Soule: Calves Are The Best Counselors At Cow Camp

Last year, on the second day of camp, the kids stowed their backpacks, ran into the barnyard, and waited anxiously to learn which calf would be theirs for the week. That was 2023. This year, we have a new slew of calves for campers to claim. Will it be adorable white Cloud or Bingo, the all-black Angus steer? And who will get year-old Jerome, an "Oreo cookie" steer and graduate of last year's camp?

Twenty children (ages 8-14) have signed up for one of two weeks of calf snuggling, horse riding, and stall cleaning at Cow Camp at Miles Smith Farm, and we have room for more. All of the children are coming because they love animals, and there'll be lots of animals for them to love – bunnies to hold, goats to feed, and horses to brush, but the main attraction is the calves. This year, we have eighteen calves to enchant the campers.

Fifteen-year-old Rose, one of last year's campers, likes working with cows so much that she's coming to camp as a counselor-in-training this year.

Cameron came to the camp to be with cows and horses and told me, "I love cows."

On the last day of camp, campers will get wet when they scrub and hose their calves in the "cow wash" to get them looking their best for the cow show.

At Cow Day Camp, it's not just about fun and games. Your child will learn responsibility as they scoop, brush, and train their calves. They'll also develop confidence as they show off their clean, fluffy calves in a judged show. This is a chance for your child to demonstrate what they've learned. It's a unique learning experience that they won't get anywhere else.

The camp weeks are July 8-12 and 22-26 this year, and if last year is any indicator, after the judging, chaos and laughter will reign.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells beef, pork, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Carole also coaches humans, helping them achieve the impossible a little at a time.