Day 1 – Alpacas, Sheep, Livestock Guardian Dogs, and Birds! OH MY!
The first day of Living Local had arrived and the campers were eager to get their day started. First, they prepared their lunch while getting acquainted with one another. Stories about the latest movies and games they’ve enjoyed over summer break. Then we loaded up and set out for Gulf Breeze Alpaca Ranch and Lodging. Lyn, the owner and operator taught the campers all about the Alpaca Shearing process and equipment. Afterward, the campers got up close and personal with the all the ranch animals (alpacas, sheep, livestock guardian dogs, and turkeys, OH MY!).
After enjoying all the feeding and petting of the animals, the campers continued their day at the Nueces Delta Preserve. Matt and Phil lead the campers to a bird blind where they were able to view a Great Blue Heron, Roseate Spoonbills, and many a laughing gulls that are native to our area. With guidance from Matt and Phil, the campers tested the water of Rincon Bayou, and casted nets to catch larvae and fish inhabiting the area.
Day 2 – Nerf-Gardening and Finger-weaving 101
The campers arrived for their second day and started preparing lunch. Tevin at Keepers of the Garden gave the campers a tour of the garden and planted seeds for the new growing season coming up. They were able to taste some of the plants and flowers in the garden, and take cuttings and seeds to grow at home. Before the campers could depart, Tevin had a super important job for them: watering the plants NERF WATER GUN STYLE!
After the garden, the campers had a small lesson in resilience. All were eager to participate in Yoga, but unfortunately, circumstances required some adjustments to be made to the schedule, and the campers instead spent time with Tony learning how to finger weave with yarn. Lo and behold, we had some professional finger weavers in our group that lent their fellow camper comrades a hand on their projects.
Day 3 – The Comeback of the Laughing Gulls & Grow-ing Local-ly:
We had some very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed beach bums Wednesday morning! Hopping in the vanwe headed for the Padre Island National Seashore to meet Phil. He taught us about the things that wash up on the beach and how they end up there. He also showed us his collections of Seashells, Seabeans, and Sanddollars. The campers even got a Seabean of their own to take home with them! After beachwalking with Phil, and learning about the weather, history, and natural tar that washes up on the ocean, the campers were able to cool off and enjoy all the waves and hermit crabs of Malaquite Beach. We had an unexpected visit from a flock of Laughing Gulls, as they found and consumed an entire snack bag of Goldfish that belonged to a camper.
The campers enjoyed a surprise treat from Sonic after the beach. Then headed to the Grow Local market to assist the vendors in setting up their booths and products. The campers learned from the vendors and were able to put their knowledge to the test. Using their customer services skills, the campers helped the vendors and interacted with the market customers.
Day 4 – Fitness & Full Bellies
After having a delicious donut to start the day, the campers were excited to learn about self-defense with Coach Ivan at Premier Martial Arts. Coach Ivan had the campers run through a few warm-up exercises and taught some martial arts basics. They practiced their strikes and kicks with punching bags and each other.
All the exercise made the campers work up an appetite. So we headed out to the Youth Odyssey Ropes Course facility to learn about Dutch Oven cooking with our very own Hannah! Campers learned about the history of cast iron dutch ovens and skillets; and how these can come in different shapes and sizes. After learning about the utensils and materials that are used when cooking with a dutch oven, the campers were able to make a smorgasbord of food. These included: mini pizzas, shepherd’s pie, brownies, and breakfast casseroles. While waiting for their delicious food to finish cooking, the campers played a rigorous teambuilding game of Keepaway with a Squishmallow and Ships and Sailors.
Day 5 – Happy Horses & Happy Campers
We loaded up to head out to Nikki Jeans Happy Horse Ranch. When we arrived, we were happily greeted by Nikki, her team, and of course George (who was donned our Honorary Program Facilitator while visiting the ranch). They gave the campers a rundown of the head-to-hoof care for horses. Then they began their work. Campers brushed the hair and coats of each of the horse, cleaned hooves, and saddled the horses to ride. The Team then started teaching campers how to ride. Adiditonally, all received mini-lessons in lassoing prop cows from Hector and Stephanie. We even visited the hens and helped pull eggs out of the nesting boxes.
Before it was time to head out, the sun really starting warming things up, and both campers and horses needed some cool-off time. So we went swimming with the horses! Afterwards, said “see ya later, alligator” to everyone and made our way downtown to look at the murals and the Art Center. Campers were able to get up close and personal with different art, including an entire exhibit of art that came from local youth residents!
As our Living Local Camp began to wind down, campers shared their favorites and struggles of the camp. Excited about the things learned and the friends made, many campers beamed about how much fun their time was together, and some shared that they couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to go on camp again!
Introducing our new Honorary Program Facilitator, George!! Welcome to the Youth Odyssey team!
