Jones Valley Teaching Farm Hosted Free “Camp Grow”

Held virtually this year due to COVID-19, JVTF created a new app made specifically for the rising Woodlawn and Bush Hills 6^th through 9^th graders to easily access and engage in the camp’s programming. Utilizing their customary food-based learning structure taught through the Good School Food model, Camp Grow offered a similar method for the four weeks.

The program focused on all things food (growing it, cooking it, and sharing it with others). It was set up so that twice each week, students participated in virtual farming and culinary lessons with live demonstrations from local chefs and restaurant owners. JVTF instructors then guided small group discussions regarding that week’s topic and the role food plays in the local community. Activities throughout the week built upon themselves and culminated with a meal made by the week’s guest chef delivered to each family every Friday.

CAMP GROW STUDENT FEEDBACK:

• 100% of students felt that their Instructors got to know them as a
• 100% of students learned gardening skills that they will use
• 100% of students learned new recipes that they will use
• 100% of students feel like they can grow food for their family after Camp
• 100% of students feel like they can cook food for their family after Camp
• 93% of students succeeded in things they didn’t know they could do most of the
• 86% of students tried something
• List words you felt during Camp ..Happy, Supported, Joy, Inspired, Included, Awesome
• What are you most proud of accomplishing during Camp Grow?
  • “Waking up early every morning with a good attitude and ready to “
  • “Planting the tomatoes and peppers and watching them “
  • “I was proud when I cooked something and it ended up being delicious!”
• What was your favorite memory during Camp Grow?
  • “Honestly, every minute of Camp “
  • “Chatting with different “
  • “Cooking with my “
  • “The whole group discussion with Rodney “

CAMP GROW PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSES:

• “My son loved it and so did In fact, my entire family was excited. This helped us really at the end. Two members of our household had to go into quarantine and my son prepared all the meals. His new skills helped us through a hard time. I love that cooking is now a hobby and he values the process of preparing a meal.”
• “The Instructors were very knowledgeable, and the kids were very “
• “My child loved cooking and growing his own “

CAMP GROW WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

Jorge Castro of Sol y Luna

John Hall

Roscoe Hall

Hero Doughnuts

Little Donkey

Rodney Scott’s BBQ

Ama Shambulia

Rodney Scott

Shipt

Frank & Pardis Stitt

Woodlawn Foundation