This summer Farm Camp has been amazing! Our youngest campers, the Sweet Peas, harvested carrots, beats, beans and potatoes, just to name a few, from our school gardens. They were able to sample the items they picked and even learned to prepare some of them in a cooking class. They learned to plant seeds and how to care for them when they took them home. They also made wonderful art projects using things found in nature, each one different and unique. There was even time for some fun in the sun, running through sprinklers and playing on the playground.

Three mornings a week, our full day campers were kept very busy at Sport Hill Farm in Easton. From harvesting items like carrots, sugar snap peas and carrots, to planting over 600 pumpkin seeds, there was never a shortage of things to do. On Fridays the young farmers were treated to a farm fun day, where potato sack races and the balloon toss were all the rage! We are very fortunate that the proprietor of the farm, Patti Popp is so passionate about organic farming, sustainable living and educating children and adults alike, about what she and other farmers like her do.

After returning to school the campers had lunch, some free play and then science, art and cooking classes. Our science classes included some great activities like maki ovens out of pizza boxes to make smores! In art, students made beautiful sand art and clay sculptures and many other things. During cooking classes the campers were able to literally taste the fruits of their labor and learn to prepare the different things they harvested from Sport Hill Farm. I have to say, these were the most adventurous groups yet when it came to tasting new things and being pleasantly surprised at how much they liked them!

Once a week the campers also went on an all-day field experience to the Fairfield Audubon, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, New Pond Farm or the Maritime Center. The programs at each place were chosen carefully to extend the philosophy of the camp; sustainability and the importance of caring for the natural world and all things in it.

As another season of Farm Camp comes to a close, I am once again reminded of the effect its simplicity has on our campers. I am thrilled to see children enjoy being outside with their hands in the dirt, so far away from buttons and gadgets. I am also excited to see children reconnect with friends they have made from years passed. Some of our campers have been a part of Farm Camp since it began and I am a bit sad at the realization that for some of them it will be their last summer with us. Good bye hugs were exchanged and promises from some to return as CITs and someday counselors were given. Until next year!