Campers Enjoy InterGenerate's Heritage Hen Egg Co-op

InterGenerate's Heritage Hen Egg Co-op site, located at John Jay Homestead, hosted 11 camper groups throughout this past summer. Campers came from the Boys and Girls Club of Mount Kisco, Enrico Fermi Elementary School in Yonkers and John Jay Homestead's own History Camp. Children ranging in age from 5-14 years old, had memorable experiences during their visits, even during peak summer heat.

The outreach goals were to give campers an opportunity to experience a member of our food system up close, to learn about hen caregiving, to find out about the nutrition of eggs and the role they play in our food system, and how they contribute to the ecosystem of the farm (tick control and fertilizer) and most of all, to enjoy the animal interaction during the visits.

Led by many volunteer InterGenerate Egg Co-op participants, campers interacted with the hens and helped with caregiver tasks. Campers had an orientation on hen hygiene, holding the hens, and hen care. Campers harvested eggs, refreshed nesting boxes with hay, and fed hens fresh produce. Many campers actually witnessed the hens laying eggs!

A resource, activity and craft table provided alternative ways to extend the hands-on experience. Campers had access to illustrated books and posters regarding chicken breeds and the life cycle of chickens. An educational poster detailed the course the eggs take moving through and out of the body. Drawing paper and writing utensils were available to campers who wished to create their own drawings of the John Jay Homestead hens.

Outreach leaders were able to facilitate inquiry-based discussions about sustainability, food systems, hen care, and nutrition. Campers were delighted to participate in this hands-on experience.

The hens are currently living in mobile pens in the front fields of the Homestead.  Stop by and take a look!