There are all kinds of educational summer camps available, but one in particular can teach you about the origin of the food you eat. The Practical Farmers of Iowa summer camp is called "Your Backyard Grocery Store," and includes food education with the traditional summer stuff.
Practical Farmers spokesperson Cedar Johnson says the camp held in Boone, is part of their overall philosophy. She says their organization is focused on keeping farmers on the land, local foods and community building. Johnson says they try to help consumers connect directly with their farmers, so the consumers know where their food comes from. Johnson says the camp expands on that by teaching kids about the origins of food.
Johnson says there are a lot of benefits to knowing where your peas and carrots are grown. Johnson says it’s in a sense for the farmers, but it also is for people to help strengthen their communities. Johnson says, "I personally believe that getting kids thinking about this at an early age is well worth our time."
While the grocery store is the place most people get their food, Johnson says that is changing. She says there’s a "Farm to Folk" organization in Ames where the food comes directly from the farmers to the people who order it. Johnson says you can also get your meat directly from the locker. Johnson says the camp isn’t just all talk about beans and greens.
Johnson says they have campfires, swimming, hiking and all the traditional camp activities. She says though, the programming is focused on food, and all the food at the camp is locally grown.
The P-F-I camp is June 6-9th at the Des Moines Area YMCA Camp near Boone, and is a family camp for people of all ages. For more information, call: 515-232-5661 or visit the Parctical Farmers of Iowa website .: