What’s “buzzing” at Tomahawk Ranch Camp this summer? We are excited to introduce a new bee apiary as part of our homesteading programs!
What is homesteading? Homesteading is a lifestyle of self sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of foodstuffs, and it may or may not also involve the small scale production of textiles, clothing, and craftwork for household use or sale.
Our homesteading program will include:
1. The Small Animal Farm: campers will be able to connect with animals, learn about their care, and how to harvest eggs and other useful items from the animals
2. The Greenhouse & Gardens: campers will learn about planting and picking produce, how to protect it in a mountain environment from predators and so much more! When the garden produces, campers will enjoy farm to table meals!
3. The Bee Apiary: In our first year, campers will not be doing any hands-on beekeeping; our bees will need peace and quiet in order to get their colonies thriving into the future. The Bee Apiary will be set a distance from the greenhouse and gardens. We will have a separate non-active bee hive setup to show girls how it all works. This is an exciting new way to share about growth cycles and educate girls about how bees help keep everything alive.
NOTE: We are very aware that there may be campers who have a bee sting allergy. Those campers will not be forced to go anywhere near the Bee Apiary. Our health staff will work with families to ensure Epi-Pens are in place for those who have a prescription. Girl safety is always at the utmost importance in this and all activities for our resident campers!
Do you know anyone who loves to garden and wants to volunteer? If so, please have them contact Betsy Till, Outdoor Programs Director via email.
Ready to send your girl to camp? Register here!