Environmental Education Center at University of Rhode Island's W. Alton Jones Campus

Farm Camp
Ages 9-10
Farm Camp is an overnight Earth Camp program for ages 9-10. The goal of the program is to learn about small farm agriculture using the W. Alton Jones Campus Woodvale Farm and other resources. The week will also include learning about nature and enjoying the camp life at W. Alton Jones.

Sunday is devoted to moving in and getting to know your fellow campers and counselors. First you will move into your cabin and meet your cabin mates. You will have some time to unpack and get settled before meeting the other members of your Farm Camp field group. Some will look very familiar because they are in your cabin too! Get ready for dinner and the all-camp campfire where you will get to see the entire Earth Camp, campers and staff. You will eat your meals in the dining hall, except Tuesday dinner and Thursday lunch.

On Monday, you will participate in some group building activities to enhance communication between you and the other campers as well as you and the counselors. Your counselor will give you an introduction to the farm, gardens, and farm animals and you will get an outline of the plan for the week. Other activities are designed to orient you to your surroundings. Monday also includes a swim test, free swim and possibly canoeing. After dinner, there will be an all-camp evening program.

Tuesday and Wednesday are spent exploring and learning about the farm and farming. This includes learning about cows, pigs, ducks, geese, rabbits, sheep, goats, and chickens. You will help out with some of the farm chores. You will also become involved in the garden and greenhouse as you learn the important role plants play in agriculture. On Tuesday evening you will work together to cook a special harvest meal including turkey, stuffing, and hand-cranked ice-cream.

Thursday is a special field trip to another local small farm. Here you will get a behind the scenes tour of a working farm and learn about the ups and downs of working and living on a family farm. You may also have an opportunity to participate in some hands-on activities.

Friday is spent putting the whole week together with reviews and wrap-ups plus closing activities. After lunch, there is some time to spend with friends new and old before the family program begins. Sign out and goodbyes follow as the week comes to an end.