Home Insteading With Cooperative Extension (Week 67)

— Written by Camaryn Brantley | July 8, 2021

Local Youth Participate in 4-H Cooking Camp

Camaryn Byrum, 4-H Agent

Local youth recently participated in a cooking camp offered by Chowan County 4-H. The workshop was open to Cloverbuds, who are youth ages 5 to 7. The workshop was offered at the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Chowan County office and was taught by Patty Bowers (Chowan County EFNEP Program Assistant), Camaryn Byrum (Chowan County 4-H Agent), and Mary Morris (Chowan County CED & Family and Consumer Sciences Agent).

Tuesday, June 29, youth learned how to properly wash their hands during an activity called GloGerm. A glow-in-the-dark lotion is used to resemble “germs.” After proper hand-washing, the germs shouldn’t be visible under a flashlight. If all “germs” were not washed away, the lotion will glow in the dark. This activity shows youth the importance of washing their hands with water and soap. Youth also learned the five MyPlate categories: fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains. On Tuesday’s menu, youth prepared a yogurt sundae, English muffin pizzas, and a fruity fizz drink with raspberries.

Wednesday, June 30, was another eventful day. Youth went on a scavenger hunt to find the ingredients of their snack. Morris taught a lesson on kitchen utensils and how to safely use each one. On Wednesday’s menu, youth prepared rainbow fruit kabobs, peanut butter cookies, and chicken and cheese quesadillas (with a side of chips and salsa).

For more information on Chowan County 4-H, contact the Chowan County office at 252-482-6585. Follow us on Facebook, @Chowan County 4-H.

Wanted: Alive

Katy Shook, Area Horticulture Agent

Do you recognize this friend? It’s a ladybug! Similar to butterflies, ladybugs complete a metamorphosis in which the adult form looks very different from the immature form. Ladybug larvae more closely resemble tiny alligators than they do their familiar red and black spotted adult form. They are frequently found on declining plants because they eat aphids and other garden pests that are causing the damage. Unfortunately, they’re often blamed for the plant damage and are consequently destroyed. Gardeners can learn to recognize these beneficial insects and encourage them in the landscape. For more information on recognizing beneficial insects in the garden, contact the Ask A Master Gardener Helpline at (252) 482-6585.