Kid’s summer camp, farm style
It all started when…
Gathering Springs was always going to be a place for kids, because when we started farming we also started our families. There are now 5 farm kids between us who have had the joy of exploring the fields and barns, eating produce right off the vine, and petting sheep. This year, we are launching a new branch of the farm: summer camp!
We’re still finalizing some details, but here is the essential info:
Where:
Right on the farm! The camp will be 100% outside (except in cases of extreme weather, when a barn will be used) and have a dedicated space for learning, play, cooking, arts, and exploration.
When:
We are offering 4 weeks this season - you can sign up for any or all of them! Dates include:
Week of June 22
Week of July 6
Week of July 13
Week of July 20
Drop off will be 8am-9am, and pickup 3:30-4:30pm.
Who:
Each week will have space for 10 kids, ages 5 and up (targeting ages 5-10, but will accept older kids if they are a sibling or have interest).
How much:
$450/week/child. Price includes snacks, all supplies, and instruction. Farm kid families receive 20% off produce from the shop during the week their children are at camp! Lunches are PYO (Pack Your Own).
Meet the Teacher
I’m Leah and I am the great granddaughter of farmers on both sides of my family. I started spending time on one of the family farms during college where I helped herd turkeys (think cats but worse), clearing thistles from a four wheeler (so they wouldn't get into the feed for the cows), trying to convince the cows to talk back to me, and attempting to drive the manual transmission truck (that was older than me and was first driven by my great-grandfather). I love watching plants, animals, and children grow and firmly believe the best classroom is outside.
Leah has taught in Loudoun County Public Schools for 4.5 years and has worked with children and families for the past 25 years with summer camps, non-profits, and a toddler Montessori program and currently helps coach a FIRST robotics team. She has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Physics from Concordia University - Nebraska and is licensed for Math, Physics, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science in the state of Virginia, and has taken graduate courses in geophysics and hydrology. She will be joined by a qualified assistant to lead up to 12 kids each week.
Sample Day:
8am - 9am Arrival/Farm Chores
9am - 10am Science time - plants/animals
10am - 10:30am Snack
10:30am - 12pm Explore/Farm Lesson of the day
12pm - 1pm Lunch
1pm - 2pm Quiet time (reading, art activities)
2pm - 3pm Water play
3pm - 3:30pm Clean-up/Snack
3:30pm - 4:30pm Pick-up
get on the list below to be the first to know!
we’ll email you after final permits are in place to let you know when and how to place your deposit