Schoolio Summer Camp: Week 1 – Gardening and Plants ?

Schoolio Summer Camp Series

What do you do for homeschooling in the summer months? We asked Schoolio families, and the overwhelming answer was “light learning that’s fun.” This approach keeps kids engaged and helps neurodivergent kids stay regulated by maintaining a routine. Lightening up on academics while having summer fun is the best of both worlds! Since many homeschoolers love fun, summer-themed learning, we’ve got you covered! Welcome to the Schoolio Summer Camp Series! Each week, we introduce a new theme perfect for summer learning. We provide resources, and the best part? We have a full, day-by-day schedule for you. Every Friday, we post a plan for the following week, including lessons, activities, crafts, and more. This gives you the weekend to prepare. We bring you all the tools and planning you need for a complete summer program. Enjoy!

Discover the World of Medicinal Plants: A Schoolio Summer Camp Adventure

Join us for an immersive and educational summer camp experience. Explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants! Schoolio Summer Camp: Gardening and Plants is designed for curious minds and nature enthusiasts of all ages eager to learn about the healing powers of plants. This exciting week includes engaging Schoolio curriculum, hands-on activities, and outdoor adventures. The lessons for this week come from the Schoolio course Medicinal Plants, which is available in self-paced video format on the Schoolio Digital platform, or as an eBook in our bookstore. 

Day-by-Day Schedule

Monday ?

Morning Session

• Lesson 1: Rethinking Weeds (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 2-5)
• Activity: Amazing Weed Scavenger Hunt
• Additional Activity: Create intricate nature mandalas using leaves, flowers, seeds, and other natural materials.

Afternoon Session

• Lesson 2: Medicinal Herbs (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 6-8)
• Activity: Learn about traditional healing practices using medicinal plants.
• Videos:
  • Medicine in your backyard: How Indigenous peoples have used medicinal plants | CBC News
  • 4 Medicinal Plants that Are Incredibly Good for You
• Daily Outing: Visit your local conservation area for a guided walk to learn about medicinal plants.

Tuesday ?

Morning Session

• Lesson 3: Gathering and Preparing Medicinal Herbs (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 9-15)
• Associated Curricular Activity: Gathering Medicinal Plants
• Additional Activity: Field Guide Book OR Leaf Pressing and Plant Journals
• Field Guide Book: Design and compile a field guide of medicinal plants in your local community, complete with drawings, photographs, descriptions, and uses. Visit this website for some tips: Make an At-Home Field Guide | Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

Afternoon Session

• Lesson 4: Ways to Use Medicinal Herbs (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 16-21)
• Activity: Match the name to the remedy and learn about modern applications of medicinal plants in medicine.
• Videos:
  • ?Top 10 Most POWERFUL Medicinal Herbs (Backed by Science)
  • Lifesaving Medicines Made From Plants You’ve Never Heard Of
• Daily Outing: Go on a hike in your community’s forests or parks, looking for medicinal plants.

Wednesday ?

Morning Session

• Lesson 5: Teas, Infusions, and Decoctions (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 22-25)
• Activity: Making Tea
• Additional Activities: Enjoy herbal tea time, meditation and journaling, or nature yoga.

Herbal Tea Time: Enjoy quiet moments sipping herbal tea, fostering a sense of rejuvenation and

relaxation.

Afternoon Session

• Lesson 6: Herbal Syrups (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 26-28)
• Activity: Make a syrup
• Additional Activity: Use natural dyes from plants to color fabrics and create tie-dye shirts or bandanas. Visit this website for some tips: How to Tie-Dye Clothes at Home, Naturally.
• Daily Outing: Visit your local Botanical Gardens or Historical Gardens.

Thursday ?

Morning Session

• Lesson 7: Tinctures and Extracts (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 29-33)
• Activity: Make your own tincture
• Additional Activity: Sew and fill herbal sachets and pillows for sleep and relaxation. Visit this website for some tips: Herbal Sleep Sachets: An Easy DIY for a Better Night’s Rest

Afternoon Session

• Lesson 8: Herbal Infused Oils (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 34-37)
• Activity: Making herbal infused oils
• Additional Activity: Create healthy smoothies and juices using fresh herbs and plants. Here are some recipes: Wild Herb Smoothie Recipes: Our Top 5.
• Daily Outing: Visit your local Farm or Farmers Market.

Friday ?

Morning Session

• Lesson 9: Making Your Own Skincare Products (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 38-39)
• Activity: Making a salve
• Additional Activity: Create natural, herbal soaps using essential oils and plant extracts. Visit this website for some tips: DIY Bar Soap with Essential Oils | Kyndra Holley

Afternoon Session

• Lesson 10: Plan a Medicinal Herb Garden (Schoolio Curriculum: Medicinal Plants pg. 40-45)
• Activity: Designing a medicinal herb garden
• Additional Activity: Plant a mini medicinal herb garden. Visit this website for some tips: How to Grow Lots of Herbs in a Small Space • Gardenary
• Daily Outing: Visit your local plant store to source seeds for your medicinal garden.

Join the Fun!

We’re excited to kick off the Schoolio Summer Camp with Gardening and Plants. This theme is perfect for engaging children in meaningful, hands-on learning while enjoying the summer months. Don’t forget to share your summer camp experiences with us! Send pictures of your kids enjoying the camp to us via email or use the hashtag #SchoolioSummer if you share on social media, and be sure to tag us so we see it!.