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Learning As We Go

WHEW!  Been so busy doing things I probably shouldn't be doing, I haven't taken the time to post to my blog in a while.  Although, I have had ideas for posts, taking the time to make the entry has been all but painstaking!  I definitely need some time management lessons... or maybe a good ol' dose of prioritization!

The past few weeks have been eventful, and busy... to say the least!  We've done our NRA/DNR Youth Hunter Education Challenge.  I was privileged to make an entry to the NRAblog!  What a wonderful opportunity to look into what the NRA is doing for our communities and young people!  It was a blast getting to know everyone, especially Brad Ward who works with the NRA.  He was such a huge help!

In a few days, I hope to enlighten everyone on the YHEC, and the efforts put forth by the Friends of the NRA group to make the YHEC (Youth Hunter Education Challenge) possible.  For now, I'd like to make a contribution about our past weekend and homeschooling educational field trip!
FoxFire Fungi
I'm not too sure how many of you are familiar with Foxfire.  Foxfire, also known as "fairy fire", is a fungus that emits light (bioluminescent) present in decaying wood.  An oxidizing agent called luciferase is the cause for Foxfire's bluish green glow.  Luciferase, an enzyme present in the cells of foxfire catalyze the oxidation of luciferin and ATP producing light.  Although the purpose for this phenomena is unknown, it is believed the light is meant to attract insects to spread to it's spores or to act as a warning to hungry animals.  Enough of the science lesson... Foxfire is found in the mountainous regions of Northeast Georgia.

In 1966, Rabun County High School located in the mountains of Northeast Georgia wanted to engage their students and increase their interest in learning by beginning a magazine.  This magazine is known as The Foxfire Magazine.   This magazine which began as a simple idea has become a success story unlike any other.  The Foxfire Magazine has celebrated 40 years of distribution, and is still in production at the Rabun County High School today.

Over a period of time, the royalties from The Foxfire Book series led to purchase of land, log structures and construction of the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center.  This area serves as a museum of life in Southern Appalachia, featuring artifacts, original homes which were dismantled and rebuilt on the purchased property. They also have a wagon which was actually used during the relocation of the Cherokee Indians, known as Trail of Tears.

I think what interested me most... was the fact someone took time to believe in these students enough to encourage them to attempt such a feat.  Young people need motivation these days... and what better way to do it, than give them a challenge and allow them to use their skills, natural inclination to ask questions and work.

The museum offered heritage days, and my family and I went to learn more about our heritage, and history of the Appalachian Mountains.  We went with open minds, and willingness to learn and take in all the events and activities of the day.  There were volunteers cooking from fireplaces as they did in earlier years, blacksmith demonstrations, walking stick making, yarn dying, how to make corn husk dolls, instrument making and music. My son got to try his hand at washing clothes the old fashioned way!  Learning about how to make soap, and pottery was extra special. In addition to everything else, the children were taught how to crack a whip, walk on stilts and about the games and toys used during the period.  There was also a morning church and worship service for families to partake.  Last but not least, the children were again allowed to try their hand at archery.  The day, by far, met my expectations... and was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Learning how to play "Hide the Hankie"

Old Grinding stone at the gristmill!

Anyone want a whack?  Let's clean some clothes!

Welcome to dinner!  We're having Venison, Roasted Corn and Venison!

Very inviting table in a very small cabin!

Wash up first!

Handy making canes!

Ready to boil a hawg!
"Foxfire" staring Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn, and John Denver is a movie about a woman named Annie Nations and her husband living in the Blueridge Mountains.  Foxfire Museum has a cabin dedicated to the memory of the movie and the actors who starred in it.

Should you ever be in Rabun County, Georgia, I implore you to visit the FoxFire Museum and Heritage Center!
Making Banjos and Dulcimers by hand
Beautiful Handcrafted Banjos

Blacksmith Shop!


This is how you do it!  Just don't wear shorts!
This little toy actually strengthens your cow milking muscles!  ha ha!

Looks easy... right?


Handcrafted Corn Husk dolls

Hand Crafted Brush Brooms

UGLY Pot!

Busy Making Soap... Lye stinks!
Last But NOT least... Primitive Bow... :D  Long Bow Use

Hope you enjoyed reading... and learning about Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center.  To learn more visit; Foxfire Museum.




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