Shortly after Pequea Valley School District (PVSD) students attended their last day of the 2023-24 school year, 16 elementary-age children were in the Braves Learning Center, located in The Factory Ministries, to learn about flowers and plants.

On June 5, Karla Beiler, director of PV elementary advocacy with The Factory, instructed the first- through fourth-grade boys and girls gathered around her in how to create a bouquet. "Choose two or three pieces of greenery," said Beiler, who selected some mint to add a scent to her bouquet. Beiler explained that students could have a hydrangea, another flower, and a few pieces of lavender in a bouquet they could then secure with a ribbon. "You might need a friend to (help) tie it together," she noted. "And you made a really cute little bouquet," she said displaying her finished creation. One by one the students lined up at the flower bar to create their own unique bouquets.

The demonstration was part of Brave Kids Summer Camps, which are held for three days each week for six weeks in June, July, and August. Children who are in first through sixth grades and live in PVSD are welcome to attend up to two weeks of camp for free. During some weeks, both morning and afternoon sessions are held with up to 18 students per session. Registration for summer 2024 camps are filled.

Each week of camp has a theme. The bouquet making was part of art and garden week. This year's camp themes included cooking and baking, animal adventures week, and outdoor explorer week. "A Little Love Farm from Gap will be here for animal adventures week," noted Beiler, who added that That Fish Place - That Pet Place will also bring fish during the week.

Beiler pointed out that each day includes a lesson that enhances the activity. "We typically do a story," she shared, noting that for art and garden week she taught about how important it is to bring together a variety of flowers to make a bouquet beautiful. As in the past, Beiler affirmed that camp activities include an academic facet such as components of literacy and math. Snacks and games in the gym are included in the agenda.

Gabriel, who will attend fourth grade in the fall, said that it was his first year coming to camp. He was especially intrigued by the horticultural theme. "I like the different gardening activities," he shared. "I like to learn more about plants, and I will get my own plant too." Beiler explained that students could take home a tomato or pepper plant provided by Ken's Gardens.

Ellie, who is going into third grade, noted that it was her first camp experience as well, but she could not narrow down which activities she preferred. "I like that camp is fun," she stated. "Everything is fun."

More information about Factory programs for children may be found at https://thefactoryministries.com/what-we-do/#early-learning