W. Alton Jones Campus


Farm Quest
Ages 9-11


If you like animals, plants, lending a hand, being part of a small group learning community, living the country life, and helping the environment all at the same time then this program is for you.  Check-in is Sunday between 2:00 and 3:00 PM.  The program ends with a family program Friday from 2:00-2:30 PM.



The goal of Farm Quest is to learn about small farm agriculture using the W. Alton Jones Campus Woodvale Farm and other farms nearby.  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 your field group counselor and the other members of your Farm Quest 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 Wednesday lunch.



On Monday, you will participate in some group building activities to enhance communication between you and the other campers and your counselors and to help you get to know each other better.  You will also get an outline of the plan for the week.  Your counselor will give you an introduction to the Woodvale Farm gardens and farm animals and you will learn what is typically raised on a New England country farm.  This includes learning about cows, pigs, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goats, and chickens.  You will become involved in the gardens and greenhouse as you learn the important role plants play in agriculture.  Monday includes a swim test, free swim and possibly canoeing.  After dinner there will be an all-camp evening program.



Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will be spent at nearby Hidden Meadows Farm.  Hidden Meadows is a family farm where we will experience many different aspects of New England farm life.  On Tuesday morning we will get involved with everyday farm chores such as feeding, grooming, and moving the animals, milking the goats, harvesting vegetables, and unloading hay.  The afternoon is back at camp for all group games and swim time.  Tuesday evening we will spend at Woodvale Farm working together with our group to cook a special harvest meal including turkey, stuffing, hand-cranked ice-cream, and home-made pie.



On Wednesday morning we return to Hidden Meadows to help once again with chores, which should go quicker the second time around.  Today we will help make products from the farm such as pickles, cheese, and soap.  After a picnic lunch we will drive to The University of Rhode Island's Peckham Farm, which is a teaching and research farm.  Here Animal Science college students will teach us about the importance of proper animal care and how to walk calves, goats, and possibly even pigs.  After dinner back at Alton Jones there will be an all-camp evening program.



Thursday is spent at Woodvale Farm helping with the animals and gardens.  We may also have an opportunity to help teach the young farm day campers some of what we've learned.  Part of the day will be spent harvesting fresh vegetables for the farm stand.  If it is a hot day we may be able to fit in a swim at the lake before cabin time.  Thursday night is a special dinner followed by games and a closing campfire and ceremony.  



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.