Orlando Science Centre and Four Roots Farm have been partnering for many years inside and outside the OSC’s onsite 4 Root Cafe, but this summer they are taking their adjacent “food heroes” a step further, creating something entirely new with an exciting new immersive summer camp.
Analysed in weekly daily increments, students entering grades 3-5 will take part in a hands-on learning experience at the 4-route farm campus in Orlando’s Packaging District, experience guided farm tours, explore the world of conservation and explore the world of conservation.
“We will combine the expertise and STEM education from the Orlando Science Center with our four-root commitment to sustainability and food system innovation,” she explains. “And in this special new location, campers will jump into plant cultivation techniques in their greenhouses, learn healthy eating habits and recognize careers that can be used in agriculture.”
According to Brianna Rodarmel, program director for 4 Roots, campers witness the farm-to-table process on the farm. And in a truly cutting-edge setting amid in incredible diversity. 4roots does not perform monotony.
“There’s so much growing here,” says Rodalmel.
Now, boxes have shifted from cold weather crops to warm ones, changing from lush greenery to new ones seen by campers, touching, smelling and taste.
“Tomatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, herbs,” Rodalmel said, “These gardens are wonderful sensory learning spaces where children can come together and talk about what they are growing up, and they can also be explored using their senses.”
Its 18,000-square-foot greenhouse, with its four roots, is growing on the soil as well.
“Campers have the opportunity to learn about hydroponics, aquaponics, and all of these technologies that are involved in the science behind growth, including some of the innovations seen in the agriculture industry today.”
Food Prep is an element that appears throughout the program as children learn to grow their own food and eat with team members of the 4-root Cooking Health Institute.
“Part of what they learn is native and edible plants,” says Duguid. Students can even taste them, but prepare a balanced meal using seasonal ingredients. ”
Certainly, add Rodarmel and make your own snacks – energy bites, smoothies, and tofu lettuce wraps – allow you to go home while using produce that is growing on the farm.
Different topics are brought every week.
“For example, Explore Nature, Creativity & Sustainable Solutions will be available at Earthworks Nature Lab (available June 9-13 and July 7-11) in a few weeks to learn about agriculture, health foods and soil science,” Duguid says.
“By creating their own 3D printed planters, building vertical gardens, and designing grain houses (models) on campus, students can see all the incredible techniques and plants that they are growing there.”
According to her, the camp experience is another example of OSC’s core mission to encourage science learning for life.
“STEM is not just about engineering and physics. There is so much science behind food. This special experience allows students to delve into what affects not only their health but the health of the planet,” says Duguid.
“This is where they learn about how technology is shaping the future of agriculture,” explains Duguid. 4Roots says it is a trusted partner who can shape curriculums that include elements of conservation and sustainability.
“We really want campers to jump into it and give us the hands-on experience we are known for. We do that through exhibitions and programs (science centres), but it’s a special opportunity to showcase cutting edge technology, regenerative agriculture and of course culinary experiences.”
Even the 4Roots education building will become part of the learning experience. Eventually, it will become Florida’s first “living building.” Certified through the Living Building Challenge, these are structures designed to not only reduce environmental impacts, but also contribute positively to the surroundings.
“There are a lot of very neat sustainability aspects built into it to help with energy independence and water savings,” explains Rodarmel.
For example, a thousand gallon reservoir that collects rainwater from the roof.
“They can then be filtered and purified into drinking water, recycled and used to wash their hands, flush the toilets, irrigate them on campus, and more.
According to Rodarmel, 4Roots Mission is about uncovering the power of food to build healthy communities.
“One of the biggest ways we do it is through education, it really starts with the young people. We believe in inspiring and teaching them that where their food comes from and why it’s important, it helps them become better consumers as they get older.”
And when something sparks their interest and they bring it home and share it with moms and dads?
“It can also encourage families to make good choices.”
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
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4roots Farm Campus’ OSC Summer Camp costs $325 per week for OSC members and $365 per week for the public. Registration fees apply individually for each individual camping program. The camp will be held at 4Roots Farm Campus Education Building, located at 1101 N. John Young Parkway in Orlando. To register, go to www.osc.org/summer-camps or call 407-514-2112. For more information about 4roots, visit 4rootsfarm.org.
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