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News-Sun file photo by KATARA SIMMONS Students try their hand at making orange juice during a past Ag-Venture.

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published: Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Ag-Venture gears up for 13th year of lessons

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Next week, for the 13th year, the hands-on learning experience known as Ag-Venture will bring close to 1,200 third-grade students to Firemen's Field where they all will learn the ins and outs of local agriculture.

This year's event, set for Tuesday through Thursday, will once again allow students to get up close and personal with some of Florida's most well-known plants, animals and produce.

Volunteers will work hard alongside Ag-Venture founders Darlene Phypers and Danielle Daum to ensure each child gets a lesson they won't ever forget.

Every third grader in Highlands County, including private schooled and home schooled, are invited to the program. Throughout the three days, the students will visit and participate in several learning stations, each focusing on an agriculture component.

Stations include alligators, grapes, citrus, diary, farm animals, vegetables and much more. At each station, students will become a part of the production process by helping with a number of things that have to occur before these products hit the stores.

Baum and the rest of the Ag Venture crew are gearing up for year 13 in the same fashion as always.

"We are excited. Everything is pretty much the same. Our barbecue is Tuesday. We are good on volunteers. Everything is running smoothly," said Baum.

Set up for Ag Venture begins Saturday at 8 a.m. Baum said that volunteers are needed for the weekend set up.

"We'll be setting up, so we will be doing everything from hauling hay and trees to covering tables and minor decorations," Baum said.

Anyone interested in helping with Ag Venture set up may contact Baum or meet at Firemen's Field Saturday at 8 a.m.

The Ag Venture Dinner will be held on Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinners will be prepared by the Highlands County Cattlemen and will include steak, corn on the cob, green beans, baked potato, roll, ice tea and homemade ice cream. Dinners are $12 for adult and $6 for children. Guided tours through Ag Venture's 14 stations will be held at 5 and 6 p.m. The Charlie Creek Band will perform live for attendees throughout the event.