It’s a wrap!
I have spent my last days with the classes and young farmers in the Delta School District for the year. We have been busy as usual, enjoying eating the crops right from the school farms and planting new veggies for the fall.
But at this time of year I attempt to put the fun meter on high and we have been fortunate to have a fantastic stretch of weather, which means water balloons and watermelon.
The kids have a blast and it is something they look forward to every year. I must admit that I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from seeing the pure joy on their faces as I spray them with the water hose. Shower mode is okay for a while, but inevitably they will begin to chant “jet! jet! jet!” which means they want to really feel the water. Not a problem.
Several hundred cucumber seedlings have made it home and I look forward to seeing their homework assignments, which include chronicling the growth of their plants. I always receive a card of thanks from many of the classes, which I enjoy immensely, particularly when art is involved.
An educators’ preface to a fantastic compilation of art from primary students noted that “the children often remark on how excited they are to be taking part in planting and caring for the garden. It has truly been an impactful experience on their growth, development, and understanding of where food comes from.”
The older kids have been interested in learning about the food system, jobs in agri-food and agri-tech and several have expressed interest in participating in farming related activities in high school and beyond. This is very promising indeed.
Although it has been an odd year, the Delta School District, teachers and students have adapted nicely and some changes, particularly learning outside, will likely be a part of a normal learning experience moving forward. That can only be a good thing.
It was great to hear that health protocols for the fall will change so that the cohort system will no longer be necessary, which means it will be far easier for logistics in and around the schools than they were this year.
June is always a busy month and anticipation of the summer is clearly on the minds of the students. In just this past week the excitement has been even more evident. It is clear that families have been talking about the easing of travel restrictions and the good news has given the young farmers an opportunity to tell me about their plans to go to the cabin, go camping, or to visit friends and relatives around the province.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I also share this excitement.
Have a fantastic summer!
Mike Schneider is founder of Project Pickle and likes to write about growing, cooking and eating food.
