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Summer Farm Camp
Farm Camp takes place down on a real working farm with all the animals, plants, and farm fun. Our farm is located 1 mile south of downtown Forest Grove, Oregon on our 3rd generation 20 acre farm. Summer time is filled with bringing in hay, baby animals, vegetable garden tending, and of course watching all the animals the pastures. We'll even learn how to make meals the old fashion way. We welcome children of all abilities who enjoy lots of outdoor time. Storytelling, singing, crafting, gardening, farm animal care and more will fuel your child's imagination. During our time together, children will explore many aspect of farming including animal husbandry, watching bugs, planting and harvesting produce, and learning about all aspects of farming the best way children learn, hands on! Rain or shine, children will have a wonderful week filled with learning and playing. In the event of rain more of that play will take place in the barn. Farm Camp is open to children age 4 to 10. Children will be fed a snack that meets USDA food guidelines and is primarily sourced from the farm. Children bring their own lunch. Summer camp provides opportunities for imaginative play and natural discovery, which childhood experts recognize as essential to children's healthy emotional and intellectual development. Some of the activities include milking Hannah our cow and goats, carding wool, gardening, hiking, creek exploration, collecting eggs, berry picking, feeding and caring for baby animals, and arts and crafts.. Activities vary each session. We have a lot of different species from big to small for education and interaction. Including but not limited to mini cows, mini goats, pigs, angora goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, chickens, and livestock guardian dogs. The morning is dedicated to farm experiences and play, the afternoons incorporate crafts and activities reminiscent of outdoor school, incorporating agriculture and nature into a full day of fun and learning. Space is limited. REGISTRATION FOR 2024 OPENS MARCH 1, 2024 |
What farming experiences will your child have on the farm?
The day starts early on the farm. Farmer Tom is already on a tractor in the field before the first hen even lays an egg. With camp starting at 9am the animals actually get to sleep in while eagerly waiting for campers to arrive. Campers will get first hand experiences with collecting milk from our miniature milking cow and goats, collecting eggs, feeding, watering, carding wool, picking berries and vegetables, dissecting owl pellets, making play doh, building bird houses, using microscopes, making butter, as well as other farming activities. We call them chores, because they are part of our daily and weekly routine. But chores are an enjoyable way to spend time on the farm, learning about animals and the importance of farming to our everyday life. Our Friday tradition to make home made ice cream!
Meet the Farmers
Tom and Natalie Epler: Tom works full time for EF Nursery, the family business on adjoining 430 acres. Natalie started Farm Camp in 2017 as an extension of Dilley Beans Daycare and Farm Preschool, her childcare on the farm established in 2015. Originally from the Forest Grove area, Natalie raised goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and poultry in 4-H and FFA. Tom was raised on this farm raising bison, working for the nursery, and haying in the summer. Tom and Natalie met because of FFA and Ag classes in high school. After graduating from Oregon State University they settled back in Forest Grove on their family farm, Carpenter Creek Ranch.
Natalie has two Bachelor's of Science from Oregon State University and Step 10 on the Oregon Registry Online. Both Tom and Natalie are certified in CPR and First Aid, have their Oregon Food Handler's License, and continues their early childhood development education with more than 20 hours of developmentally appropriate courses annually. They are both qualified childcare providers and registered with the Central Background Registry. Complying with all state certification regulations for experience, education, training, continuing education, and background registration.
Kelly Rooke Fairly is Natalie's mother. Kelly has her masters in Elementary Education from Pacific University. She recently retired from over 34 years as an elementary school teacher for the Hillsboro School District. Kelly grew up in Astoria where she did 4H horses and gardening. Kelly raised 3 children in 4H and FFA, showing rabbits, cavies, sheep, and goats. Kelly is a grandmother of 10 and the campers often refer to her as 'Nana' as her grandchildren, Natalie's daughters, are fellow farm campers and call her that all day long.
The day starts early on the farm. Farmer Tom is already on a tractor in the field before the first hen even lays an egg. With camp starting at 9am the animals actually get to sleep in while eagerly waiting for campers to arrive. Campers will get first hand experiences with collecting milk from our miniature milking cow and goats, collecting eggs, feeding, watering, carding wool, picking berries and vegetables, dissecting owl pellets, making play doh, building bird houses, using microscopes, making butter, as well as other farming activities. We call them chores, because they are part of our daily and weekly routine. But chores are an enjoyable way to spend time on the farm, learning about animals and the importance of farming to our everyday life. Our Friday tradition to make home made ice cream!
Meet the Farmers
Tom and Natalie Epler: Tom works full time for EF Nursery, the family business on adjoining 430 acres. Natalie started Farm Camp in 2017 as an extension of Dilley Beans Daycare and Farm Preschool, her childcare on the farm established in 2015. Originally from the Forest Grove area, Natalie raised goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and poultry in 4-H and FFA. Tom was raised on this farm raising bison, working for the nursery, and haying in the summer. Tom and Natalie met because of FFA and Ag classes in high school. After graduating from Oregon State University they settled back in Forest Grove on their family farm, Carpenter Creek Ranch.
Natalie has two Bachelor's of Science from Oregon State University and Step 10 on the Oregon Registry Online. Both Tom and Natalie are certified in CPR and First Aid, have their Oregon Food Handler's License, and continues their early childhood development education with more than 20 hours of developmentally appropriate courses annually. They are both qualified childcare providers and registered with the Central Background Registry. Complying with all state certification regulations for experience, education, training, continuing education, and background registration.
Kelly Rooke Fairly is Natalie's mother. Kelly has her masters in Elementary Education from Pacific University. She recently retired from over 34 years as an elementary school teacher for the Hillsboro School District. Kelly grew up in Astoria where she did 4H horses and gardening. Kelly raised 3 children in 4H and FFA, showing rabbits, cavies, sheep, and goats. Kelly is a grandmother of 10 and the campers often refer to her as 'Nana' as her grandchildren, Natalie's daughters, are fellow farm campers and call her that all day long.
Summer Farm Camp
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Farm Camp Sessions
TBD |
Registration |
Cost: $350 per session
Farm Camp is $350 per session, $200 is due per session upon registration and is nonrefundable, the remaining $150 is due the first day of camp each week. Each session is 5 days long. Children can be registered for more than one session. All sessions have time for farm animal care and interaction, yet each week has a different farming and homesteading focus. Reserve your child(ren)'s spot(s) at camp as early as possible. A waiting list will be made available in case of cancellations. |
