The FARM Institute

The FARM Institute Summer 2010 Programs

 

TFI has been voted by Cape Cod Life as The Best Kids Activity on The Cape and The Islands

While most children are not going to grow up to be farmers, they will be the next generation of stewards of the land.  The FARM Institute offers several Summer Programs that will give your child experiences that will last long after they leave the island through participation in the full range of summer programs for kids 2-17

The Farm Institute
The FARM Institute (TFI) is a non-profit organization that is made up of farmers, teachers and community activists who are dedicated to educating and engaging children and adults in sustainable agriculture on a diverse working farm.  TFI is located at Katama Farm which consists of 162 acres of beautiful farmland in close proximity to South Beach in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. 

Beginning in June and running through the end of August, these programs will give your family numerous opportunities to become connected to Martha’s Vineyard in a way that will impact your lives for a lifetime.  Your children will feed the animals, tend the vegetables, participate in farm chores, all the while learning to work with others and to develop a sense of self as they take ownership of the responsibilities they are given. Your child will be an active participant in the daily routines of the farm.

“…something important seems to happen to kids when they spend time on a farm…”...parent of FARM Institute camper

If you haven't visited our wondrous corner of Martha's Vineyard, please accept our invitation to find out about our programs and how you can work together to nurture the land and grow healthy food, children and community.  We offer discounts for multiple children and multiple weeks of camp call our office for more information.

The FARM Institute Programs for Young People
TFI programs are designed to foster a better awareness of the natural world and farms.  They strive to nurture students by honoring:
1) achievement,
2) unique learning styles
3) individual problem solving.  
An amazing opportunity for your children to grow and learn not only about themselves but the land as well. 

 WEE FARMERS--ages 2-4
Calling all WEE FARMERS! It’s time to visit your animal friends and help take care of the garden. Children will be working on fine and gross motor skills as well as socialization while learning

“I love feeding the animals and taking care of them.  I love the newborns and singing songs.” Shay Sullivan, age 6

about ‘their FARM’. We’ll have circle time, stories and developmentally appropriate games and crafts. We’ll even tickle our taste buds with farm fresh veggies that we’ll plant, weed, water and harvest. Space is limited to eight children. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. One child per adult, please.  Register Today Online.

SPROUTS for ages 4-5
Plant the seed! Sprouts are invited to share in the wonder of The FARM.  Sprouts will spend their week working with Farm Based Educators to explore the treasures of garden insects and plants, participate in age appropriate animal activities-feed the rabbit, brush the goats, take kitchen slop to the pigs, collect eggs from the hens-and create simple products from FARM objects.  The curriculum will meet developmental needs through stories, games, crafts and hands on projects.  Activities will be build as the week progresses to accentuate the basic theories behind nourishing food systems.  Space is limited to five children.Register Today Online.

Growers for ages 6-13
What's it like to be a farmer? Come find out! Sharing the workload with other farmers, you will feed and care for your livestock during daily morning chores.  You might milk the goat, clean out a stall or gather eggs from the laying hens.  Those registered for the Full Day will have elective time in the afternoon to learn other skills that come in handy both on and off The FARM.  Offerings may include cooking FARM produce, science experiments, investigating the intricacies of the land or creating your own FARM-inspired art! Space is limited to eight children per age appropriate group.  Register Today Online.

HALF DAY Growers for ages 6-13
See Above.  Space is limited to eight children age appropriate group. Register Today Online.

Harvesters for ages 6-13
Reap the benefits of the FARM!  Harvesters offers a more in-depth study of farms, agriculture and our environment.  This new program will offer activities that closely follow the FARM's Concept of the Week (COW).  Such COWs will include "Soil to Stomach", "Boundless Botany", "Agriculture: Backyard to Business" and "Farming Machines".  Harvesters, while still experiencing the FARM at large, will relate daily projects and activities directly to the weekly COW and each week's experience will enjoy a fresh focus.  While harvesters is recommended for families who have experienced FARM camp in the past or plan to register for multiple weeks, it is perfect for anyone looking to gain a lasting appreciation for the importance of sustainable farming.   Space is limited to six per day. Please register early! Register Today Online.

HALF DAY Harvesters for ages 6-13
See Above.  Space is limited to eight children age appropriate group. Register Today Online

FARMER FOR A DAY for ages 6-15
Come for an afternoon to experience TheFARM and all its wonders.  After a brief introduction to the property, we'll work together to complete farm chores in the garden and care for our animals.  Farmers for a Day might cut and arrange flowers for our FARM Stand, muck out a stall, move the sheep, or help Homesteaders harvest vegetables.  Come learn about our food and why farms are important.  Farmer for a Day is for those who may not have a full week to attend FARM camp or who just wish to "plant the seed" of understanding.  Participants will find out just how much a farmer can accomplish in a short amount of time! Space is limited to six per day. Please register early! Register Today Online.

Homesteaders for ages 9-15
What's it like to have your own farm? Be a part of our Homesteaders program and learn the business of growing food for market.  You'll get the connection between pasture, poop and produce on the FARM as you take charge of vegetable production in the Friendship Garden.  Int this 20,000 sq. ft. teaching garden, Homesteaders plan and plant, weed and water, hoe and harvest to prepare produce and special "value added" products that you will sell at our Katama FARM stand.  Take on projects that involve composting, "worm"-iculture, feeding slop to our growing piglets or building chicken tractors for our laying hens.  Share all this with younger groups in the Friendship Garden while practicing cooperation, community outreach, and stewardship of the land. Space is limited to eight participants; please register early to save your space!  Register Today Online.

“I particularly loved that my children were able to give me a tour of the garden & point out all sorts of vegetables that I'm sure most children just assume come from a grocery store!!!”

FUTURE FARMHANDS for ages 11-15 
Whether you're moving the sheep or setting the fence lines, building a shelter or helping deliver and animal, there is plenty of work for everyone.  Future Farmhands is designed for those participants wishing to learn about animal husbandry and its effect on The FARM's success.  You'll have weekly goals as well as larger, on-going summer projects like building structures for our livestock and Friendship Garden; working with FARM staff to raise a batch of poultry from chick to processing; or helping monitor grazing rotations for our herds.  Future Farmhands will also have a chance to assist Homesteaders by bringing livestock into the Friendship Garden.  This program will help participants understand the value of respect for living creatures, sustainable farming practicis and wholesome foods. Space is limited to six participants. Register Today Online.

“Our 5 year old daughter learned a lot in the week she was there and, more importantly, was so proud of the "work" she had done.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Triad of Experience
The FARM Institute Triad of Experience –Work, Enrichment and Enjoyment- is the core of  what the organization does and believes.
*Work installs  the idea that if the child can take care of the farm, it will take care of them.  They learn and experience the dignity of labor and how each of us can act in the service of making a difference.
*The Enrichment component of TFI and the working farm allows for interdisciplinary learning, connection and reflection. 
*Finally children given the opportunity to enjoy, play and have fun on the farm will be motivated and inspired to act, learn and give with environmental responsibility.
Family & Community Chores
Come lend a hand and help feed the animals and take care of the land. No registration necessary. Held every Sat. &Sun. June 12- September 5 from 9am-10:30 am.
Fee: $5 per person, $10 per family.
Farm Stand
Stop by The FARM Stand to find the freshest produce and coolest hats and t-shirts on the island. During the season the FARM stand is open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm.
Hayrides
Hayrides will be available every Sat. &Sun. June 12-September 5 at 11am, 11:30am and 3:30pm.  Hayrides are approx. 1/2 hour long.
Fee: $5/individual, $10/family (seperate from Community Chores fee.)
Farm Tours
Learn more about The FARM! Tour times for summer 2010: 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm.  Tours are 1/2 hour long.
Fee: $5/individual, $10/family.
Livestock Quest
The Livestock Questis a self-guided walking tour on the grounds of The FARM Institute which allows people to learn about the livestock and explore the farm.  There is a card that goes with the tour-pick one up at the Kiosk near The FARM Stand!

To cultivate a healthy planet with your family, come on down the FARM Institute and grow with us.

For more information go to www.farminstitute.org or e-mail: education@farminstitute.org

 

             The FARM Institute, 14 Aero Ave. Edgartown, MA 508-627-7007