Felege Hiywot Center celebrated National Summer Learning Day for the second time on July 9, 2009. The celebration was held at the Center, 1648 Sheldon Street, Indianapolis, IN.

 

Over 200 children who normally attend FHC's Summer Education by Gardening program once a week on different specified days, were invited to gather together to participate in the Second Annual National Summer Learning Day Celebration. 

 

Although the weather was less than cooperative and caused the celebration to be started one hour later than originally planned, over 120 children still were able to participate. Eagle Church volunteers from Whitestown, planned, organized, and led all the games. Children were divided into groups by age to play various relay games such as:

3-Legged Race

Ski Race

Ping Pong Balls on a Spoon

Water Bucket Race

Sack Race

Potato Race

Bat Spin

 

By far, everyone's favorite game was the Water Bucket Race. The Brightwood librarian came and each group enjoyed having two or three storybooks read to them about plants and gardening. The rain subsided so that all could enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch outdoors with hotdogs and hamburgers.

 

The children were very enthusiastic during fun with science activities; making bubbles and making geysers. The children learned that conditions were perfect for making bubbles since it was right after the morning's rain. They each were able to make their own bubble wands in any shape they desired and see if the shape they chose was good for making bubbles. Additionally, they learned that they can make bubble juice at home, which will allow them to blow giant bubbles. It was also very exciting to make geysers with diet soda and mentos. By way of a device, mentos were dropped into soda bottles. The mentos, being heavy, dropped to the bottom and the tiny pits on the surface of the mentos made perfect places for carbon dioxide bubbles to be formed. When the carbon dioxide bubbles quickly rose to the top, they created pressure that was built up and quickly released when the soda "shot" out of the top of the bottles, creating a geyser.

 

Another highlight of the celebration was unveiling the thank you banner to supporters and volunteers. Each day's group of campers, who attend FHC's Summer Education by Gardening program, painted a portion of the banner by making hand prints to "paint" a picture of a garden over the past couple of weeks as a craft activity. As this activity took place, none of them had seen the entire banner. During the celebration and following the unveiling, it was fun to watch the children go up to the banner and find the hand print they personally had made. Afterwards, supporters and volunteers were recognized and presented with a photo collage of FHC and events that have occurred over the past year.

 

Smiles abounded as the children left with full tummies and memories of a fun filled day. Smiles were also on the faces of the volunteers and supporters when they headed for home.

 

Here are a few pictures taken during celebration activities:

 Rain can't stop smiles

 

 

Keeping lunch dry and listening to stories about gardening

 

   

 

Games: Ski race, the favorite water bucket relay,

ping pong ball on a spoon, and blowing bubbles.

 

 

Finding his hand on the thank you banner

 

 

 

Some of the many supporters and volunteers

 

 

Click here to see more pictures of this year's event.

 

(Follow this link if you want to see pictures and read about last year's 1st Annual Celebration.)