Learning Unbound

June 21 (Career Week - Day 2)

Today we began our discussion of careers with a little science experiment. We talked about how you can take an interest and turn it into a career that you love! I shared with them about how my own love for science and children led me to be a teacher. We talked about the many different science and education jobs I tried before I found my passion as a science teacher. We then practiced thinking like a scientist through a skittles lab. We made a hypothesis and discussed how diffusion works in this experiment.

After our discussion about various science related jobs, we went to F&M Mortgage Harrisonburg. There we met with Veronica Amato who is a mortgage advisor. Veronica spoke with us about her journey of becoming an advisor, and also what her job entails. She also shared about what kinds of things are important to have in place when wanting to buy a home, and the different steps to get started. She spoke with the girls about how they look at an individual’s income, how long they have held the job, and their credit scores when recommending mortgages. The girls learned a lot with Veronica, and they were very excited about the F&M goodies that she shared with us! Thank you Veronica for sharing your passion with us, and for getting the girls excited for the day that they may begin the process of buying a home.

Since our students this week are huge animal enthusiasts, we decided to visit Petco next. While at Petco, we discussed the different jobs that all play into having a successful pet store. We considered not only the positions you see in the store, but also we talked about the people involved with creating and getting the products on the shelves.

After Petco, we went to tractor supply. The girls are very interested in pursuing careers such as being a livestock veterinarian, a professional horse trainer, a horse boarder, a farmer, etc. We went into tractor supply with the goal of “shopping” for the different supplies that would be needed to start their profession of choice. They had a blast pretending to pick out supplies and looking at the prices for what it would take to get started.

To wrap up our day, we went back to the park and played sardines for the last few minutes of camp.

June 15 (Agriculture Week - Day 2)
Today we visited Woodstone Meadows Stables! We spent our time learning about the different animals at the stables, and the care they require. We were able to participate in farm chores like cleaning out pens, scrubbing buckets and troughs, brushing livestock, and more. Of course, these farm chores were very enjoyable with the cute and furry company we had with us! We were able to see and play with goats, sheep, horses, mules, donkeys, alpacas, cows, peacocks, chickens, pigs, ferrets, bunnies, and a cat (every barn needs a barn cat)! Big thanks to Char Hensley for letting us come explore and help out at the stables!
After a hot day of working in the sun, we ate lunch and got ice cream at Klines before returning to the park to play Sardines until today’s adventures came to an end.

This year’s camps are now open! Details are as follows:

• Days of learning: Monday--Wednesday.
• Hours: 9am--1pm. Pick up and drop off will be at Purcell Park in Harrisonburg.
• Dates and Focus of the field trips each week:
• June 13-15 AGRICULTURE
• June 20-22 CAREER EXPLORATION
• June 27-29 WATER & FOREST
• Participants ages 9-13 years old

Enrichment activities each day will include a variety of science lessons/experiments, art, and health and exercise.

Most, but not all, field trips will be outdoor trips. We plan to be outdoors each day, unless the weather is too poor for us to be outside. Field trips from the following list are being planned: Lake Shenandoah, Todd Lake, JMU Arboretum, Island Ford, Glendor Farms, Windcrest Holsteins Farm, Polyface or Woodstone Meadows Stables, The Blacksmith Shop, and so much more! Concrete plans will be made on a week to week basis dependent on weather and other factors.

Please email me directly at [email protected] with any questions you may have or to request the application form. You may also message through Facebook messenger with questions.