Agriculture Camp: From Farm Harvests to Bison Processing and Iñupiaq Song
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Today was another full day at Agriculture Camp, bringing together food production, farming, and cultural learning.
Campers got to see the results of work that began earlier this summer as we packaged the bison pepper sticks and bison jerky we made together. After learning how much time and care goes into taking a food product from preparation to the finished package, each camper went home with a package of pepper sticks and a package of jerky to share with their families.
But our bison processing isn't finished yet! Today we also started a batch of bison summer sausage. This gives campers another opportunity to follow the process of making a value-added food product from beginning to end.
Growing and Harvesting
Out on the farm, campers helped harvest fresh lettuce and carrots. They also planted seeds and placed young seed starts onto our hydroponic trays, giving them hands-on experience with different stages and methods of growing food.
From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables and from processing bison to packaging a finished product. Today gave campers a chance to experience many parts of our local food system.
A Special Visit from Shannon Hawkins
We were also excited to welcome special guest Shannon Hawkins, who shared Iñupiaq language and culture with our campers through song and dance. Shannon taught everyone the “Float Coat Song” in Iñupiaq.
The Float Coat Song uses Alaska Native song and dance to teach an important message about water safety and wearing a life jacket. The song is connected with the Kingikmiut Singers and Dancers of Anchorage and has been shared with children and communities across Alaska as a fun, culturally meaningful way to reinforce boating safety.
It was a wonderful addition to our day and a reminder that learning at Agriculture Camp goes beyond the farm. Food, language, culture, safety, and community knowledge are all connected.
Quyanaa to Shannon Hawkins for spending time with our campers and sharing the Float Coat Song with us!
Today our campers harvested, planted, processed, packaged, sang, danced, and learned and they even headed home with some bison pepper sticks and jerky to share. It was a great day of hands-on learning at Agriculture Camp!
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