Cub Scouts Visit Oakton Smart Market

A group of about a dozen Cub Scouts gathered at the Smart Market at Unity Church of Fairfax on Saturday morning learned more than just the basics about local produce from the farmers. They also learned cooking could be fun.

“As part of their badge requirements, they occasionally have to go places as a den and see things and today they are learning about cooking and food and where food comes from,” said Sam Rauch, the leader of the Pack of Scouts. “This is the first time we have come here, and it’s a lot of local farmers, so it’s good for them to see that.”

The Pack 987 Scouts, Den 2 and Den 7 out of Flint Elementary School, were invited to the year-round farmers market by its founder, Jean Janssen.

“One of the Scouts and his mother were at the market a few weeks ago and asked if we could accommodate the Scouts to talk to the farmers and vendors, because they were working on a badge that involved cooking,” Janssen said. “We were happy to welcome them, but additionally, came up with an idea for a food demo to teach the boys and dads how to cook something.”

Annie Sidley, the market’s demo diva, taught the boys to make some seasonal breakfast foods, including pancakes and a delicious vegetable dish.

“This helps us learn what to eat and what is nutritious and teaches us to try new things,” said 8-year-old William Bush. “This is a good activity for us and everyone gets food.”

Tyler Bechtle was happy with the free treats, especially the eggnog. Tommy Bush enjoyed the chocolate samples, while a host of the boys were munching on fruit.

Erik McCray, 8, happily enjoyed his apple while he was listening to the farmers talk about their booths.

“This is a great opportunity for the boys to learn about where food comes from and how it’s made,” said Erik’s dad, Vance.

Vendors spoke with the boys about their farms, growing practices and why buying local is often the best thing for the community.

“This is a place they drive by all the time and many of them didn’t know what it was about, so it’s a good way for them to learn,” Rauch said. “They can see first-hand where the food comes from and talk to the farmers, which they can’t do in the grocery store.”

As the boys joined in on the cooking demo, each had the chance to experience what it’s like to cook for themselves and combine ingredients into a healthy meal.

“The boys were eating sausage, potatoes, apples and spinach in the same dish and they thought it was great. Their parents were like, ‘They don’t eat anything like that at home,’” Janssen said. “First of all, just to introduce them to cooking is such an adventure for them. This was a great way to pique their interest in cooking a little. Having so many dads there was also great.”

By the end of the visit, all agreed it was a valuable experience and a fun one to boot.

“We got free food,” said 8-year-old Bechtle. “What’s not fun about that?”

The year-round market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.