Summer Camp at the Farm

About:

Summer Camp at the Farm inspires K-10 youth to engage in activities related to agriculture, animal science, nutrition, healthy living, and life skills on a 150-year-old working farm. Rooted in the 4-H Positive Youth Development framework, our programs are designed to foster self-esteem, cooperation and respect. Our diverse staff of Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and counselors lead campers in using their  Hands to groom farm animals, their Heads to solve science problems, and their Hearts to make lasting friendships. Together, campers develop essential Health and self-care skills through gardening, cooking and physical recreation. Our campers enjoy fresh-air wagon rides, cooling off in sprinklers, learning how food grows, and caring for and handling animals. We use all the Farm has to offer including the Butterfly House, Backyard Farm, Nature Explore Classroom, Historic Almshouse Haybarn, and livestock pastures.

Camp Dates:

One-Week Sessions, Monday-Friday

• Week 1: July 6-10
• Week 2: July 13-17
• Week 3: July 20-24
• Week 4: July 27-31
• Week 5: August 3-7
• Week 6: August 10-14

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Camp Hours:

• Regular Camp Hours: 8:30 am-3:30 pm*
• Before Care: Drop-off between 7:00 am and 8:30 am, $15 per day, $70 per week
• After Care: Pick-up between 3:30 pm and 6:00pm, $22 per day, $105 per week*
• Before and After Care: $175 per week

*If your camper is not picked up by 3:40 pm they will automatically be put into after care and you will be charged the $25 fee

**If your camper is not picked up by 6:05 pm it is considered child abandonment. We will make every effort to contact you and emergency contacts if they are not picked up by 6 pm but if we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to call the authorities.

Registration Information:

• Registration opens Monday, January 26th at 9 am.
• Cost of camp is $385 per week per camper. Evening specialty camps and our Counselor in Training Programs(CIT) and Leader In Training(LIT) have different rates, please see their descriptions for more information.
• Early Bird Special: Register before March 2nd and receive $25 discount per session.
• Military (retired or active), law enforcement, fire department and EMTs can receive a 10% discount. Valid only for immediate family, cannot be combined with any other discount. Email ID to Kaylyn at kr427@cornell.eduto get discount code.
• Sibling discount - $10 per week / per sibling.
• You may cancel your registration in writing up to June 11, 2026. You will be refunded 70% of the pre-paid program fee. No refunds will be given after June 11, 2026. Registration for each week of camp must be complete by Thursday at 3pm the week before.
• Any change in camp sessions will incur a $20 administrative fee. No changes permitted after June 11, 2026.
• Children dismissed or absent from camp will not be entitled to a refund, credit, or exchange of dates.
• Please read through the Parent Handbook
• If your camper needs special accommodations, you contact the us before you register. Please email Sarah Titmus at st266@cornell.edu to see if we are able to accommodate your camper's needs. 
• We understand you may want to register to reserve a camp spot; however, scholarships are only awarded to campers who have not yet registered, and refunds are not available. Scholarship recipients will be placed in any available weeks at the time awards are determined.

Camp registration is opening January26TH, 2026 at 9AM please make sure to have an electronic copy of your child's immunizations ready to upload at time of registration. Failure to do so will result in cancelation of registration and refund.

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Camp Groups:

Explorers: Campers entering Kindergarten

The Explorers will experience an introduction to the natural world through exploring animals and plants, crafts, songs, stories, and dramatic play. They will build their science skills and begin to understand the role farms play in their lives.

Pioneers: Campers entering first grade

The Pioneers will learn about how things work on the farm while exploring nature and animals. They will continue to build their science skills and make connections to their everyday lives.

Trailblazers: Campers entering second grade

The Trailblazers will expand upon their understanding of agriculture and the environment by making observations and engaging in content-based games and activities. They will build on their knowledge of animals through care and handling.

Navigators: Campers entering third and fourth grades

The Navigators will investigate the farm environment further and explore how they can make better choices in their own life. They will continue their trainings in animal care and handling and engage in science activities and experiments.

Pathfinders: Campers entering fifth and sixth grades

The Pathfinders get more deeply involved in every aspect of the farm and its environment. In addition to more in-depth animal handling and maintenance, they will learn to be environmental stewards.

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Specialty Camp Groups:

Leader-in-Training: for youth entering 7th - 9th grades

Some people are born leaders—but at Suffolk County Farm, we believe leadership skills can be learned and strengthened through experience and reflection. If you want to develop your leadership skills or simply take on bigger and better challenges, this program is for you! 

The Leader-In-Training (LIT) program provides a supportive space for campers to build strong connections with peers while exploring essential life skills that help them grow as leaders. LITs will participate in daily camp activities alongside other campers and meet regularly with our Camp Leadership staff to discover their strengths and areas for growth. Topics include mentoring peers, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection. 

To be considered for the LIT program, applicants must complete an application. Please note: due to the high volume of applications and limited openings, not all applicants will be selected. Participation in the LIT program does not guarantee acceptance into the CIT program or future employment, but it does guarantee a summer of farm fun while gaining valuable skills for the future! 

LITs must commit to at least one two-week session: 

• Session 1: July 6–17 
• Session 2: July 20–31 
• Session 3: August 3–14 

Cost: $770 per two-week session

Hours: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM 

Application deadline: June 1, 2026

Click here for LIT application

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Counselor-in-Training: for ages 15

Do you love kids, the farm, and being outdoors? Do you want to share your passion for agriculture and nature with campers every day? If you’ve ever looked up to a counselor, mentor, or educator, this program may be right for you. 

The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is designed for those interested in bringing their love of agriculture, nature, and the environment to our campers. CITs are held to high standards and expected to demonstrate maturity and serve as positive role models. They must be ready to put the needs and interests of campers first. 

CITs work closely with Lead Counselors to help facilitate activities, mentor campers, and keep the day fun and functional. To be considered, applicants must complete an application, submit two references, and participate in a brief interview. Please note: due to the high volume of applications and limited openings, not all applicants will be selected. Participation in the CIT program does not guarantee future employment, but it does guarantee a summer of farm fun while gaining valuable skills for the future! 

CITs must commit to at least one two-week session:

• Session 1: July 6–17 •
• Session 2: July 20–31 •
• Session 3: August 3–14 

Cost: $275 per two-week session 

Hours: 8:15 AM–3:45 PM 

Application deadline: June 1, 2026

Click here for CIT application 

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Farm Animal Care 101: Campers entering seventh through tenth grades

This technical camp offers youth a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore their interest in working with animals. Our skilled educators take a hands-on approach, guaranteeing participants a unique learning experience which includes daily feeding and maintenance of animals, grooming and handling, training young animals, studying embryology, and more. Participants will have a chance to work with all of our livestock: equine, llamas, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and rabbits.

$210 for week July 27-31, 3pm-7pm

Survival Skills: Campers entering seventh through tenth grades

This technical camp offers youth a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore their interest in survival skills. Our skilled educators take a hands-on approach, guaranteeing participants a unique learning experience which includes shelter building, wild edible collecting and preparing, fire building, wood wildling and burning, and more.

$210 for week August 3-7, 3pm-7pm

Please Contact below for any questions

Last updated February 3, 2026