Farm Programs For Children

Our farm and nature based summer programs for children are very experiential and infused with the spirit of Montessori educational philosophy. The programs are designed by Montessori educators.

The most important thing we want to share about our summer programs?
We value your child's unique expression in this world.

And want him or her to feel that value and know that, while they're here, they are free to be who they naturally are. We don't have a lot of arbitrary rules. We do show respect for self and for others. We do cherish having FUN and learning!

Farm Girl Camp

One of our most popular programs is Farm Girl Camp! This camp was started 10 years ago, by facilitators Julie Rhem and Kristie Norwood, for girls ages 7 and up who are "farm girls at heart." Julie and Kristie are Montessori educators who love children and who are farm girls at heart themselves!

It is an amazing experience for girls who love to be outside, love animals, and love creating. The vision of this camp is to provide a safe and loving space, plenty of sunshine and fresh air, experiences with the farm animals and plants, and the joy of summer on the farm.

Participants will learn and have experiences with the Wild Heart herd of horses (although this isn't a riding camp), learn about caring for the animals, and explore traditional skills like gardening, baking, drying herbs, sewing, and art journaling. We like to align with the girls’ interests, and offer a wide range of activities for them to explore.

On the first day of camp, each girl chooses her "farm girl" apron and reflection journal. A warm space of love and positive vibes allow each girl to blossom and discover her inner farm girl. :) Does she like to bake or maybe sew? Or maybe she really enjoys being outside with the horses the most? The day is set up so that girls can flow from one activity to another without a rigid container of time...because it's summer on the farm after all!

The hours of camp are 9:00-1:30.
Campers bring a bag lunch and water bottle.
Dress in clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty!

The total cost of camp is $275 and a $100 deposit can be made online here to reserve a space. The remaining $175 is due by the camp start date.

FAQ

What are some of the specific camp activities?

The activities vary due to campers’ interests. We don’t say, “you must do art now” because we believe the best experiences are those we are truly interested in and want to participate in. There is, however, a flow and rhythm to the day with a big assortment of things to choose from.

Daily activities include:

• round-up time for group reflection

• Spirit Animal selection (fun!!)

• care of horses, goats, and other animals

• art journal time in “farm girl reflection journals”

• choice of skill learning includes flower picking and arranging, herb picking and drying, gardening, baking, sewing, horse grooming and ground-work, small wood working projects, and special traditional skill projects (one year, we built a teepee out of bamboo)

• fun things like “meditation with the horses” and leaf-rubbings and nature hikes typically become daily pursuits

Do you have earlier or later drop-off or pick up times?

Just ask if you need some special hours outside of normal camp time. We try to help if we can, and it varies from camp to camp. Please email Julie to see if this is possible for the camp or program you’re interested in.

Moms and dads - if you’re dropping off your child and staying around Ridgeway, there are several things to see and do. Downtown Ridgeway is an adorable little town with some neat antique shops and restaurants and home to “Laura’s Tea Room.” In the other direction, “Village at Sandhill” is a shopping center located just 14 miles away.

Camps Dates Available:

• July 15th-19th

"I loved the colors of the summer flowers on the farm. I would make a game of gathering as many different colors as I could find."

"They're not like normal teachers. They let me paint when I want to paint. And I love Biscuit." <"Biscuit" is our beloved farm dog.>