From August 5 to 22, students in the second annual Attica Ag Camp Program grew, harvested, prepared, and enjoyed a variety of summer produce from our district's high tunnel, courtyard gardens, and community partners.
Throughout the camp, students actively participated in a variety of hands-on experiences, gaining a deeper appreciation for agriculture, sustainability, and culinary arts under the direction of advisors Becky Sphar, Melissa Brooks, and Janelle Bauer.
During the camp, students heard from special guests including Katie Carpenter of the Vintage Cow about the dairy industry. They explored dairy industry careers, ice cream making, and even enjoyed a taste test! Don Gasiewicz of Cornell Cooperative Extension helped seed a fall crop in the district high tunnel, and Bubby's Breads explored using fresh vegetables to enhance a homemade focaccia bread. Attica's own John Versage opened the technology room to make charcuterie boards with the campers.
In the kitchen, campers cooked up a storm, whipping up dishes like fried green tomatoes, peach jam, bruschetta, and zucchini and summer squash casserole. They experimented with new vegetables, learned new kitchen skills, and left with a newfound passion for local foods, using what your garden provides you with, and adapting recipes to fit the growing season you are in!
The campers also took on the challenges of maintaining the garden and high tunnel- watering, weeding, and harvesting produce, often working together to tackle tough tasks.
The campers celebrated all of their hard work with a field trip to Burly Berries & Blooms in Warsaw, where Megan Burly let them cut flowers and return to school with some of her homegrown and processed milk products. The day wrapped up with a treat at the Vintage Cow, bringing their camp experience full circle.
All of the camper efforts were showcased at the Ag Camp Luncheon. A wonderful spread of homegrown recipes were showcased for families and program supporters to enjoy. It was a delicious celebration of their hard work and new skills.
Some of our campers’ favorite recipes from this summer were compiled into a cookbook. Click here to read the cookbook and try some of our campers’ delicious concoctions for yourself at home!