Maple Syrup Demonstration

Yesterday was the God's World class for February. We had friends of ours come and tell the children about tapping maple trees and collecting sap for syrup. Their family does this every year and sell between 100 and 200 gallons a year. They have a blog as well... Yoder Farm. The top picture is Paul explaining something to the children. He drilled into a piece of our firewood to show them how he drills the holes. He put in a spile and showed them how he connects tubing to flow into a bucket. He also passed around some maple syrup for them to try. There were lots of questions and I think everyone (me included) learned a lot.

During the year, each of the children have to demonstrate something to the other children. It teaches them to organize their thoughts, speak in front of others and to show someone how to do something. Some of the parents really try to help, but I discourage this. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It just lets them practice these skills. The boy in the first picture is showing how to make a gift bag. He gave each family instructions to take home. You would never have to buy another gift bag. He did a great job. The last picture above is another boy that showed how to rope something. He explained it very clearly... How to hold the rope, what to do with your arm and hand... and he was able to rope a 5 gallon bucket almost every time. I told him that he forgot his cowboy hat and boots. I also told him the next time my cow gets out that I am calling him!!! =)


These pictures show what is going on weather wise at our farm today. We are supposed to get between 4 and 12 inches (depending on who you listen to). We are grateful for all that we get. In the meadow...