We travelled in seven cars, the kids were mixed up and we had an agreement to be media free. in my car this led to the children animatedly sharing their books, reading to each other, storytelling and game playing. We laughed for much of the three and a half hour ride.
Malakoff is a state park but is very quiet through the week. The public do not have access to the buildings as we did, with the exception of the museum. As a result the park was very quiet and we essentially had it to ourselves. The camp site was large with a gorgeous meadow for the children to run in.
After a few minutes of running and exploring we ate a traditional pioneer lunch of pasties (think large empanada.) Ms.Fisher then gave them their tent assignments. We unpacked.
Next came stool and lantern making. The children worked earnestly for around 2 hours, sharing tools and work spaces. We ate snack then Ms.Fisher prepared them for our scavenger hunt.
Each parent chaperone took a building. What a privilege to have access to these rare, old buildings stuffed with artifacts - there is a general store, livery, drug store, typical home and of course a saloon. The children ran is groups of 4ish between each building to find clues and answer questions.
We surprised them with snack and drinks (root beer) in the saloon when they were done.
We then headed back to camp for dinner.
Ms.Fisher gathered the children for some journaling while we made the meal - Emily's delicious chili and dutch oven cooked corn bread. The children rotated in groups for meal prep, table set up and dishes. There was some time for free play which quickly turned into group play - boys and girls - harmonious and shrieking with joy and laughter!
We ate together as the sun sank in the sky. We had an impromptu visit from The North Bloomfield players who performed a skit featuring Kevin/Dewey Cheetum (think about it) a notorious swindler. Thoroughly amused and laughing we cleaned up (every child washed their own dishes) each 'tent parent' helped their group get ready for bed. We made sure all snacks and toiletries made it into the bear locker and gathered in jammies around the fire for a sing along and some snuggles. The almost full moon hampered our star gazing so we retired to tents for story time.
Eventually we had 19 sleeping pioneers!
Bright and early our pioneers gathered around the fire for some warming chamomile tea with honey. Our diligent fire master Vittorio (Andreas) had been up since 5.30am to make sure the fire was warm and ready for the porridge pot.
Bessie (yours truly) pulled forth her Scottish heritage and made a tummy and heart warming pot of porridge to fortify us for the day. We had cream, sugar, strawberries, nuts, cinnamon to add to the deliciousness which may or may not be attributable to a stick of butter in the pot :0)
Now warmed and full we got ready for our day. We spent the first few hours crafting. Making rope, candles, finishing our lanterns and stools, doll making and what I hope you heard about - blacksmithing! Crafting is hungry work so we ate a snack, then headed down to the creek to pan for gold.
We learned that gold panning is back breaking, toe freezing and disappointing. With three tiny flakes between us we headed back to camp for a cheering lunch.
After lunch the children hiked to the school house for some math and spelling work on chalkboards.
There we saw how the pioneer children used outhouses sitting four in a row! We also learned that bats like to live in abandoned outhouses!! Something we won't soon forget. My ears are still ringing from the squeals.
We had time for more group 'chaos tag' and then news came that the stagecoach had brought mail.
Picture your lovelies their faces full of hope as they stood crowded into the general store, at the post office counter, while post mistress Eugenia (Gina) called their names.
We had another delicious dinner and prepared for our storyteller, Alkili. He did not disappoint. He had the children literally falling off the stools with laughter. We sang and we danced. Ask your children to show you the hoedown moves!
After a late desert supper (apple brown betty - cooked in the dutch oven) we lit our gorgeous lanterns and walked the length of the town singing the Lantern Song, This Little Light of Mine and more. Our children are never more glorious than when they swell together singing!
On return to camp, we got into jammies and settled into tents for the next chapter in our story books.
Sleep came much quicker to our hard working pioneers!
Morning came around faster than any of the adults wanted it too and we gathered again for warming tea. Samuel (Bob) flipped around 120 pancakes with flair and we ate our fill again. The children packed up their bags and belongings then took off for a hike to the Diggins. The remaining adults took down our lovely camp and crammed it back into seven cars.
We had a wonderful closing circle where the children spoke their gratitude. We sang and we danced a little then with some sadness climbed into cars for the trip home.
We stopped about an hour in for lunch and a run around the park. The last of Heather's delicious cookies fortified us for the remaining drive home.
Our trip was a harmonious success. I think partly due to our meticulous planning. I think also due to the constant preview and review given by Ms. Fisher (Serendipity Sal)
We worked liked mules to provide structure, fun, love and endless good food for all.
The fire was ever bright. The crafts were well organized. The parents attentive and prepared.
The children were free to play - to be children.
Bob, Andreas, Kevin, Merel, Pauline, Jeanne-Marie, Gina - you were incredible, I'd hitch my wagon to your train anytime.
Sincerely,
Bessie
