SCIT Afterschool youth meet the Honey Bee Challenge 5-9-16

Joseph V. Sowmick - May 11, 2016

In an effort to provide bonus coverage, Team Observer joined with the SCIT Recreation Department as the Ziibiwing Center was all abuzz on May 9 about the science of agriculture as 25 SCIT Afterschool Program youth stepped up to meet the Honey Bee Challenge.

 

Isabella County MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator Kristi Schreiber informed Judy Pamp and Lindsey Sprague about the 2016 Ag Innovators Experience called the Honey Bee Challenge. The program teaches 4-H youth about the importance of honey bees in food production.  The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is the first Tribe in Michigan to step up to the challenge and participate in this program. 

 

SCIT Recreation Organized Sports Specialist Lindsay Sprague mentioned the Isabella County MSU Extension 4-H Program reached out to the Tribal youth through ZCS Assistant Director Judy Pamp. 

 

“Judy contacted us to set up the China Art program a few weeks ago that went very well and gave us the information for the Honey Bee Challenge. The kids learned lots of useful information about honey bees and the important role they play when it comes to the food we eat,” Sprague said. “They also had the opportunity to build their very own battery powered honey bee! Everyone was sent home with new drawstring backpacks filled with some more useful information, along with a couple flower seeds for them to plant and help the honey bees continue to thrive! Also included was a stick of honey!  Two thumbs up!”

 

A full story on the Honey Bee Challenge will be featured in the upcoming June edition of your Tribal Observer.