By CHARLES MINSHEW

charles.minshew@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — Thirteen area 4-H members between the ages of 11 and 17 are learning about “Fantastic Food: From Nature to Your Nutrition,” this week at the Extension office.

They are attending a day camp which began Tuesday and will end Thursday. According to Sandra McKinney, county Extension coordinator, this is the first time a program like this has been offered by the agency.

McKinney and Morgan Bryan who serves as Expanded Food and Nutrition Educational Progam assistant (EFNEP) are teaching the children where the food they eat comes from as well as how to prepare some of it.

McKinney said the cost of the day camp is only $5 per student which is really a bargain, considering that transportation to various sites as well as materials to work with throughout the week are provided.

A typical day for the students includes learning about various foods, preparing food, and going to a place where the item is produced.

Tuesday was the first day of the program and was “Egg-cellent Eggs Day.” The group made omelets, then visited a local farm to feed chickens and gather eggs.

Wednesday is Fantastic Fruit Day. Participants will have pancakes with fruit topping in the morning, then travel to Lane’s Peach Packing Company in the afternoon. James Hurt will teach the youth how to make jelly at the end of the day.

Thursday will be “Veggie-licious Day.” The group will visit Calhoun Produce, then make pizza. They will also learn how to freeze vegetables.

McKinney said that the participating 4-H’ers are extremely interested in the camp. She is excited and feels that the program will be a big success.