Fall Harvest Celebration Brings Community Together

The crisp autumn air was filled with laughter, learning, and the sweet aroma of apple cider as families gathered for CFEL's annual Fall Harvest Celebration. This beloved tradition brings our community together to celebrate the season and showcase the incredible learning that happens through our garden-to-table programming.

Hands-On Learning Stations

Children and families rotated through various learning stations that highlighted seasonal science, mathematics, and creative arts. The excitement was contagious as children discovered the magic of learning through play and exploration.

• Pumpkin measuring and weighing station with scales and measuring tapes
• Apple printing art studio creating beautiful fall-themed artwork
• Seed sorting and classification activities with magnifying glasses
• Corn kernel counting and pattern-making mathematics center
• Scarecrow building station using recycled materials
• Storytelling corner featuring seasonal books and puppet shows

Garden-to-Table Showcase

One of the highlights of the celebration was seeing the fruits (and vegetables!) of our garden-to-table program. Throughout the growing season, children have been involved in every step of the process—from planting seeds to harvesting mature plants.

Families sampled delicious treats made from ingredients grown right in our educational gardens: butternut squash soup, roasted root vegetable medley, fresh herb bread, and homemade apple sauce. The pride on children's faces as they shared their gardening accomplishments with their families was truly heartwarming.

Community Connections

The Fall Harvest Celebration serves as more than just a fun event—it's an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our CFEL community. Families had the chance to connect with one another, share parenting experiences, and watch their children play together outside of the regular program setting.

We were also joined by several community partners who shared information about local resources for families, including the public library's children's programming, community recreation opportunities, and health and wellness resources.

Environmental Stewardship

This year's celebration included a special focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability. Children demonstrated their composting knowledge, showcased recycled art projects, and participated in a 'reduce, reuse, recycle' scavenger hunt.

Many families left with new ideas for incorporating sustainable practices at home, along with starter plants and seeds to begin their own family gardens. This connection between school and home learning is an essential part of our educational philosophy.

Looking Ahead

As we clean up the autumn leaves and prepare for winter programming, we're already beginning to plan for our next seasonal celebration. The connections made and learning shared during events like these remind us why community is such an important part of the CFEL experience.

Thank you to all the families who joined us for this special day, and to the many volunteers who helped make the celebration such a success. We look forward to continuing these meaningful traditions that bring learning to life for children and families.