This Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending the end-of-year Homeschool program potluck at the acres. After the end of the homeschool day, parents and families arrived to greet their kids and set up for a yummy feast. Many tables were set up in our front field under the white pine tree. Families brought awesome treats! My favorite was a yummy spinach and artichoke dip with crunchy chips. Families chatted with each-other and staff to celebrate the end of the year and bring in summer. At the end of the feast, students and parents split up into their flocks: the Nighthawks, King-Fishers, Red-Wing Black Birds, and Crows. The King-Fishers are the youngest, the Nighthawks and Red-Wing BlackBirds were the middle flocks, and the oldest group is the Crows. Each group had a showcase of skills to show their parents and families.
I first went with the Nighthawks, led by Sean and Rey. We trekked to White Pine camp, where their showcase was based on fox-walking and peripheral vision. The activity that they set up was a row of small logs on the ground in a ladder-style. The kids and parents had to walk across the logs holding a feather while keeping eye contact with the other team. Both the kids and parents did a great job, but the kids were the winners! This activity causes one to focus on their peripheral vision and surroundings while engaging in teamwork.
I then made my way across the creek to Turkey Knoll, where the King-Fishers were doing a fire challenge! Small teams showed their parents their different fire structures and had to keep their fire lit for 5 minutes. Every team passed with flying colors. The families were very impressed with the skills of the kids. They enthusiastically explained the tricks and tips of fire building and even went over safety measures. I really liked the smell of the campfire smoke as it rose through the trees and cast sun rays over us.
At the end of the showcase, we did a large closing circle to end the day as a unit. In our circle, Danielle led us with a song, and then we did a gratitude circle, where everyone had the chance to share something they were grateful for. It was nice to see both familiar and new faces around the circle. Many members noted their appreciation for our community, and I shared the same feelings.