Natives

One investigation several groups went on was Natives.
"We learned about the Abenaki tribe that used to live in the area around KEEC. Then we learned how to throw a spear with an item called an Atl-atl (sp?). Later we hiked out to an area in the woods where there was a native American camp set up. We learned how to make fire using a bow drill and cedar and birch bark to start a fire"

Town Meeting

All campers participate in a town meeting here at KEEC. They are given a role to play in KEECville- the real estate agent, the soil, the deer, the children, the factory workers, etc. A developer pitches a plan to change KEECville in some way and the campers have an opportunity to ask questions about how the change will affect them (as the real estate agent, the soil, the deer, etc.). Ultimately campers get to vote on the proposal and explain their point of view. Did you know that Vermont is the only state that allows children to speak up at town meeting? How cool is that!

Storms cap off Wednesday

Right as KEECers got back to their cabins for bed line of thunderstorms moved in to our lake valley. It was a beautiful sight as the neighboring mountains were lit up by lightning. Everyone made it through, the only casualty was the tee pee in the field which was blown over I tried to be some of it on video, beginning with our last look at the full moon.

Quiet time

Every day after lunch kids get a good chunk of time to chill out, read, write letters home, or nap in their cabin bunks. These photos are from Fox cabin on Wednesday.

Hot Days and cooling down

Wow what a scorcher here at KEEC today. We have been pushing fluids, finding shade, and looking for unique opportunities for a cool down, like a sprinkler.....
We also went swimming before dinner, pictures of that to come later, I was in the water too!
Thunderstorms are looming on the evening sky, bringing cool weather for our last full day!YAY!
-Jeremy Kelloway

The Gong Show

How do kids know when to do their job, come to dinner, or wake up? The gong of course! So turn down your volume and see a CAES kid try her hand.

Trees wonderful trees part I

This morning group 1 went out to explore and understand a little bit more about the trees all around us. We thought of ways to seperate types of trees, learning the differences between coniferous and deciduous. The group acted out the function of the inner parts of the tree in a group activity. We create some lovely 'clouds' of pine pollen, then students became experts about one type of tree and taught there group mates. We finished by using our non-vision senses to find a mystery tree pick out by a partner. But enough of my take, here are some photos and video to bring it to life.
-Jeremy Kelloway

Household Hazardous Products

A bunch of kids have been exploring alternatives to the hazardous products we use to clean our homes. Here are some recipes recommended by C. P. in sixth grade:

Toilet cleaner: sprinkle baking soda and vinegar in toilet and let it sit. Scrub with toilet brush.

All purpose cleaner:
2 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. Borax
Put these two ingredients into a 16 oz. spray bottle. Fill with hot water and shake until the Borax has dissolved.

Stain remover:
1/4 cup liquid castille soap
1/3 cup water
Blend ingredients and apply to stain. Scrub until foamy and let sit for a while. Rinse.

Water exploration

The campers have been exploring water in swamps, bogs and wetlands. We've also been insisting that they drink water- lots of it! And they hope to be swimming in the lake later today.

Thinking, learning, journaling...

Another groups makes it to Pitch Pine Point!

Ask your camper why there are pitch pines- a very rare tree in Vermont- in this particular location.

Thoughts from various camers:

A poem by 6th grader A.F.

A view slightly blocked by trees,
I shift so that I'm on my knees.
Staring at the postcard ahead,
I feel not like I've just come from bed.
I feel I have not slept a blink,
But to prove my sleepy eyes are pink.
The water seems to wake me up
Like a warm bath in the tub.
Feel the subtle breeze upon my face.
The water seems to pick up pace
To be this calm, I've never been
Four more days at Keewaydin.

Favorite KEEC Moments So Far:
(from various campers)

-the Hobo Cookout!
-When I went to Generals Lookout
-The cookout was so much fun!!
-the night walk.
-I loved the swamp expedition... I sunk in to my thighs!
-I liked the part when we were in the forest.
-I really liked night walks, magic spots and the hobo cookout. Also the wetlands.
-The grease fire when I was flipping the burger and the burger was ripping at the hobo cookout.
-Finding a goose wing.

Rise and Shine in Bear Cabin and morning soccer