, and high ropes were on the agenda for many campers.  Although there are many staples to the activity schedule, such as creek stomping and arts and crafts, each day’s schedule is different so campers get the chance to try many things and see what might fascinate them.  After we had a few activities under our belt we had worked up an appetite so it was time to head to the dining hall for an incredible lunch of homemade pizza.

                After lunch we hiked to the beaver dam, had our favorite choice activity, pool time and horseback riding.  Even though we were getting used to our schedule, Mother Nature decided to step in and mess with our plans.  When the sun went away and the rain came down we thought about continuing but then the thunder came rolling in and it was time to head to the rec hall.  We went ahead and had camp store a little early and when we were done so was Mother Nature and we headed back to our fun. 

                After our activities we noticed hunger set in so it was time to head back to the down to the dining hall for dinner.  Bar-B-Q chicken was on the menu along with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and green beans.  While we were at dinner Mother Nature divided to return.  However what she didn't know is that rain makes rest time just a bit nicer.  We do wish she had left before our evening hike tonight but no luck.  So we hiked back to the rec hall with everyone.  Since flag lowering could not happen in the rain we gathered to hear the important awarding of the cleanest cabin award.  Tonight cabin 1 walked away with the silver toilet and cabin 8 took home the golden faucet. 

                After the bragging rights were handed out it was time to move on to the games for the evening.  First off was human bowling.  The humans were the bowlers and the pins and the staff definitely didn't hit a gutter ball with this game.  After a few rounds it was time for Aye Aye Captain.  A pirate’s version of Simon Says, with a few more twists and turns.  If that wasn't enough we played the most exciting game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, that I can ever remember.  Just in case you think our evening campfire might have gotten rained out never fear.  Even though the flames never hit our s ‘mores, it didn't stop of from making them and devouring them.

                After a great snack it was time to run through the rain drops and back to our cabins.  Tonight, after all ready being soaked there were no arguments about taking a hot shower and getting ready for bed.  It should be a peaceful night tonight as our sleepy heads hit the pillow.  As we dream about tomorrow please know how much we appreciate everyone who made this possible.  

Getting into the Swing of Things

                                       

                Admittedly getting up early can be difficult for our campers when they have had so much fun their first day of camp.  None the less at 7 a.m. it was time to rise and shine, get dressed, brush their teeth, and tackle their first full day at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center.  Our younger campers then hit the dining hall for breakfast (this morning it was French toast and bacon) while the older campers worked on cleaning their cabins.  At 8:15 everyone meets in the middle of the camp for flag raising and then the younger ones take on their chores while the older campers enjoy their breakfast.

                It is not long after when everyone hits the camp for their very first organized activities of the week.  It doesn’t seem to matter where you turn there is a group just about everywhere.  Our younger campers hit the craft shelter to start working on making their own pet chickens.  Heart and Hands groups jumped right into the activities by jumping into the pool.  The Health group headed out for a Beaver Hike at the Beaver dam.  Our older youth were enjoying horseback riding, archery, canoeing, and a gianormous game of jump rope, which turned into a game of don’t let the gianormous rope touch you.

                After all that fun we had worked up an appetite. Good thing lunch was being served in the dining hall.  We had grilled chicken sandwiches and potato wedges for our meal which was just right to take the edge off of the hunger.  After lunch we got back on track with groups headed to canoes, archery, and crafts.  Mid afternoon we take a break for camp store.  All the volunteers and agents run the store where we can purchase a drink, water bottle, and snack.  Nothing like an ice cold drink or ice cream on a hot day.  After camp store we have one more activity before heading back to our cabins for rest period or dinner. 

                Dinner tonight was an international favorite of tacos.  We had all the fixings to make it just like we like.  After cleaning up it was time for a little rest then up and off to flag lowering.  Of course, the announcement of the day centered on the cleanest cabin awards.  Today the girls had the silver toilet seat awarded to them (second place in camp lingo) as cabin three took top honors.  On the other side of the camp the boys received the gold faucet (first place) as cabin 7 took top honors with a perfect score.  After the trash talk and rubbing of Dr. Js head for luck it was time to get on to the adventure of the night.

                Tonight our younger campers in the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health groups enjoyed water sports while our older campers in the Earth, and Sun groups enjoyed a hike and campfire.  Water sports consists of four areas for our campers to enjoy.  There is a dizzy bat relay where the group is split into two teams and they must turn 10 times around a pool noodle, keeping their forehead on the noodle.  Once they are thoroughly dizzy it is their responsibility to take a sponge full of water and transfer as much water to a bucket at the end of the course and run back.  Needless to say it makes for some great laughter.  Further down the hill was a soapy slip and slide that had everyone sliding down the hill on their stomach.  Of course water sports would not be water sports if a trip to the lake and pool were not included.  After snack it was time to make our way to the cabins for showers and bed.

                There were lots of smiles, and good times today.  Tomorrow will bring more adventures and even more photos.  Stay tuned to our continuing Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center camping extravaganza.

We Made It!

It was a quick hug and kiss as we loaded up at O. P. Owens this morning.  Thanks to Mr. Greg our Horizon Tour bus driver it was just a brief stop and we were in Asheboro before we knew it.  Lunch at Golden Corral (where by the way we received several compliments for being so well behaved) and we were back on the road again.

  Just after two we were welcomed to Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Center by the very friendly staff.  Just because it was our first day of camp don't think we weren't as busy as all get out, becuase it all started as soon as stepped off the bus.  We made sure to get all our stuff off the bus and to the designated meeting place.  Then it was time for check in, cabin assignments, and a brief hello to the camp nurse before moving into our cabins.  Picking bunks and unpacking was just the beginning of our great adventure. 

  Dinner was a cookout complete with hot dogs, potato chips, watermelon, and cookies.  As we finished eating we played games in the field.  Everything from soccer to chase, and some of us just sat and got to know each other.  Before we knew it we were up and headed out again, this time to the Rec Hall where we had introductions of all the staff, Leaders in Training (L.I.T.) and even the 4-H Agents and volunteers.  We weren't sitting and talking for long.  Dr. Jacobs, a.k.a. Damien got us up and dancing for the Get Fit Challenge and did we have a great time.

  After dancing up a storm it was time to head to camp fire.  Songs, skits, and smoke were the highlights of this event.  We had a ball as our counselors entertained us and we had a chance to sit back and enjoy.  However we were not sitting too long as it was soon time to head to the cabins.  Showers, teeth brushing, and climbing into bed was the next order of business.  Some of us were snoring even before our heads officially hit the pillow.  It was a long and exciting first day of camp.  Can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for us.

Last Day of Jr. Chef Academy is just SWEET!

                Normally we would not say our last day of any camp is sweet, but in this case it is the only phrase that fits.  You see our last day of this year’s camp was centered on some sweet treats like cake, cookies, and food decorating.  You might have noticed during our week we focused on local foods, value added products and eating healthy.  So where does all this fit in?  Well read on and see.

                We started our day as we usually do reviewing what we learned and liked from the day before.  After that it was time for our local businesses to review their business plans and adjust their request for investment monies accordingly.  Must give our entrepreneurs credit as they came up with some well thought out proposals for our banker.  Everything from planning for employee salaries and benefits, to the amount of collateral and investment they would be providing.  Each one was able to meet with the banker and received a handshake on an offer of investment for their companies.
While working in the kitchen with Mrs. Janice the group got to practice their baking, measuring, and receipe reading skills.  Each group made a butter cake and different shaped chocolate chip cookies.  It was so much fun pressing the cookie dough into place and watching both the cake and cookies rise.  We made a horse shoe cake becuase it is a sign of good luck and a very nice person who knew that we were doing baking for our Day Camp this year, actually donated the Wilton Cake pan becuase he liked the impact 4-H has on our young folks.

                Feeling on top of the world, the campers took a snack break before breaking into groups to cook and design the Jr. Chef Common Cents (our version of currency).  Each group voted on their top contenders in terms of cash dollars.  While one group was decorating paper the other group was baking up something to decorate later.  Cake and cookies were on the menu.  Both are great vehicles for decoration and icing which makes them even sweeter. 

                After a lunch of incredible, edible, pizza it was time to get down to business.  Our groups separated again and while one learned about using decorating bags and tips (decorating their very own cookies) the other group had broken back into their businesses to create and design their own menu.  After about an hour the groups switched so everyone got to play in icing, and decorate their own cookies.

                The last day would not be complete without a visit from Mrs. T.  We bowled, we played a quiz game about foods and we made our own snack (a turkey wrap).  When we went home we had our own 4-H aprons to cook in, a small tin with decorating supplies, a cookbook, and flying discs from Mrs. T.  It was a great week of fun!  So much so, we can’t wait to see what is in store.

This was a Fine Day

       Yes, it is Thursday and we are almost near the end of our 4-H Jr. Chef Academy Experience but we are still not out of fun and new things to do.  Today we loaded up in the vans and headed to the prestigious Pinehurst Resort.  You may have heard of the place, why just last month it was the location to this little gold tournament called the U. S. Open.  This month it is host to our 4-H Jr. Chef Day Campers.
     When we arrived we were greeted by the Pinehurst staff and asked to relax in the comfort of the front lobby while they finished preparing the private dining room for our wonderful experience.
At 11:30 we were lead to the private dining room where we learned about good posture as we sat in, as one camper described it, the softest leather chairs ever made.  As we sat with our backs straight (not leaning against the back of the chair) and feet on (or at least pointed toward) the ground we prepared for the most elegant experience of our lives.  Mr. Brian, our etiquette instructor (and the manager of fine dining), introduced us to Ms. Laura and the rest of the staff who would be taking care of us.  Our first lesson was on utensils and passing items.  He also explained that when items were set in front of us they would come from the left and our empty plates would be cleared from the right.  One other important lesson, we do not stack plates.  When we are done they will be removed we are not to stack the empty plates, becuase it really is not helping.  We also got a lesson on bread and breaking off what you plan to eat and only buttering that piece, not the entire roll.  After our salad, and learning about passing and utensils we had a surprise that hardly anyone in our group had ever seen, sorbet.  A raspberry sorbet is different than ice cream and is used as a pallet cleaner so that your taste buds are ready for the main course.  Shortly after enjoying our cold treat it was time for the main course.  We had a breaded boneless chicken breast (that was oh so tender and juicy) mashed potatoes (that were the prettiest presentation of potatoes ever) and broccoli.  As we practiced using our other utensils we also learned about napkin placement when we get up from our place but are not yet finished (next to the fork on the table).
     The dining room was the most quiet it had ever been as our youth were not sure if talking was allowed.  Although we assured them quiet chatter was appropriate, there were concerns that the etiquette police might come and write them up if they talked more than a whisper.  At the end of the meal we were treated to the most luxurious slice of Key Lime pie ever made.  After the most wonderful meal we had a chance to ask etiquette questions, including if there is such a thing as etiquette police.  At the Pinehurst Resort we were assured that there are etiquette police, Mr. Brian and his associate Ms. Laura serve in that role.  We were told that if someone should commit an etiquette faux pas such as talking on their cell phone in the dining room, or being too boisterous, they will be asked to leave the dining room until they complete their business.
  Fine dining was not the last of this visit.  Chef T, also known as Chef Thierry Debailleul, joined us in the dining room and asked us how we enjoyed the meal.  He then took us on a tour of the expansive kitchen at the resort.  We saw the menu, vats, bakery (they have their own bakery), and even a private garden out back where they harvest fresh herbs and vegetables used in their dishes.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.
     After lunch and a fantastic tour where we felt like princes and princesses, we moved on into the Village of Pinehurst for a scavenger hunt.  Taking our lesson with Mrs. April and Ms. Casey the day before on value added products, we split into three groups and visited all the stores to make a list of value added products.  As it turns out there were hundreds of products that we found.  Things we see everyday but did not realize they were value added.  Before the rain hit, we hit the vans and headed back to Robeson County with a brief stop of Geraldine's Peach Orchard where we all received a doughnut peach (she is the only grower of these grand treats in the state).  Since the weather was so rough we headed back to the office and processed all the fun we had today and all that we learned.  We promptly reported to Ms. Casey about our finds and how we applied all that she had taught us this week.
  Tomorrow looks like it will be even sweeter as we wrap up our week of day camp.  Stay tuned for more....  

Take Your Best Shot

Here we go again.  Just as you are getting used to the blog, shutterfly, Twitter, and finding us on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Facebook page we had to add one more.  We have resisted doing this but in an effort to share our leadership learning we had to start our very own Instagram account at 4-H Congress.  So if you are one of those Instagram groupies here is your chance to follow Robeson_4H on Instagram.

  Now don't fret if you are reading this thinking I really don't want to add another account, but I'm scared I'll miss something if I don't do it.  Photos posted on any site will wind up on Shutterfly and linked to our blog.  So if Instagram is your thing, look us up you can find us there.  If it's not your thing...not to worry.  Tune in here for all the best shots all the time.