Opening: Story #32!
Hike: Smelly Hike Bingo
Find an unpleasant odor. Can you describe the smell? Find an odor that you like. Describe it. Can you think about why some things smell good on your hike and others don’t? Collect items in your foraging bag for the activity.
Activity: Botanical Whipped Salve
This week you will make aromatic salve and infused oil, using flowers and herbs that SMELL great. To make the whipped salve, you will need to have Barefooters prepare the oil first. This will take some time to do so we recommend getting started, then doing the opening activity and hiking while the oil is steeping.
Make an herb-infused oil: You will need 1.5 parts herbs and 3 parts oil. Every three cups used produces 2.5 cups of infused oil. Once you’ve selected your herbs, chop them up and place them in the mesh bags at the top of a double boiler, and add your oil. If you do not have a double boiler, you can make one by nesting a glass bowl or smaller pot inside a large pot of water. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water. Heat the mixture over low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. It cannot be left unattended, there is a risk of scorching your plants When done, strain the oil into a container. We recommend having multiple stations prepare oils.
Note: Typically dried herbs and a slow infusion process yield the best results. For practical purposes, we are doing the quick heat method. Infused oils can be used in salves, chapsticks, soaps, or lotions, as a body oil, in hair, medicinally to soothe bites and sores or stop itches, and as a moisturizer. They typically last about 6 months.
You can use one or more plants. Some fun combinations are:
- dandelion and daisy
- rosemary, nettle, and hibiscus
- pine and lemon balm
- lavender and mint
- calendula and echinacea
- red clover and honeysuckle
Make a whipped salve: For every 3/4 cup of oil, you will use 3 TBSP of beeswax and one cup of WARM water. Warm the herb-infused oil in a saucepan and add the beeswax, stir until it dissolves. Be patient; it will take a while to melt. Once dissolved, remove from heat. Add water to a blender, food processor, or bowl (if you’re using a hand mixer). Start mixing the water and slowly add the oil and beeswax mixture. The key is to add it slowly enough that the mixture can emulsify, so don’t rush it! As you continue to add the oil to the water, you’ll see it starting to form! Place into jars.
Optional step: add in essential oils for more scent.
Supplies: Beeswax, and olive oil are provided by BU. Families should bring a small (jelly-sized jar) to take home what they make. Barefooters should bring their BU Water Bottle and foraging bags along with any herbal, foraging, Appalachian, or homesteading-themed things to display on the discovery blanket.
Have families sign up or volunteer for the rest of the supplies: measuring cups, essential oils (if using), knives, cutting boards, camp stoves or grills, a pot with a tight-fitting lid, food processor/mixer; hand crank mixer or blender (community funds can cover hand crank mixer and propane stove if your community doesn’t have any to chip in).
Note: If there is no power access at your park, ask someone to bring a car adapter or something else to plug into or use a hand-crank mixer.
