About 25 kids and 4-H counselors gathered at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds Tuesday for the third 4-H Day Camp of the season.

The fairgrounds was an appropriate location for the day camp entitled Charlotte’s Web Mini Fair.

 

“A mini-fair is a day where we talk about some of the project areas that are in 4-H,” said 4-H summer intern Tammy Putz. “Today we’re exploring the environment.”

 

The kids learned about different aspects of nature while doing hands-on projects that would be similar to something they would enter in the county fair.

 

The first project was learning about plants. Marv Ziner of the Master Gardeners was on hand to demonstrate how to transplant flowers and herbs and keep them growing.

 

The kids gathered around Marv as he identified different plant species like petunias, johnny-jump-ups (violas) and oregano and explained what they needed to grow.

 

When it was time for the kids to plant their own, Marv showed them about putting wood chips in the bottom of the pot for drainage, then adding soil to a specific depth for the plant.

He also talked about watering.

 

“What’s the best tool for determining if your plant needs water?” he asked. “Your finger. Touch the soil. If it feels dry, water it. If it feels wet, don’t water it.”

 

Each of the kids chose their own plant and went to work, following Marv’s instructions. It was their plant to bring home.

 

“Some of the plants they take home today, they would be able to exhibit in either the vegetable gardening or flower gardening project areas at the fair,” said Putz.

 

Then the kids learned about birds. Putz quizzed them on all the different types of birds they were familiar with in Minnesota. Then they made bird feeders using a bagel, peanut butter and bird seed. It was suspended from a ribbon for hanging at home.

 

“The entire thing is edible,” said Putz.

 

The kids also learned about one of the most popular activities in Minnesota - fishing.

 

Putz showed them how to make a fishing rig using a pop can, fishing line, hook, sinker and bobber.

 

“They can go fishing without buying a fishing pole,” said Putz. “It actually does work. I’ve tried it.”

 

Once they were finished, the kids went up the road to Orono Lake to test out their fishing rig.

 

Throughout the day, the kids also played games, learned rabbits and made another project - a leather keychain.

 

“This is a project they can enter into crafts or fine arts at the fair.,” said Putz.

 

It was a day filled with activities, learning and fun for kids. Some may decide to enter their projects in the fair, or use what they learned to make their own projects at home.

 

The Sherburne County Fair takes place July 14-17.