Image Credit: IAA
Is it a carrot? Is it broccoli? Is it a coconut? That looks like a palm tree…
These are a few of the many questions and comments Meredith Epstein, sustainable agriculture instructor at the Institute of Applied Agriculture heard one cloudy afternoon this summer as she showed off the Public Health Garden to a group of 42 six- and seven year-old children participating in TERP Quest.
TERP Quest is a summer day camp designed to provide elementary school-aged children with varied recreational and educational experiences in a fun and safe environment. Epstein volunteered to provide the children with an educational experience that involved a farm-to-food theme.
“We like to find new ways to share the garden with the campus community,” said Epstein. “The garden is set up well for all age groups, so it’s nice to get kids in from time to time.” Epstein is passionate about educating the public on the importance of fresh, healthy foods which she says is the primary reason she volunteered to participate in TERP Quest. “I hope to help children appreciate gardening and agriculture. That way they will know where their food comes from. Research has shown that children will be more inclined to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables if they get to experience growing the plants. Gardening is a gateway to a healthy lifestyle.”
As the young Terps entered the garden, they were greeted by Epstein and IAA Director Glori Hyman. The excitement beamed in their faces as they looked around at the plants surrounding them. Some couldn’t wait to start asking questions while others told stories about the time they ate a cucumber.
Epstein got the group ready to explore the garden by doing a fun pre-harvest warm-up where she incorporated some physical activity into her lesson. She selected athletic stretches for the warm-up with names that reflected the garden harvest theme such as “the butterfly,” “the lettuce harvester” and the “apple picker.”
After completing their harvest stretches, the children toured the garden using different senses—identifying plants by sight, smell and taste. They eagerly bounced after Epstein from plant to plant hunting for fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and garden critters. The children were infatuated with what they found. Many discovered a new favorite vegetable while others realized they didn’t like the taste of plain herbs. Epstein said the best part of the activity was watching how eager the children were to try fresh fruits and vegetables. “It was like candy to them. My favorite moment was when a little girl nearly crumpled to the ground while professing her love of kale.”
