Day One of Plant Week

We had a beginning circle and I sang “Our Sacred Ground We Walk Upon.” Then I told the Abenaki Nation story of how stories came from Grandfather Rock.

We learned map reading skills and compass use skills. I am happy to report that we managed to get lost the first day. This priceless experience cannot be undervalued. Feelings of fear and despair —the children were hopelessly lost. They didn’’t panic, although I saw some nervous looks. (Of course, I knew where we were—sheesh!)

We had to change our path to avoid poison ivy.

Poison ivy on the bike path.
Here is the poison ivy that we found on the bike path; notice the mitten-shaped leaves. We drew the poison ivy plant and ate lunch. I told them the Choctaw story of “How Poison Came to the Creatures of the Swamp,” which involves poison ivy.
We took a shortcut through to the water works, then played a few fun games with the fruit of a walnut tree.



Cure for Poison Ivy

Here is the cure for poison ivy that we found down by the river. We all promptly applied it to our arms and legs, although too much time might have passed for it to work.
Olivia volunteered to touch a stinging nettle, an experience she claims she will avoid for all time from now on. She used jewelweed to stop the stinging. (It took longer then she liked because there was a stinger in her thumb—ouch!)
Other plants discussed:
Pokeweed – Poison ID
Raspberries
Chicory
Cedar
Various domestic garden vegetables
We ended the day with a song, “Mother Earth Carry Me.”

Peace

Eric Wolf

To all—don’’t forget those hot baths with soapy water! Kill those chiggers!

P.S.: We made a magical map of camp. To get a copy of the map in PDF format, click here.
P.P.S.: Questions for your child:

Easy – What is the cure for poison ivy?
Hard – What did Native Americans make out of poison ivy?