UHMC Offers Keiki Farmers Summer Camp

UHMC photo.

Using keiki-friendly educational aquaponics growing systems and the University of Hawai‘i Maui College community organic gardens, Keiki Farmers Camp will offer multiple ways of learning and understanding the sciences and skills involved in growing food in water and organic soil.

Keiki will work in the new UHMC campus aquaponics greenhouse on AquaPono micro systems and explore “Veggie U,” an accessible organic soil educational growing system in the campus community garden.

Maui College Keiki parents are welcome to visit and join in.

UHMC photo.

Summer EdVenture offers multiple ways of engaging and understanding the aquaponics science and problem-solving skills needed in growing food in water and organic soil.

“Summer vacation means time for kids to play, explore and wonder,” said Susan Miller, Kahului campus aquaponics greenhouse director. “We aim to have fun and open children’s eyes to their own potential, engage their curiosity and possibilities in the world of growing food.”

Session 1 for children ages 6 to 10 will be held Monday through Friday, June 6 through 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Session 2 for children ages 11 to13 will be held Monday through Friday, July 5 through 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hands-on learning in UHMC’s new aquaponics greenhouse with AquaPono/Veggie U growing systems will offer better understanding of plant and animal growing cycles. Aquaponically grown ornamental aquarium shrimp and crayfish will be used.

Campers will work with keiki-size garden tools in the Kahului campus community garden. The class includes bug identification, understanding unwanted pests, best gardening practices, and health and food safety standards.

In addition to organic gardening and aquaponics food growing, activities will include outdoor water games, fitness center visits, music, movement, dance, quiet games, puppet shows, puzzles, pleasure reading, on-campus library, campus exploration and leisure time fun.

Indoor activities include working on Mac laptops, aqua- and agri-science small group projects, problem solving and sharing circles.

Daily rest/quiet time is included in the schedule.

The class will also include Edmodo postings, where parents can view their child’s experience. Also included in the curriculum are T-shirt art making; integrated arts, photography and videography with visiting artists; journaling, collaging and portfolio collections; food label reading at the US Food and Drug Administration kid-accessible Whyville.net.

Healthy snacks and fresh fruit and water will be provided (no sugar drinks or candy snacks).

Students should bring their own brown bag lunch and favorite snacks. The use of a microwave and refrigerator will be available. Students are advised to also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle work/play clothes, towel and closed-toed shoes (no sandals).

How to Register

• Register online
• Write a check payable to: University of Hawai’i
• Send to: UHMC – EdVenture, 310 W. Ka‘ahumanu Ave. Kahului, HI 96732
• Include course name, course number, total cost, your address, phone number and driver’s license number.
• Or register in person: Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (except state and federal holidays).