Our fall ’26 homeschool flocks are bigger than ever! weekly updates here:
October 8 Update –
It was a crisp but sunny day at 4-H Acres this morning. To begin our day, leaves slowly fell around us as we sat in unison at our opening circle, singing a song and connecting with the Earth. In our circle, staff introduced Guilds, which are groups focused on a specific activity with intermingling ages. Homeschoolers can choose which guild to join, with the options ranging from the Wanderers, Grand Game Goers, Apple Pickers, and Shelter Builders. Kiddos spent the day buzzed about the guild options and making their decisions.
The Ovenbirds flock continued to work on their shelter at Turkey Knoll, making so much progress! The shelter is already looking very sturdy. The Downies flock went to their secret camp to work on modifying their space. They focused on the firepit, clearing out any dry leaves and expanding the log circle so everyone can fit. They also collected firewood. Before the fire was built, each group member practiced using matches, with every spark and flame causing excitement. After matches were mastered, the toasty fire was brought to life. One homeschooler brought in corn kernels, so the group tried to make popcorn over the fire. The corn didn’t quite pop, but the roasted kernels will still a yummy snack. The group also got a gift from Site Leader Jeanette, who sent a mystery message to find a bag of apples. The apples were found and roasted over the fire to end the day with another yummy treat. Another group, our youngest flock the Chickadees, also did a match challenge. Every single Chickadee succeeded in lighting their matches and roasting apples. They were very happy!
At the end of the day, a few of the flocks joined together at the Meadow to play a few games of “Fox, Tick, Grouse,” and “Everybody’s It Tag.” It was a great day and energy was high!
Oct 1 Update –
A few weeks ago, we began our ’26 Fall season of Thursday Homeschool at 4-H Acres. The leaves are changing fast, leaving the forest more colorful than ever. This Fall, we have five different groups, or flocks. Flocks spent this past Thursday braving the rain to work on their various projects.
The Ovenbirds flock is working on a new shelter at Turkey Knoll camp. Last week, they built the structure with logs and jute rope. This week, to start building the walls, instructor Sean prepared a wheel-barrow of clay-like mud, which the group dubbed “mud-crete.” Sean got this mudcrete by digging up a nearby mound of soil to unearth the fruitful materials. It acts as a perfect substance to reinforce the walls as they are built. The kids used large rocks with mudcrete in between, making so much progress in just a few hours.
Our oldest Homeschool flock is doing some nature crafting! They are working on making paper out of cattails, which includes harvesting the cattail, boiling it, and other cool steps. They are also making natural writing utensils so they can draw on their paper. Super cool!
The beginning of the new shelter built by the Ovenbirds flock
The beginning of building the rock wall of the shelter
The other middle flock has been working on making their own campsite. They are clearing paths, building a fire pit, and designing the layout. They have already planned their “living room,” “patio,” and more. The camp is in a secret location on the Acres that will not be revealed until it is ready…stay tuned!
As the projects progress, there will be more updates!
Middle flock participants working on their new campsite
The oldest flock gathering supplies
Photo Gallery – oct 1 – Hallie allport
