Kurn Hattin’s Annual Sugaring Farm Week is just getting underway!
Kurn Hattin Homes for Children students take part annually in the time-honored Vermont tradition of maple sugaring. The activities take place at Kurn Hattin’s own sugar maple grove and sugar house, as part of the school’s Farm Science program. Former Farm Manager, Real Bazin, lends his expertise, and Farm Manager, Patrick Barry, guides the children through the basic sugaring process. Students help tap trees, set buckets, and check lines. Throughout late February and early March, classes take turns gathering the sap, running the evaporator, and bottling syrup. Like all fresh produce from the Kurn Hattin farm, the finished product is served in the cafeteria, either with pancakes or waffles at breakfast, or as a sweetener for desserts. From start to finish, the hands-on process helps the children understand the farm-to-table connection, and helps Kurn Hattin make strides toward its goal of greater sustainability.
The following are upcoming 2013 Farm Week events and activities:
Monday 2/25 – Friday 3/1: Sugaring Season Kick-off – Farm Manager, Patrick Barry, addresses the Kurn Hattin community and provides an overview of the sugaring process. Then throughout the week, Patrick Barry guides groups of older students to check lines and taps, and visits younger students in their classes to teach the basics of sugaring.
Monday 3/4-Friday 3/15: Sugaring – The Kurn Hattin sugar house will be in full production all week long. All students (in small groups) have an opportunity to visit the sugar house and experience the process firsthand.
Credentialed media are invited to attend and photograph any of the events above. Contact Jaimie Scanlon for further details on the schedule. Please see notes below.
A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes is entirely funded by private donations. Its mission: Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever.
