Farming 101
Happy First Day of Summer!
6/20/2024
As the season blooms, we're thrilled to announce that registration for The Melanated Earthling Explorers Summer Camp is now open! We apologize for the delay and are excited to share some incredible updates.
This year, we've partnered with two remarkable black-owned farms to host our camp in Maryland. Deep Roots Farm, a sprawling black women's farm spread over 50 acres, will serve as our primary venue. Imagine your children exploring the lush fields, chasing chickens around the chicken coop, and even zipping around in the farm's golf cart with Farmer Gale, Serenity Rain, or KIMANI Anku, who will serve as our Camp Directors—a true countryside adventure awaits! Our second partner, Dreaming Out Loud Farm, renowned as DC's premier black-owned farm, joins us with enthusiastic support and a commitment to our community's growth.
To ensure an enriching experience, we've collaborated with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation. Together, we've crafted a diverse lineup of activities ranging from hands-on sessions on bees and watermelon cultivation to creating youth demo gardens and enjoying the beats of Go-Go music. Expect educational yet fun-filled workshops on composting, cooking with farm-fresh ingredients, and more.
Mark your calendars! The camp will run daily from August 12 to August 16, 2024, from 9 AM to 5 PM at Deep Roots Farm, nestled at 15105 Mt Calvert Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772.
Registration Details:
- Capacity: We are thrilled to welcome 20-22 children, ages 4-13.
- Cost: Secure your child's spot with a $50.00 down payment today. The total camp fee is $200 per child for the week, with a 50% discount for additional siblings. Final payment is due by August 1, 2024.
- Payment Methods: Currently, payments are accepted via Cash App ($gardeningandbeats) or Zelle (frederick.kenner@gmail.com). We're working to introduce credit card services soon.
We're dedicated to making your registration process seamless. For any questions or assistance
please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!
Secure your child's place today by clicking the link below:
Register Now for The Melanated Earthling Explorers Summer Camp
Thank you for your ongoing support. We eagerly look forward to welcoming your child to an unforgettable summer of exploration, learning, and fun at The Melanated Earthling Explorers Summer Camp!
A new adventure is here!
Epic Adventures at MEE Camp: Unveiling Our Inaugural Journey!
8/28/2023 RECAP
Hold onto your sunhats, folks! Our first-ever Melanated Earthling Explorers Summer Camp kicked off on August 1,4-August 18 2023, and oh boy, was it legendary! Picture this:: A bunch of enthusiastic kids, A farm bursting with wonders. A summer camp mission out of this world
We embarked on a whirlwind of awesomeness from Mel 'n Nem Farms in Bowie, Maryland. Starting with our energetic MEE Camp Creed, we handed out MEE Camp bookbags like precious treasures (plus a few extra for our resident farm kids on hand to help us out.
Even epic camps encounter tiny hiccups. Our grand transport plan fell through, leading to a parent-kid carpool convoy. Positivity was intact, and we rolled to Chateaux Cocoa, a farm owned by bee-whisperer Darrelynne Strother. In beekeeping gear that looked like something from a sci-fi movie, we faced the hives, buzzing excitement, and bee art to spare (shoutout to intern Faith for the beautiful contributions).
Next stop? Burn Box Pizza in Kettering, where even pizza slices looked like they'd been on a growth spurt. Then, off to the Anacostia River for a boat ride, nature lessons, and a rogue human spotted in the water (major river transformation alert).
The next day, under the guidance of the Garden Mama DeAndrea Johnson, MS, our explorers learned the art of journaling, followed by an insightful farm tour and a hands-on hydroponic gardening session.
Then we went from zero to hundred with foraging tales with Kathy Anderson to Yoga with Stretch Fit Loft; we found ourselves ziplining, pawpaw picking, and enjoying veggie popsicles. Harvesting and composting were on Thursday's menu, but the real star was our mobile kitchen – a kid-friendly wonderland where culinary magic happened.
And who knew farm field battles could be soaked in laughter and teamwork? Team 3 scored big, and even a heatwave couldn't dampen the spirits (114 degrees? a parent said, who left the camp because claimed it was TOO HOT for her and her children). I had to remind her that this was an outdoor camp.
Friday brought drumming, history lessons, song crafting, and a music video. Our MEE Camp Cupcake Toast will become a tradition, sealing the adventure on a sweet note. 2024 will be an even BIGGER adventure, including a fishing trip, horseback rides, farm animals, and a university visit to see a LIVE Hydroponics Farm.
We're thrilled to announce that the Melanated Earthling Explorers Summer Camp 2024 Interests Form is live! This is your chance to express your interest and secure a spot for your child in next year's transformative camp.
https://forms.gle/MoccwSZZBK1LAxRQA
Stay tuned; the adventure continues.
Melanated Earthling Explorers: Unleashing Curiosity and Connecting with Nature
Melanated Earthling Explorers is an innovative program that invites children to embark on an extraordinary journey of exploration and discovery. With a focus on understanding our place as inhabitants of this planet and celebrating our ancestral roots, this program offers a unique opportunity for young minds to engage with nature, learn sustainable practices, and ignite a deep connection with the Earth. With this Summer, we will dive into the exciting activities and experiences that make Melanated Earthling Explorers a transformative adventure for children.
Exploring the Natural World:
Melanated Earthling Explorers emphasizes the idea of exploring the natural world, including plants and soil. Through hands-on experiences on a real-life farm, children get to witness the wonders of nature up close. They engage in activities like beekeeping, where they learn about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. They also dive into hydroponic gardening, discovering sustainable and innovative farming techniques that allow plants to thrive without soil. These experiences not only foster a love for nature but also instill a sense of responsibility as caretakers of the Earth.
Nature Walks and Connection:
Nothing compares to the magic of a nature walk. Melanated Earthling Explorers guides children through captivating nature walks, where they can immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of the natural world. They learn about various plant species, observe wildlife, and develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. These nature walks serve as a gateway for children to connect with nature on a profound level, igniting their curiosity and nurturing a sense of wonder.
Farm-to-Table Harvest:
Understanding where our food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture is a crucial aspect of the Melanated Earthling Explorers program. Children actively participate in the farm-to-table experience, harvesting fresh produce and engaging in farm-to-table cooking activities. This hands-on approach allows them to witness the journey from the field to their plates, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of healthy and sustainable food choices.
Back to Roots Beat-Making Experience:
Melanated Earthling Explorers recognizes the significance of cultural heritage and aims to provide a platform for children to connect with their ancestral roots. Through a unique beat-making experience, children explore the rhythms, sounds, and musical traditions that resonate with their cultural backgrounds. This creative outlet allows them to channel their energy and creativity while honoring their heritage, creating a space for self-expression and cultural appreciation to modernization this incredible day at camp the explorers will team up with local beat producers from the DMV.
Melanated Earthling Explorers is an exceptional program that nurtures a love for nature, sustainable practices, and cultural connection in children. By exploring the natural world, engaging in hands-on activities, and honoring ancestral roots, this program empowers young minds to become responsible and compassionate stewards of the Earth. Through these transformative experiences, children develop a deep appreciation for the environment, grow in their understanding of their place in the world, and cultivate a lifelong connection with nature and their cultural heritage. Melanated Earthling Explorers truly opens up a world of exploration, curiosity, and growth for the young ones who embark on this remarkable journey.
Camp is brought to you by:
Gardening and Beats
Deep Roots Foundation
Dreaming Out Loud
Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation