What's Going on @UVICES: 2015

During the summer of 2015, we partnered with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the UVI Cooperative Extension Service (UVICES) hosted the first Agricultural Enrichment Summer Youth camp on the UVI St. Thomas campus. Students from various schools within the age group of 14 – 21 years of age were involved. It was a 6-week program which we intend to repeat next summer.

Learn what the students were taught from their various experiences shown in this video collage:

Some of the areas taught to youth had to do with fruit production (horticulture) and veterinary science. We also exposed them to livestock production, poultry production and landscaping. They even got to do to lots of hands on activities such as putting together irrigation systems, planting their own seeds, starting their own seedlings and transplanting. Other skills that the campers picked up last year had to do with grafting. They learned how to graft plants properly and how to prune trees. We also got support from We Grow Food, Inc., as one of the field trips that we took was to Estate Bordeaux and Sister Benita gave us a really good presentation. Additionally, one of the farmers Charles Leonard and his daughter Brittany came in and spoke to the topic of agri-business.

It was a very dynamic and successful venture and we intend to do so again this year. The age range last year was from 14 – 18 years old and we intend to keep that in place for the next time. We are looking forward to another program this summer and are informing the public that if they know youngsters interested in being a part of this summer camp, please let us know.

Links:
Closing Program Info

Closing Program Booklet
Facebook Photo Album

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Friday, 7 August 2015

Agricultural Enrichment Summer Camp 2015