- Contributor: Joseph Nosrat-CSUCI Student Guest Blogger
4-H Student Farm is an after-school program that has inspired students to engage in healthier eating habits and learn where their food comes from. The six week program also provides an opportunity for middle schoolers to acquaint themselves with agriculture. The students follow a curriculum that touches on the agriculture industry, the complexity of good soil, importance of pollinators as well as the practices of planting and harvesting.
When asked about their experience with the program, students had this to say...
“I loved the planting and outdoor activities, my favorite subject we learned was the one about pollinators. I wish I could come back next year.”--Morgan
“My favorite part of student farm was the planting outside, and I enjoyed learning about pollinators. I look forward to coming back next year.”--Destiny
“I thought the pollinators were interesting and it's cool that some only fly at night. My favorite thing to do was the cooking activities, I can't wait to come back next year.”--Louie
Twelve students from Ventura Unified School District participated in...
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
Education Specialists representing state wide Research and Extension Centers System (RECS) sites gathered February 15-16 at Hansen. This second annual meeting was an opportunity to meet new staff, share best practices, and participate in professional development.
Lisa Fisher, RECS Director, sponsored and kicked off the meeting with a welcome and overview of the ANR strategic plan. Guest speaker, Dr. Steven Worker, 4-H Youth Development Advisor—Marin County, led a hands-on workshop focusing on inquiry based learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for youth. Additionally, Worker introduced methods of using Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in non-formal science education settings, relating methods REC educators can use in their outreach work.
Dr. Sabrina Drill, Natural Resources Advisor—UCCE-Ventura County, provided an overview of the California Naturalist Program and discussed the program as potential partner for REC outreach.
Farm Smart Manager, Stacey Wills and 4-H Representative, Shanna Abatti from Desert REC rounded out the two-day meeting with a Sustainable You! Summer Camp train-the trainer. Sustainable You!, developed by Dr. Roslyn Brain of Utah State University, teaches youth the basic concepts of natural resource conservation. The program has been part of the educational offerings at HAREC and Desert REC since 2013 and 2012 respectively, and will be implemented at Hopland REC in summer 2017.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
The week has flown by. A special thanks to the youth and families that joined us this week, the City of Ventura for partnering with us, environmental educator, Jill Sarrick and intern, Shanti Sandosham for delivering a great program!
Sustainable You! Summer Camp wraps up with Water!
Day 5: Water
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
Today, we turn our focus to local and global food systems.
Day 4-Food
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
Today's camp theme tackles Energy. Campers explore renewable and non-renewable energy sources and have fun with solar power.
Day 3: Energy
