Members camped overnight at SoMar Farms in Petaluma and learned about erosion control and land management on this working cattle ranch. They helped with creek restoration by hauling stones and wood into a creek bed to help stabilize its banks. They also raked and seeded grass, staked wattles and installed plastic silt fencing. After all their hard work, they got to swim in a pond, have a potluck dinner and roast marshmallows around a campfire.
Project members were tasked with designing a chicken coop for a school in Emeryville called Escuela Bilingüe Internacional. They researched different designs and features, visited local coops and asked the school about their needs. They developed 2 design directions, presented their ideas to the school and eventually worked on refining one design, including a construction cost estimate.
Members learned about owls and their value as natural predators of rodents, instead of relying on rat poisons that harm people and the environment. They dissected owl pellets and then re-constructed the skeletal bones they found. They also built owl boxes and installed them at a winery in Moraga to encourage owls to roost there.
During the first class, kids were introduced to the technique of wet felting by making a colorful table mat using wool, water, and soap. In the second class, they made a scarf using nuno felting techniques. Nuno felting incorporates fabric into wool, again using water and soap.
Members learned about different rabbit breeds, rabbit anatomy and how to care for them. They had a visit from Judy from Rabbit Ears Pet Supply and Rescue who talked to them about rabbit care. They also prepared a booth for Small Animal Field Day where they showed kids how to make hay bombs (enrichment toys for rabbits made out of hay).
Members learned how to plan for a camping trip: how to select a site, read a map, plan a day hike, what to bring, what to eat and more. They camped for 2 nights in Lake Sonoma.
Members learned about different types of breads, what makes bread rise, and why baking is a science. They made banana bread, apple cider doughnuts, milk bread, popovers and Irish soda bread.
Youth learned about the history of archery, famous archers and parts of the bow. They visited a range and received instruction about how to shoot various types of bows.
Kids learned about various folk arts that unfortunately may be dying out as there are fewer and fewer people who know how to do them. They made Ukranian eggs, recycled art, corn husk dolls, paper cutting art and jewelry from hole-punched meat trays.
Members learned about how our nation was founded, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They also talked about politics today and local government and learned how to contact their government representatives.