Summer has officially begun for the Little Ranchers, who are diving into a week of adventure and learning at Lakewood Ranch High School's day camp. Hosted by the school's agriculture teachers and students, this one-week program is all about teaching kids the wonders of plants, animals, and leadership.
On Thursday, the camp was buzzing with excitement as half of the students tiptoed around a field, bug-catching nets in hand, under the guidance of the new agriculture teacher, Sophia Jaramillo-Vasconez, also known as "Ms. J." Meanwhile, other campers were engrossed in outdoor games like "red light, green light," or spending time in the barn with the animals.
Niko, a rising second grader from Williams Elementary School, couldn't contain his joy as he made new friends and learned the art of milking a cow. This week, he's also been busy caring for Tippy, the Mustangs' chapter heifer.
Emma S., who will be a senior this year, is fully committed to caring for these animals. She'll be helping her classmates look after Tippy while also managing Rex, her steer project for the upcoming school year. Emma plans to dedicate about three hours each day on campus to ensure the animals are well taken care of. Her passion for agriculture has been unwavering since she first took the course at Haile Middle in sixth grade, and she's eagerly looking forward to a future career in the field.
Agriculture teacher and camp organizer, McKenzie Gorskey, enjoys working with community business partners to offer these opportunities for families each year, ensuring that the camp is both educational and fun for all participants.
Agriculture courses and clubs are a staple in most middle and high schools across Manatee County, offering students like Emma and Niko the chance to explore their interests and develop valuable skills. The Little Ranchers' day camp is just one example of how these programs are making a positive impact on young minds.