How is Farmers Rising different from other kids’ camps?

• We nurture the whole child through hands-on work that fosters skill and purpose, minds sparked by stories and inquiry-driven lessons, and hearts connected to animals, plants, and the natural world
• Campers discover the journey of food from farm to table by working in our organic gardens and in the kitchen with our chef. They’re encouraged to savor fresh, nutritious foods while reflecting on how their choices shape the environment around them.
• Each day blend free play and exploration with structured activities. This careful balance allows campers to nurture their creativity, curiosity, and independence.
• Campers form meaningful, compassionate bonds with our animals— from worms and chickens to sheep, pigs, and goats— while also cultivating strong connections with one another. Our activities focus on teamwork and collaboration, encouraging a spirit of cooperation over competition.
  

What will my child do during Farmers Rising day camp?

Your child might be making goat milk ice cream, holding chickens, harvesting tomatoes, hiking to the creek, creating art murals, or baking pizza in a cob oven at day camp. Each week offers new experiences, but the day follows a familiar rhythm with opening and closing circles, along with daily animal chores. Here's an example of what a typical camp day looks like:

• 8:45 to 9:00 am: Check-in time
  
• 9:00-9:30 am: Opening circle, including warm-up activities and a review of the day's schedule
  
• 9:30-10:00am: Animal chores 
  
• 10:00-10:30am: Snack break and free time
  
• 10:30-12:00pm: Morning activity session vary: hiking, games, creek study, culinary programs, garden projects, survival skills
  
• 12:00-1:00pm: Lunch and free play
  
• 1:00-2:15pm: Afternoon activity session vary: capture the flag, creek play, goat milk ice cream, art projects, pickling
  
• 2:15-2:45pm: Animal chores
  
• 2:45pm-3:00pm: Closing Circle, including time for reflection on the day and reminders for tomorrow
  
• 2:55-3:05pm: Check-out time
  

When are camps available?

Day and Overnight Camps are available between June and August each year.

How long are summer day camps?

• Monday - Thursday | 8am - 3pm each day.

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Extended care is offered at an additional charge for day camps, from 7 - 8am and 3 - 4pm.

If I sign my child up for more than one week, will they learn different things?

Absolutely! While our daily structure— including animal chores, snack and lunch breaks, and opening and closing circles— remains consistent each week, the core activities of camp change. If you have any questions about specific activities or themes, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

What should we bring each day?

• Dress to get dirty!
• A hearty snack and a healthy, low-waste lunch
• Water bottle
• Close-toed shoes (no sandals!)
• Be prepared for the weather! Depending on the day, you might want: rubber boots and a rain jacket; long pants, long sleeves and insect repellent for hiking through the woods; a sun hat and sunscreen; and/or a swimsuit and towel for running through the sprinkler or playing in the creek.

What if my child has special needs (including food allergies)?

​Please let us know about special needs and dietary restrictions in advance by filling out the Allergies / Dietary Preferences / Medical & Accessibility Needs prompts during registration. 

If your child has special needs, you’re also welcome to contact us directly by calling 815-389-8455 or emailing [email protected] to discuss accommodations.

If your child has food allergies, please let us know in advance so we can make accommodations to cooking projects. However, our common cooking space and workshop area regularly processes eggs, goat's milk, and goat cheese, and there are no restrictions on other types of food prepared in the space.

Can't find the answers you're looking for? Email [email protected] or call 815-389-8455.