Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Home Educators (JBABHE) went “back in time” to the pioneer days, April 16, taking about 60 children from JBAB Youth Center on a unique spring break trip.
Children experienced churning butter, making lemonade, potato sack races, marble-tossing and washing clothes on a real washboard using homemade soap.
The event was eye-opening for many of the youth who attended.
Elliot Hansen, a 1st grade student, was excited about the unique experiences. “My favorite part was shaking the cream to make butter,” she exclaimed.
Many of the JBABHE clubs hosted specific parts of the Pioneer Day experience, including costumes made by the Sewing Club and student art displays.
Home educator Ben Borelli worked with his 18-year-old son Matt to set up a sutler camp and mining experience while wearing beards and period clothing.
Children used a mining pan filled with dirt to search for homemade Fool’s Gold. After agitating and sifting the mixture to expose the gold, they traded it for gold bubble gum.
The Air Force Band brass ensemble Blue 82, lead by Tech. Sgt. David Balandrin, played period pieces and taught the group about historical musical instruments.
The end of the day included a performance by JBAB Home School Literature Club students’ rendition of “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare, under the direction of Shannon Balandrin.
For more information about home schooling or to join JBABHE, contact Diane Butler at viper_pilotus@yahoo.com.