Kids Learn About Monmouth County Agriculture In First-Ever Summer Camp

LINCROFT, NJ — This is the first summer the Monmouth County Parks System offered its "Grown in Monmouth" summer camp and judging by the smiles on the campers' faces, it was a success!

Held from August 8-12, each day took campers to a different site in Monmouth County and brought new adventures.

“Throughout the week, campers explored multiple county parks such as Historic Longstreet Farm and Turkey Swamp Park, as well as some of our local farms including Kula Urban Farm, Battlefield Orchards and Allaire Community Farm,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Park System. “I want to commend the Park System staff for coordinating with Grown in Monmouth to make this camp a success."

During the week, campers explored the county’s past with a visit to Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel, the Park System’s 1890s living history site. Greeted by farm staff dressed in period clothing, campers toured the farm and churned ice cream. While Historic Longstreet Farm was the ideal spot to learn about the past, a trip to Kula Urban Farm in Asbury Park revealed to campers how agriculture in Monmouth County is evolving, as they saw a "smart" greenhouse that uses hydroponic technology and a community garden cultivated from empty lots.

Building on that visit, campers were visited by Hope Neis from Robbinsville Hydroponic Farm who gave a demonstration on how to grow lettuce using hydroponic technology. Campers sampled fresh lettuce grown this way and received a starter kit to take home.

According to Park System Naturalist Jason Goldman, who organized and ran the camp, “One of our goals was to connect the children to fresh food. The day after the demonstration, one of the camper’s moms said their child had asked for a second serving of salad for the first time.”

Other activities included foraging for wild blueberries at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold and picking fresh peaches at Battleview Orchards in Freehold. The week also included a visit to the petting zoo at Allaire Community Farm in Wall.

The Monmouth County Parks System hopes to offer the "Grown in Monmouth" camp again next summer as part of its array of camps it offers each summer, specializing in nature, sports, performing arts, outdoor adventure and general interest.

For more information about the Monmouth County Park System, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.