A Note From the Founder – My “Quirky” Kids
Kerry Cordy
Raising my girls, I very quickly realized that like me, they were “quirky.” They did not do things in the normal fashion and had imaginations that could easily transport them to unknown worlds. Thanks to homeschooling for seven years and the freedom to be uniquely themselves, they developed a level of self confidence that has held them in good stead all the way into their adult lives.
When my husband and I made the difficult decision to enroll them in public school for high school due to a family situation, I was concerned that their “quirks” would make them struggle in the “real world”. Instead, their sheer level of confidence allowed them to continue to be their unique selves. When my youngest graduated high school, I wrote this poem for her. At that time she considered the term “awkward” the best adjective to describe herself. For her, it was not a negative thing. It simply meant that she did not do things in the normal fashion and sometimes people might look at her strangely because of it. Getting people outside their comfort zone was always a good thing in her opinion.
Majestically Awkward
by Kerry Cordy
Majestically awkward,
Thatâs my child.
Majestically awkward,
But her spirit is wild.
No use for convention,
Donât put her in a box.
She lives life to the fullest
In her mismatched socks.
Majestically awkward,
In a beautiful way.
Majestically awkward,
She will light up your day.
She never lets others
Tell her who she should be.
Sheâs authentic and beautiful,
You get what you see.
Majestically awkward,
She admits it with pride.
Majestically awkward,
Filled with joy she canât hide.
Creative, inventive,
She makes art from thin air.
With a strong sense of justice
For whatâs right and whatâs fair.
Majestically awkward,
So hard to define.
Majestically awkward,
Iâm glad that sheâs mine.
As adults, my girls and I are still “quirky” and Kristine still describes herself as “awkward.” We skip going down the street. We dress up like pirates and attend historic re-enactments. We collect constant new hobbies, always learning new skills and trying out new and strange things. We will eat anything that sounds interesting from insects to the eyeball of a roasted pig spread on a cracker (true story!) So if you have a “quirky” kid, encourage them to own their quirks. Confidence in themselves will take them far!
Class Wallet Approved!
Curiosity Untamed is now an accepted vendor for charter schools that use the Class Wallet system. If you homeschool through a charter school and would like to use your vendor funds to pay for your Curiosity Untamed membership simply have your school send us any forms they need us to fill out for their particular school. We are already set up on the Class Wallet system and can take payments. All you need to do is take a screen shot of our membership pricing and request the school use the funds to pay for it. We are still new to this system so please be patient as we work with each individual school.
New Badges Added
Phobias, Cars Throughout History, Animal Migration
Life Skills Achievement Award
Many kids graduate high school and enter the âreal worldâ completely unprepared to take on the simplest tasks. The Life Skills Achievement Award was written to make sure that kids can perform skills that they will need later in life. These skills include household chores, personal grooming, physical skills, safety skills, financial skills, navigational skills, and basic living skills. To earn this award, kids must be able to complete each skill at their current level as well as all skills of any lower level. If a child has a handicap that makes it impossible for them to do a particular task, they may substitute that task with something similar within their capabilities. Keep in mind the idea behind this award is for girls to become proficient in each these skills, not simply perform them one time. (Make sure to follow all state and local age laws involving any of these requirements.) We highly recommend that every Quest member earn this award at every level of Quest.
Go to the Life Skill Achievement Award Requirements
Summer Has Arrived!
As the school year comes to a close, kids eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer. With formal lessons set aside, a world of exciting possibilities awaits. From leisurely days spent exploring nature to engaging in creative projects, summer becomes a time for relaxation and memorable experiences. Reconnecting with friends, embarking on educational field trips, and immersing oneself in new hobbies become the focal points. Whether it’s camping in the backyard, delving into captivating books, or a fun day at the pool, summer activities offer kids a chance to further their knowledge and pursue their passions. So, gather your supplies, embrace the flexible schedule, and embark on a summer filled with learning, adventure, and personal growth. Use the following resources on our website to help get your creative juices flowing!
Ice Cream in a Bag
Have you ever made ice cream in a bag? If not, you are missing out on a fun summer activity. With just a few basic ingredients and some shaking action, you can transform simple pantry staples into a smooth and luscious ice cream that’s ready to be enjoyed in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your bags, and get ready to embark on a delightful ice cream-making adventure that will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and a tasty frozen treat to beat the summer heat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups ice
- 1/3 cups rock salt
- Quart-sized resealable plastic bag (good quality bags!)
- Gallon-sized resealable plastic bag (good quality bags!)
- Toppings of your choice (chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fruit, etc.)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the half-and-half, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a quart-sized resealable plastic bag, and seal it tightly, ensuring no air is trapped inside.
- Fill a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag halfway with ice cubes. Add the rock salt to the bag.
- Place the sealed quart-sized bag with the ice cream mixture into the larger bag with the ice and salt mixture. Seal the gallon-sized bag tightly.
- Hold the bag by the top seal and shake vigorously for about 5-10 minutes. You can wear oven mitts or use a towel to protect your hands from the cold. You can also take turns or turn it into a game and pass it around a circle. Make sure to use good quality bags as the cheap ones will break and allow salt water into your ice cream.
- As you shake the bag, you will notice the ice cream mixture thickening and freezing. Continue shaking until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Open the gallon-sized bag and carefully remove the smaller bag containing the ice cream. Wipe off any excess salt from the bag before opening it.
- Scoop the freshly made ice cream into bowls or cones and add your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy your homemade ice cream immediately or transfer it to a container and place it in the freezer for a firmer texture.
Note: Feel free to get creative with your ice cream flavors by adding mix-ins such as crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fruit to the ice cream mixture before sealing the bag.
Now you can savor the sweet rewards of your homemade ice cream in a bag. Have fun experimenting with different flavors and enjoy the cooling delight of your own frozen creation!
