By: Mayla Odom
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) Campus welcomed youth for the first summer event of 2026.
Mayla Odom began the day in the kitchen, where the children learned to make homemade strawberry jam with just a few simple ingredients. Mayla taught the children that making food takes patience, care, and love. She also shared the importance of knowing where our food comes from and the value of growing and preparing food ourselves.
The children participated in every step of the process. They helped mash the strawberries and took turns measuring the berries and sugar. Once the jam was prepared, it was placed into sterilized jars, the jar tops were wiped clean, lids were added, and the jars were placed into a hot water bath for five minutes to complete the canning process.
While the jam rested, the children sampled strawberry jam made earlier in April. The kids enjoyed spreading the homemade jam on biscuits and learning how preserving food allows families to enjoy the fruits of their labor later.
After the jam activity, the group moved on to making homemade butter. Many of the children were surprised to learn that butter could be made from just one ingredient—heavy whipping cream. Using old mason jars and even recycled pickle jars donated by Ms. Pamela Obryant, the children shook the jars until the cream separated into butter and buttermilk. The activity showed them how simple ingredients can be transformed over time, with effort and a little patience.
The day also included a financial literacy lesson led by Felisha Mitchell from Huntington Bank of Louisville, Mississippi. She spoke with the children about the importance of managing money and making wise financial decisions. Ms. Mitchell also introduced a new program offered through the bank that helps families build their children’s credit and prepare them for a stronger financial future.
The WCSHC summer event provided children with hands-on experiences that connected agriculture, food preservation, and financial education while encouraging life skills they can carry with them for years to come.
