One of our favorite elements here at Primitive Pursuits is fire. A lot of our community considers themselves fire wizards and can make a fire out of the barest of materials. Despite the heat in the beginning of week 2, groups all over the acres were captivated in practicing their fire-crafting skills. Campers in the Wildcrafting group collaborated to build a nice base of sticks for a fire and got to practice lighting matches. They also got to practice “dragon’s breath,” a technique that helps fires thrive by blowing gusts of air on them as the sparks catch. In the afternoon, to cool off, the Forest Explorers played a game of wet sponge dodgeball before pickup time. 

Monday’s rainstorm quenched our dry creek-beds, so campers got to enjoy the water on Tuesday. In the morning mist, Nature Mystics’ campers trekked to Raccoon Motel. The campers have been working on building and decorating a shelter made of sticks, long grass, and leaves. We walked to one of the front fields to harvest the long grass, while giving thanks to the land. At Hearth Camp, the Fire Wizards practiced their favorite activity (building a fire) while Instructor Blue made popcorn. The campers got to roast some of their lunch snacks over the fire, including marshmallows! Rather than build fires, Forest Village dabbled in the opposite element. Campers explored the creek for critters and fossils, and cooled off from the humidity. 

A camper singing a song to the fire

On Wednesday, Forest Village went on an adventure to Beaver Pond, where they searched for critters in the water’s surface and admired the cattails. We saw a big heron fly away over the water, which was an amazing sight to see for both us staff and campers. 

Later in the week, there was a festival at Turkey Knoll where campers got to show off their cool finds, give out treats and drinks, and hang with the other groups. It was a fun and energetic week here at 4-H Acres! 

One of Nature Mystic camp’s creations 

Photo Gallery – Hallie Allport, Elle Schumacher, Isa Goico – July 6-11