By Donna Burrus
Nestled among the serene landscape of the University of Tennessee’s Lone Oaks STEM Farm, seventeen members of Fayette Academy’s Ecology Club transformed their Winter Break into an unforgettable educational adventure that combined environmental science, teamwork, and preparation for upcoming community outreach events.
The multi-day retreat featured custom-designed programming by the Lone Oaks staff, including a hands-on “Chemistry of Food” workshop where students crafted their own pizza from scratch. Club members experimented with various flour types—wheat, whole wheat, and gluten-free—while learning the scientific principles behind each step of the pizza-making process. Students even made mozzarella cheese using both goat and cow’s milk.
“I really liked making the pizzas. I have never made cheese before. It was really awesome and the goat cheese practically melts in your mouth.,” said Addison Walker, the club’s senior president.
The Lone Oaks staff also created a custom Jurassic-themed escape room experience to reinforce concepts for the club’s upcoming “Party for the Planet” event—an annual interactive program designed for PK-5th grade students at Fayette Academy. During the retreat, club members dedicated time to preparing posters, assembling goodie bags, and rehearsing their presentations for the ten hands-on activity booths they’ve designed for the younger students.
Beyond structured activities, the retreat offered valuable bonding time, particularly with the ten graduating seniors who will soon depart the 24-member club. Evenings were filled with games and fellowship, creating lasting memories despite an unexpected tornado warning that sent the group huddling in storm-safe bathrooms during the first night.
The retreat wasn’t all play, however. Club members hand-painted Easter door hangers they plan to sell as a fundraiser for the school’s outdoor classroom and the “Bees Bounty Community Garden” project.
This blend of educational immersion, service preparation, and camaraderie exemplifies the Ecology Club’s mission to develop environmental stewardship while building leadership skills among its members.Club senior Vice President Maddie Lutz said”The river simulation really taught us how to focus on the future outcomes of our impact on the environment, and taught us to work together.”
Parents interested in having their children join next year’s Ecology Club should note that applications will be accepted in April. With ten seniors graduating this year, the club will have significant openings for new members eager to participate in these enriching experiences.
For more information about Fayette Academy’s Ecology Club and upcoming application details, please contact Donna Burrus (dlburrus@favikings.org) or Daniel Ashcraft (dashcraft@favikings.org) if you have any questions.
