The capacity to learn and adapt is marvelous when we can trust and empower young learners. During our first week of the summer, elementary campers were able to visit the garden and explore fruits, vegetables, and flowers while expressing their thoughts and ideas through writing, drawing, and conversation. They practiced that language of thinking and communicating like a scientist – gathering observations through practices like “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of” and building connections between different components of the natural world. And only a day after this garden experience these campers where then able to return to the garden and take part in a Crest Kitchen culinary challenge with one another. The same fruits and vegetables (plus a few unique Crest Kitchen “pantry” options) were center stage as core ingredients that would be utilized over the course of 3 unique dishes.
With their blossoming creativity and the support of their counselors, campers brought to life salads, appetizers, and entrees. You could feel them processing through their options as they gathered zucchini, lettuces, peppers, and radishes. Early on, it was remarkable to track these elementary campers and their varying interest levels in taking part in such a unique challenge at camp. There were natural chefs that already have passions for food, challenge seekers excited to put together unique dishes, quality teammates proactively encouraging their fellow campers, and skeptical participants that weren’t initially sure of the value of the experience.
It was such a wide range of energies across the morning and such a gift to observe as each camper grew to enjoy their time in the Crest Kitchen. They conjured up delightful sweet and spicy salads, salsas, and wraps. As we moved through each of the dishes, there was a sense of burgeoning confidence in their own abilities. They were invested. We didn’t tell them beforehand why they should be invested in the work of cooking together in order to get a desired result. Instead, we invited them into this space that they had been to before and gave them opportunities to determine their own experience. Young minds can thrive in those moments when we can offer spaces for them to experiment with their knowledge, work alongside their peers, and simply create.
Our innovative campers navigated unfamiliar territories of measuring portions for ingredients, seasoning options, and cooking temperatures and times. That experimentation sparked from joy and curiosity is the work of inspired science, inspired culinary arts, and inspired community. Say hello to our future scientists and chefs!