By: Mayla Odom
The Winston County Self Help Cooperative wrapped up the summer with back-to-back youth events on July 22nd and 23rd, creating memorable experiences in collaboration with Ms. Charlotte Moore and the Zion Community’s children.
On July 22nd, Mayla Odom led a fun and educational canning session, teaching the children how to make homemade strawberry jam. As always, the children’s energy and enthusiasm brought joy to Mayla. She began by explaining the jam-making process, which sparked different reactions. While the younger children lit up with excitement, some of the older ones groaned at the mention of strawberries. I encouraged them to at least try something new, “You never know what you might end up liking!”
Mayla introduced the staple ingredients for the jam: fresh strawberries, sugar, powdered pectin, and pint-sized mason jars. The hands-on activity gave the children a sense of a goal and accomplishment as they helped prepare the sweet treat. They were thrilled to learn they would be taking their final product home.
If you would like a detailed strawberry jam-making process, check out our video “Farm to Table” or click on this article.
After the jam making, Ms. Charlotte incorporated games for the children to engage in that helped with team building and communication skills.
Day Two: Sweet Snacks and Smart Choices
On July 23rd, Mayla Odom returned to lead another fun and nutritious activity with the Zion Community youth. This time, I focused on making a sweet but healthy snack. The ingredients were simple: fresh strawberries, cream cheese, sugar-free Jell-O, pretzels, and graham crackers.
Mayla explained that these quick fruit dips are not only delicious, but they can also be a healthy way to encourage kids to eat more fruit, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. She shared how cream cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, and provides protein to help build muscle and keep us feeling full longer.
Pretzels, she noted, are a more intelligent choice than chips because they’re baked, not fried, making them lower in fat, calories, and grease. Graham crackers were highlighted as a healthier alternative to cookies, with less sugar and fat. Of course, Mayla reminded the children that all foods—even healthy ones—should be enjoyed in moderation.
To make the dip, cut up strawberries into smaller pieces and set them aside. Cream your cream cheese with a hand mixer, adding only a little of the Jell-O packet. Then, fold in the strawberries and enjoy with pretzels, graham crackers, or your fruit of choice.
Once the kids saw how simple and tasty the snack was, they dug in enthusiastically, leaving no crumb behind!
For more photos from both events, click here.
