July and August – Hot News!
By the time this column goes to print, the 2017 “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” will be in the history books. Forty-two children in grades 1 thru 4 took part in the 3-week summer day camp which featured a variety of experiences from hands-on food preparation to logging a combined 24,990 minutes (equaling 1,249.5 miles) of physical activity. Fire safety, water and sun safety, bullying, and weather safety were other topics covered.
Several parents have asked how their children can participate in the future. Registration forms are delivered to all Sulphur Springs campuses housing grades one thru four in May each year. If your child did not receive the information, be sure to ask your school principal next year.
Seventeen 4-H members and adult chaperones from Hopkins County will be traveling to Multi-County 4-H Camp in Lone Star in July. Camp workshops will include: “Fun with Food”, which will include a hands-on project and fun Jeopardy-style nutrition game; Nature; Archery; Healthy Lifestyles (team games); Ropes Course; and STEM. In addition, the youth will participate in team building and leadership activities, enjoy free time with canoes, paddle boats, the Blob, or swimming pool, ping pong, and delicious food!
The camp will take place July 10 thru 12, and each participant will receive a t-shirt and items they make during some of the camp sessions. Hopkins County usually has the largest attendance of any county at this 4-H camp, and Mario and I will both be leading workshops.
Just as the summer seems to be passing quickly, another camp will take place for students who have just finished grades 5 and 6. Skills Camp is the result of feedback from parents who wanted a summer activity for their children who were too old for “Kids’ Camp.” Now in its third year, the 2017 Skills Camp will feature art, upcycling, woodworking, and baking/cooking. These topics were selected from surveys at the 2016 camp, and each session will be hands-on.
The 4-session day camp is full, but again, for those wanting to get in on the action next year, registration forms will be delivered to 5th and 6th graders in Sulphur Springs. Due to the nature of this camp, we must limit registration to the first 12 students, so it pays to be watchful for the forms!
“Let’s Sew Stuff” Summer Sewing workshop
Due to popular command, a summer sewing workshop has been scheduled for August. Because of my own work schedule, the earliest I could schedule the workshop is August 15, 16, and 17. This workshop is open to adults and youth of all ages. Unfortunately, most school teachers will have already returned to their schools for duty, but students will still be on summer vacation.
The sewing workshop will be two-fold. For those interested in making a t-shirt quilt, a list of materials to bring will be provided. For those wanting to learn to sew, or needing a refresher, I’ll have some simple make-and-take projects available. You may also bring your own projects and I’ll help you. The cost of the workshop is $15, payable at the first session, to help cover costs of some of the materials I will be providing.
The workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, and we will stay until 2:00 p.m. or until the last one wants to go home (within reason). The other two days, we will plan to start at 9:00 a.m. (or earlier, depending on group response) and stay until the last one wants to go home (again, within reason).
I’ll have some sewing machines available, as well as a few rotary cutters and cutting mats, but if you want to bring your own, that’s great! Ironing boards and irons will also be available. Refreshments will be provided, but you will need to bring a lunch or we can order in.
The workshop is limited to the first 8 people, and I already have three, so please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Give us your name, address and phone number so we can follow up with you on items to bring.
Cooking Well with Diabetes
The revised version of “Cooking Well with Diabetes” has now gone state-wide, and I’m proud to have served on the revision committee. The 4-lesson series has been scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursday, September 12, 14, 19, and 21, at the Extension Office. Two times are being offered in order to accommodate busy schedules – 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. Cost of the series will be $25, payable at the first session, but you will need to call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. Please state which time you prefer.
Sessions will include: Carbohydrate Foods, Making Foods with Fat Better For You, Double-Pleasure Side Dishes-Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber, and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. The series will include cooking demonstrations, handouts including recipes, and sampling. More information will be available as the dates draw closer.
Closing Thought
I always prefer to believe the best of everybody – it saves so much time. Rudyard Kipling
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
