by Annie Azriel, Gesher Rosh Eidah

It’s been a week of helping out the local community for Gesher. Monday we started off with a trip to Primrose Valley Farm near Madison Wisconsin. This is a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm run with Jewish and Kosher standards in farming. The kids were able to learn about this unique farm and participate in rotations that allowed them to experience planting, cultivating, harvesting, and post-harvest processing activities.

During these rotations, campers were led by the farm crew as they seeded radishes, transplanted strawberry plants, cultivated rhubarb, tomatoes and beans and onions, and learned how to use post harvest processing equipment to wash and grade cucumbers.

During the day, a number of discussions occurred about the local food movement and the concept of “responsible” food – that is, food that is grown with respect for the environment, health and fundamental values. Many of the campers talked about how much they learned from this experience and the influence that it had on them.

At the end of our time at the farm we boarded the bus with 7 crates of fresh vegetables to bring to the local Oconomowoc food pantry on Tuesday. Tuesday morning we again left camp this time to head to the local grocery store. While we were there each group of about 10 kids bought a week’s worth of meals for a family of five with $45. It was amazing to watch the kids stare at the totals as the cashier rang up their carts. Some groups still had money left over while others had to decide what to take back. It was a lesson for each and every camper. Many of the kids commented about how they plan to use coupons when they shop in the future with their families or how they want to make a budget at home and stick to it.

After the grocery store we took a trip to the Oconomowoc food pantry and delivered our groceries. While we were there we learned that over 6% of Oconomowoc citizens do not have enough food. We also got a chance to tour the building and ask questions about the people the pantry services. It was a great day for all.

Later in the week we enjoyed relaxing at the pool and beginning to prepare for Carnival next week. Everyone is in high spirits as we head into the last week at camp. It’s hard to believe it has already been three weeks and there is only one more week to go!