Neighbor News
ocal Farm Offers Children's Nature Discovery Summer Camps
The Green Earth Institute provides a series of summer educational programs that allow children to discover nature on a working organic farm.
This summer will mark the 14th year that the Green Earth Institute will offer environmental programs for curious young nature lovers. Last summer, campers explored Green Earth's organic farm fields and surrounding ecosystems in search of bugs, birds and other "wild" inhabitants. They planted in the children's gardens, tended crops, and created culinary classics from organic vegetables and herbs harvested at the farm.
Green Earth's programs provided fun, hands-on opportunities for children and youth to discover the hidden wonders and meanings of gardens and the natural world, while cultivating physical, ecological and community health.
Director of Environmental Education Julie Moreschi notes, "The children light up when they make discoveries on the farm. Our programs are so unique in that they allow children to experience gardens as living, exciting ecosystems to be explored. It is nature education at its most vibrant, and we look forward to another season!"
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The farm offers two types of nature discovery programs:
Nature Ranger Summer Camps: Children spend a fun-filled week of day camp exploring the farm and learning how to garden. They enjoy nature crafts, drama, storytelling, music, cooking, and loads of fun and age-appropriate activities. Two age divisions: children entering grades 1-2 and 3-5.
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Nature Buddies Preschooler Programs: Children, along with their parents, discover the wonders of the world around them. This program meets weekly for one month, June through August. Each session is thematic and filled with age-appropriate activities that promote a sense of wonder and build upon prior learning. The program is geared toward children ages 3-5.
The Green Earth Institute is a non-profit educational organization established in 2002. In addition to offering farm-centered educational programs for children and adults, the organization operates a thriving certified organic vegetable farm. The farm cultivates more than 50 types of vegetables and herbs, which are available through its CSA program.
To learn more about Green Earth’s educational programs or its organic CSA program, visit www.greenearthinstitute.org
