What can the AOS do to interest the youth of today in orchids? That is the question that has been consistently addressed by the Education Committee of the AOS. This series of articles is our attempt to involve AOS affiliates in an exchange of ideas that can be used at shows, meetings and other society activities to engage children in the world of orchids.
This project was developed by Girl Scout troops 41635 and 42473, Kyla Doty, Ashley Green, Michaela Pandorf, Becky Mason, Emily Samons, Josie Doty, Beth Mason, Sean Doty, and Kris Mason. Our project was done with 6 girl scout troops and 1 cub scout troop, ages 7 – 14.
Notice that this needs to be done in two stages, one before an orchid show and one during. It will add a display to your show and will require either a wall or a table with easel boards to post pictures on. Some one also needs to judge the pictures informally.
Materials include: live orchids, one of which can be pulled apart to show parts of the plant and the flowers, orchid books and magazines with pictures, Drawing supplies - markers, colored pencils, crayons, pencils, erasers, paper (Do not need all – erasers and regular pencils good, especially with older kids), heavy weight smooth paper, Duct Tape and Cardboard for mounting.
You also need a speaker knowledgeable about orchids, volunteers to help children with their drawing and post the pictures. Someone needs to judge the pictures at the show and award ribbons. (You can cut down donated plant ribbons won at previous shows, or use ribbons used for judging plants at the show. If the latter, someone may need to arrange it in advance so there are enough ribbons left after regular plant judging.)
Total Cost per participant averaged $1.62 (includes all new supplies, including colored pencils). Cost and supplies provided by troop that developed project. We got our paper from Hobby Lobby. Depending on size, cost was 12 – 20 dollars for packs of 10 – 30 sheets. Hobby Lobby carries colored pencil kits with 2 sets of 56 different colors for $20.
