http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWKPpegNUFE&feature=youtu.be
La Semilla Food Center in Anthony, New Mexico is kicking off two camps that are aimed at educating kids about food from different cultures along with mixing food with art.
The first camp called “Food and Farms of the World,” will take place June 16-19th. This camp offers kids in grades K-2nd an opportunity to explore farming practices from different cultures according to Catherine Yanez, Program Coordinator with La Semilla Food Center.
“It’s going to be a place where we can tie food to different regions of the world and still have fun, cooking, and also gardening. We will try to grow some of the foods in our cooking workshops, and have the kids not only plant them, but also cook them,” says Yanez.
Another camp titled “Culinary Arts,” for 3rd to 5th grade students will take place June 23-25th. This camp offers an opportunity for students to learn how to make cheese from milk, learn how to dry fruit, and even make their own tea blends. The camp also gives students the chance to turn food into actual art.
According to Aaron Sharratt, Director of Development and Administration, the camps are a great opportunity to expand the organization’s mission to the region’s next generation.
“The programs that we normally operate at the farm are really aimed at high school students and young adults. We really want to begin making the connection also with younger children and their families at the farm,” says Sharratt.
La Semilla Food Center is also preparing to welcome two students to an apprenticeship program this summer that will offer more farm experience for local students who have already completed other programs the organization has offered according to La Semilla Food Center’s Farm Director, Cristina Dominguez-Eshelman.
“They’ve been involved at the farm, but they have also received lessons about food systems, why it matters, food justice, and how we improve our food system. So this is an opportunity to hone in on the production and marketing aspect of it,"says Dominguez-Eshelman.
The Food Center also operates a community garden in Anthony, New Mexico and during the school year works with area school districts to plant school gardens during the school year.
For more information on the camps and other programs you can visit the organization's website at www.lasemillafoodcenter.org. The deadline for both camps this month has been extended until June 11th.