Offering workshops and courses for homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike, children learn about homesteading and self-sustainability through gardening, perma-culture, outdoor survival skills, baking, canning... you name it they offer it.
This past Monday, the girls, Christian and myself, attended the "Bringing in the Harvest" class. This was geared more towards Emilie's age (grade 5 an under) however, Christian and Sophie did come away from the morning learning quite a bit about gardening, and harvest. I'm also positive, if older kids would show up, they would gear their workshops for the older crowd. If anything, it also planted seeds (sorry for the pun) about what we want to try and accomplish out here on our little plot of land.
The morning started with the children planting garlic bulbs for the spring ( who knew that garlic bulbs are like tulip bulbs and you can plan them now?) Next, they learnt about the different garden types ( no... you don't have to plant flowers and veggies in a straight row). Then we took a tour about the greenhouses, chicken coops and finally a tour inside the 102 year old farm house which has a new and improved cellar/cold room.
We also learnt about what we can preserve, simple herbal remedies with plants in our own backyard, and shelled dried beans by "jumping" on a sac of beans to remove the shells.
The mother/daughter team who run these workshops and classes are genuinely kind and very eager to share what they know about living off the land; I left with garlic bulbs to plant, a basil plant ,some ornamental gourds and some sage advice on how to garden on the "other side of highway 22". I honestly felt like I've known this family for years. I've already signed up all four of the children for the November home-school day "Bread, Butter and Jam" and the December home-school day " A Handmade Christmas". Can you tell that we had fun?
That sounds like something we would LOVE! I am going to share your post with our local group to see if maybe it will start some interest....
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