[ December Holiday Camp Day 5 - Tuna Salad ]

Recipe on Tuna Salad

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 10 min

Ingredients:
1 can garbanzo beans (drained and mashed)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
2 green onions (chopped)
salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation:
In a medium bowl, combine garbanzo beans, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, chopped green onions, salt and pepper.
Mix well.

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Children at Work

Charis

Julian

Samuel

Elijah

Issac

Xin Hui

Faithe

Dillon

Ashley

Allan

Miah

Kajsa

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For Parents:

Isn't it a little challenging to get young children to eat their greens during meals? This recipe could be just do the trick!

Tuna salad is not only easy to make, but it is definitely yummy and healthy to eat. The photos of the children mixing their tuna salad illustrated how much they had enjoyed this cooking experience! Parents are most welcomed to give it a try at home with their children too!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 5 - Qian Hu Fish Farm ]

More about Qian Hu Fish Farm

Qian Hu is an integrated "one-stop" ornamental fish service provider ranging from breeding of Dragon Fish, farming, importing, exporting and distributing of ornamental fish as well as manufacturing of aquarium and pet accessories and distributing them to local and overseas customers.

Currently, Qian Hu has presence in 4 countries, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and China, which consists of 10 subsidiaries associates.

Qian Hu Fish Farm is located at:
71 Jalan Lekar
Agrotechnology Park
S'pore 698950

Opening Hours are as follows:
Mon-Thur 9am to 6pm
Fri-Sun & Public Holidays 9am to 7pm.

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The Farm Tour

The guide was bringing the children to see the "Arowana".

The children were looking at different species of fishes in the aquarium.

The guide was explaining how they export fishes to other countries.


The guide was explaining how the fish farm rears "Arowana" in the ponds.

Miah & Kajsa were taking care of each other.

The children were admiring the beautiful "Kois".


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"Long Kang" Fishing

Julian

Elijah & Issac

Samuel

Miranda & Elizabeth

Dillon

Xin Hui, Faithe & Charis

Elijah

Miah

Emily

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For Parents:

Many of our parents grew up playing in "Long Kang" (A malay word for drain), catching fishes and tadpoles. However, this generation doesn't have such exposure and it is always good to relive the childhood experiences of our parents.

Each child was given a plastic container and a net to go fishing the 'Long Kang. It wasn't an easy task BUT they tried really really HARD to catch the fishes before they swam away. 3 cheers to all the children! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurary!

The children were also given a farm tour by one of the guides. He showed to countless species of fishes in the farm and some species can fetch as high as a few thousands dollars. WOW!

It was indeed a different experience for the children, a step closer to Mother Nature!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 4 - Recycling Yakult Bottles ]

More about Recycling

Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into new products. Recycling generally prevents the waste of potentially useful materials, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, and hence greenhouse gas emissions, compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key concept of modern waste management and is the third component of the waste hierarchy.

Recyclable materials, also called "recyclables", may originate from a wide range of sources including the home and industry. They include glass, paper, aluminium, asphalt, iron, textiles and plastics. Biodegradable waste, such as food waste or garden waste, is also recyclable with the assistance of micro-organisms through composting or anaerobic digestion.

Recyclates are sorted and separated into material types. Contamination of the recylates with other materials must be prevented to increase the recyclates' value and facilitate easier reprocessing for the ultimate recycling facility. This sorting can be performed either by the producer of the waste or within semi- or fully-automated materials recovery facilities.

There are two common household methods of recycling. In curbside collection, consumers leave presorted recyclable materials in front of their property to be collected by a recycling vehicle. With a "bring" or carry-in system, the householder takes the materials to collection points, such as transfer stations or civic amenity sites.

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Children at Work

Wen Pei

Allan

Dillon

Ashley

Elijah

Miah

Kajsa

Issac

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For Parents:

With recent concerns about global warming, it is therefore important to increase young children's awareness of various recycling methods. Everyone can do their part for the world that we live in.

Instead of throwing Yakult bottles away after drinking, the children made use of these plastic bottles to create their own shakers. How innovative of them!

The children poured green beans into the empty Yakult bottles and secured two bottles together with tape. The teachers helped to paste the construction papers over the bottles before the children decorated them with colourful gems. Now, everyone has a DIY shaker to bring home. Music, please? Yippie!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 4 - Yakult Factory ]

More about Yakult

Yakult, a fermented milk drink, was developed in accordance with Dr. Shirota’s philosophy, which is expressed by the three concepts of “preventive medicine,” “A healthy intestine leads to a long life,” and “ensuring good health for as many people as possible.” Yakult’s dairy products contain Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (Yakult bacteria), which provide strong resistance to bile and gastric juice; and bifidobacteria (strain Yakult), a select variety with proven health benefits. These products are designed primarily to promote health through the daily intake of these microorganisms.

Yakult contains 230 million Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota per milliliter — or 15 billion lactobacilli per bottle — which is 23 times the minimum recommended intake of lactobacilli established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. What’s more, drinking just one bottle of Yakult 400 provides the body with 40 billion Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota!

As examples of products using probiotics, which have been shown to be effective in preventative medicine, Yakult’s dairy products are produced using the latest technology and painstaking production management, so that they can deliver the living microorganisms essential for good health.

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Products from Yakult

Skincare Products

Other Products

Yakult packaging from different countries


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Getting ready

Allan, Elizabeth, Miranda & Shaun

Shaun & Dillon

Elizabeth & Miranda

Miah, Alix, Issac & Allan

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During the talk

Group A

Group B

Bacteria under the mircoscope

The guide was showing the children a picture of Mr Shirota.

The guide was explaining the different types of good bacteria to the children.

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Children In Focus

Elizabeth

Miranda

Emily

Elijah

Shu Yi

Wen Pei

Miah

Kajsa

Ashley

Dillon

Shaun

Julian

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For Parents:

It was indeed an extremely enriching excursion for all the children and even the teachers.

The guide gave the children a talk about different types of good bacteria that each bottle of Yakult contains and how these bacteria could help our body. The guide even took a drop of Yakult and placed it under the mircosope for the children to see the good bacteria in action. Without a doubt, the children were totally amazed with the experiment.

Subsequently, the guide played a cartoon about the K-boy (Lactobacillus) and B-boy (Bifidobacteria) to further explain the usefulness of these bacteria. The cartoon had definitely captivated their interests, as they watched it attentively and quietly. Now, the children definitely had a more thorough understanding of the 2 good bacteria in the Yakult drink.

After watching the cartoon, the guide brought the children around for a tour. Before she brought us into the factory, she informed us that no photography is allowed in there. Nonethless, the children had a great time in the factory, as they managed to observe the different processes of making Yakult, such as fermenting and packaging. Most of them were very excited to see the big machinery. Cheers!

That marked the end of the tour at Yakult Factory. Each child was given a row of Yakult to bring home. A healthy and yummy drink for ALL!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 3 - Goat's Milk Soap ]

More about Goat's Milk Soap

Goat's milk has long been recognized as a natural skin moisturizer and rejuvenator. In North America, when someone suggests the word "milk" we instantly think of a dairy cow. In fact, more people consume goat's milk than any other milk in the world.

From a nutritional standpoint, goat's milk and cow's milk are remarkably similar. However, there are significant differences in the protein and fatty acids that are found in goat's milk. The molecular structure of the proteins and fatty acids which predominate cow's milk are much larger and longer than in goat's milk. Some individuals who are lactose intolerant and cannot handle the digestion of cow's milk are having difficulties in digesting, or breaking down, these long strands. Frequently, goat's milk is recommended for these digestive problems. It has also been suggested that goat's milk should be strongly considered as an alternative to powdered formula for nursing babies.

Goat's milk is also naturally homogenized. In the preparation of our soaps and skin care products, we only use fresh goat's milk. Many goat's milk skin care products utilize powdered milk which is stable and far easier to store. We feel that the high heat used in the dehydration process somehow changes the structure of the milk, and that using fresh milk produces a better feeling on the skin.

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Children at Work

Dillon

Ashley

Issac

Shu Yi

Wen Pei

Miah

Julian

Allan

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For Parents:

It isn't that difficult to get baby soft skin! You just have to start using goat's milk soap from today! Amazing results that you will see in just a few weeks!

After visiting Hay Dairies Goat Farm, the children came back to school and made their own bottle of goat's milk soap. There were only 3 simple steps involved.

Step 1: Pour the goat's milk soap into the soap dispenser.
Step 2: Cover the soap dispenser with the pump.
Step 3: Decorate the soap dispenser with glitter stickers provided.

There you go!!! Children were ready to bring the goat's milk soap dispenser home for use! Wasn't it fast and convenient? Hm... And goat's milk soap smells very fragrant too!

[ December Holiday Camp Day 3 - Hay Dairies Goat Farm ]

More about Hay Dairies Goat Farm

Hay Dairies Pte Ltd is a small goat farm, with about 1,000 goats of mixed breed, producing milk for sale. The farm uses the latest milking, pasteurising, homogenising and bottling machines to produce very fresh goat's milk, which it sells directly to customers. It serves a niche market in Singapore, providing an alternative to those who are allergic to cow's milk.

Hay Dairies produces goat's milk for sale. The farm also welcomes visitors on organised excursions or family outings.

Hay Dairies is located at:
No. 3 Lim Chu Kang
Agrotech Park Lane 4
Singapore 718859

The contacts are as follow:
Tel: (65) 6792 0931
Fax: (65) 6794 1580

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The Bus Ride

Wen Pei & Yuan Laoshi

Julian & Allan

Shu Yi & Elijah

Issac

Ms Zi Hui & Miah

Ariel

Alix

Ashley


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The Farm Tour - Part 1


The children saw how the goats were being milked.

The workers were milking the goats using the machinery.

The children listened attentively as Joe explained more about the goats to them.


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The Farm Tour - Part 2


The children were feeding the goats in the barn.

Elizabeth

Dillon

Miah

Julian

Alix

Elijah & Ashley

Ariel


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Resting Time


Miranda, Elizabeth & Ariel

Wen Pei, Miah & Shu Yi

Issac, Dillion & Shaun

Elijah, Allan, Julian & Alix

Ashley & Shu Yi

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For Parents:

An excursion to Hay Dairires has provided the children an opportunity to get closer to nature. They were extremely excited before reaching the farm and many asked if they were really going to see real goats. Of course!

Upon reaching the farm. the children were brought to see a live demo on milking the goats. The children saw how the workers used the machinery to milk the goats. As the demo was going on, Joe (our guide) provided the children with more information about goats. For example, a male goat is called a 'buck', a female goat is called a 'doe' and a baby goat is called a 'kid'. Surprisingly, the children rememebered most of the information easily and they discussed what they have learnt during the bus journey back to school.

The highlight of this farm tour is that children get to feed the goats with hay. They were brought to the barn where all the goats were kept and they feed the animals. They had such an enjoyable time that they requested for more hay so that they could feed the goats for a longer time. I am sure the experience helps to promote children's love for animals. Cheers!

After taking a short break, the children went back to school happily with a bottle of goat's milk, a souvenir from the farm, more knowledge and understanding about goats and happy memories from this excursion! Yippie!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 2 - Cheesecake Deco ]

Recipe on Fluffy Cheesecake

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 3 hr 15 min

Ingredients:
8 oz PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (softened)
1/3 cup sugar
8 oz COOL WHIP Whipped Topping (thawed)
6 oz HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust

Preparation:
Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with wire whisk or electric mixer until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping.
Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until set.
Garnish as desired.

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Children at Work

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Samuel

Ashley

Elijah

Dillon

Shu Yi

Miah

Allan

Wen Pei

Julian

Xin Hui

Charis

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For Parents:

Let all the litlle pastry chefs begin working on their cheescake deco! I bet you will be very surprised by how creative they can get!

First, let add the sprinkles. Hmm... It's so colouful! Yellow, pink, blue, red, white, green and ... WOW!

Next, it is the chocolate syrup. Yummy! Everyone loves the taste of oozing chocolate, don't we? Cheers!

Now, we have the whipped cream. Let's give it some shake! *shake shake* Ready? *pzzzzz*

Finally, it is the almond flakes to finish the toppings. Where shall we put it? Maybe some here and some over there? *wink*

What's NEXT???

Of course, it is time to EAT the yummy cheesecake! Heavenly delicious!!!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 2 - PastaMania ]

More about PastaMania

At PastaMania, the team works closely with many excellent brands, using only the very best ingredients found all over the world, to create that famous 'PastaMania' experience that consumers love so much. Their purchasing team toils relentlessly, seeking and negotiating with various suppliers and producers from a multitude of countries, often having to speak in different languages to find ingredients that match up to what we call the ‘PastaMania Standard’.

Their Research and Development team then takes over; first testing and assessing the product, ensuring it is of sufficient quality before the recipe is produced. Then experimenting with alternative recipes, trying out and put to trial to a panel of Food Testers and Critics over and over again, before the final recipe is decided. Finally, streamlining and developing the work process for that particular product, and put to trial once again, before it is presented to the customers.

Therefore, more often than not, only Brands that are widely recognized to be of quality can possibly survive this series of arduous and demanding tests.

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The bus ride

Wen Pei

Julian

Miah

Shu Yi

Xin Hui, Charis & Faithe

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Samuel & Elijah

Elizabeth & Miranda

Dillon & Ashley


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Brief Introduction By Cheryl

Cherly was explaining the different types of pastas to the children.

Dillion, Elijah, Samuel, Miranda & Elizabeth

Kai Wei, Kai Le, Miah, Shu Yi, Ashley, Wen Pei & Julian

Charis, Xin Hui, Faithe & Allan


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Kitchen Tour By Lawerence

Lawerence was showing the coffee machine to the children.

Lawerence was setting up the coffee machine.

Lawerence was making coffee to show the children.

Lawerence was showing the electrical stove to the children.

Lawerence was showing the ice maker to the children.


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Getting ready to make Pizza


The ingredients - shredded chicken, mozarella cheese and button mushrooms

Tomato sauce

Pizza dough

Lawerence was doing a demo for the children.

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Kneading the dough

Lawerence with Xin Hui & Faithe

Miranda & Elizabeth

Julian

Elizabeth

Samuel

Wen Pei

Ashley


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Spreading the tomato sauce on the dough


Samuel

Elizabeth


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Adding the ingredients


Miranda

Kai Wei & Kai Le

Miah & Shu Yi

Ashley & Wen Pei


Faithe & Xin Hui

Elijah

Dillon

Allan

Julian


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For Parents:

This had to be the best excursion that the children enjoyed the most. Not only they get to eat pizzas and pastas for their lunch, they also get to make their very own pizza.

We were greeted warmly by Cheryl at the lift lobby. She brought us to take a SUPER BIG cargo lift that could fit in all 20 of us. We stopped at Level 5 where PastaMania Headquarters is located. We started the programme with a brief introduction of pizzas and pastas. Now, the children knew that these foods origin from Italy and there are many different types of pastas. I am really surprised that most of them listened attentively and asked relevant questions! Cheers!

Next, Cherly's friend, Lawerence brought us on a kitchen tour around PastaMania. We explored the coffee machine, electrical stove, ice maker and the oven and Lawerence explained patiently the functions of each machine. The children were very cooperative by taking turns to ask questions. I am really so proud of them!

Last but not least, the children got the opportunity to make their own pizza with the help of Lawerence and other chefs on duty. They kneaded the dough, spreaded the tomato sauce, added the ingredients (shredded chicken, mozarella cheese and button mushrooms) onto their ready dough expressively. They had really put in a lot of effort and creativity in making and deocrating their pizza. I am so sure that they were very proud of themselves. That marked the end of our PastaMania tour. Horray!

Cheers,
Angeline

[ December Holiday Camp Day 1 - Kokeshi Dolls ]

More about Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are Japanese dolls, originally from northern Japan. They are handmade from wood, have a simple trunk and an enlarged head with a few thin, painted lines to define the face. The body has a floral design painted in red, black, and sometimes yellow, and covered with a layer of wax. One characteristic of Kokeshi dolls is their lack of arms or legs. The bottom is marked with the signature of the artist.

Kokeshi was first produced by Kiji-shi in Shinchi, in Togatta/Miyagi Prefecture from where Kokeshi making techniques spread to other spa areas in the Tōhoku Region. It is said that these dolls were originally made from the middle of the Edo period to be sold to people who were visiting the hot springs in the north-east of the country.

Traditional Kokeshi dolls shapes and patterns became particular to a certain area and are classified under eleven types including: Tsuchiyu, Togatta, Yajiro, Naruko, Sakunami, Yamagata, Kijiyama, Nanbu, Tsugaru, Zao-takayu, and Hijioro. The most dominant type is the Naruko variety originally made in Miyagi Prefecture, which can also be found in Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures. The main street of the Naruko Hot Spring resort is known as Kokeshi Street and has shops which are operated directly by the Kokeshi carvers.

Creative Kokeshi allow the artist complete freedom in terms of shape, design and color and were developed after World War II. They are not particular to a specific region of Japan and generally creative Kokeshi artists are found in the cities.

The woods used for Kokeshi vary with cherry used for its darkness and dogwood which is softer. Itaya-kaede, a Japanese maple is also used. In the creation of both traditional and creative dolls the wood is left outdoors to season for one to five years before it can be used.

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Children at Work


Shu Yi

Miah

Julian

Elijah

Xin Hui

Charis

Allan

Wen Pei

Ashley

Dillon

Faithe

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For parents:

This camp has successfully transformed the traditional way of making Kokeshi dolls with the use of innovative materials. At the same time, it made this Japanese craft comes ALIVE for the children!

Using concrete materials, such as glass bottles, ping pong balls, felt, wiggly eyes, sequins, collage buttons and yarns, the children designed their own Kokeshi dolls creatively.

They used white glue to attach the ping pong balls to the opening of the glass bottles, thus creating the visual effect of a doll. Next, they cut clothes for their dolls using the felt. They also used collage buttons and sequins to decorate their masterpiece artistically. They could easily pass off as fashion designer for famous labels, such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. The next step was to add yarn to put in place the hair for their Kokeshi dolls. Last but not least, they sticked the wiggly eyes on their dolls to complete the craft. Horray!

Cheers,
Angeline

[December Holiday Camp Day 1 - Ikebana]

More about Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangement in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement is based on the line of twigs and/or leaves, filled in with a small number of blooms. The container is also a key element of the composition. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man.

Ikebana, one of the traditional arts of Japan, has been practiced for more than 600 years. It developed from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. By the middle of the fifteenth century, with the emergence of the first classical styles, Ikebana achieved the status of an art form independent of its religious origins, though it continued to retain strong symbolic and philosophical overtones. The first teachers and students were priests and members of the nobility. However, as time passed, many different schools arose, styles changed, and Ikebana came to be practiced at all levels of Japanese society.

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Children at Work

Elijah

Allan

Miah

Shu Yi

Julian

Dillon

Ashley

Charis

Faithe

Xin Hui

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For parents:

Piaget stated that children learn best through active exploration of concrete materials. There you go!

This activity was one of the ideal way for children to grasp concepts. It made use of fresh flowers to engage children in discovering more about Ikebana, nature and their creativity. Children get to touch, smell and see the different varieties of flowers, such as daisies and baby's breath.

The children were encouraged to select and arrange the flowers in their flower pot creatively. Therefore, all the end products were the children's very own work, which gives them a great sense of satisfaction. They were definitely very very proud of themselves when they showed it to mummies and daddies at the end of the day. Well done!

Cheers,
Angeline