Summer Camp at the Farm

About:

Summer Camp at the Farm inspires K-9 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 8-12
Week 2: July 15-19
Week 3: July 22-26
Week 4: July 29-August 2
Week 5: August 5-9
Week 6: August 12-16

Camp Hours:

Regular Camp Hours: 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Before Care: Drop-off between 7:00 am and 8:30 am, $10 per day, $50 per week
After Care: Pick-up between 3:30 pm and 6:00pm, $18 per day, $90 per week*

**Please register for before or aftercare under the” Summer Camp before care” or “Summer camp aftercare”. Please make sure you do this 72 hours before needed so we can staff appropriately.

Registration Information:

Registration opens Monday, February 5th at 9 am.
Cost of camp is $355 per week per camper. Evening specialty camps and our Counselor in Training Programs have different rates, please see their descriptions for more information.
Early Bird Special: Register before March 5th, 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 Brittany at bn224@cornell.edu to get discount code.
You may cancel your registration in writing up to June 14, 2024. You will be refunded 70% of the pre-paid program fee. No refunds will be given after June 14, 2024.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 14, 2024.
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 Camp Director before you register. Please email Brittany at bn224@cornell.edu to see if we are able to accommodate your camper's needs.

Camp registration is opening February 5th 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.

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.

Specialty Camp Groups:

Counselor-in-Training: for 15-16 year olds

The Counselor in Training (CIT) program is for those interested in bringing their love of agriculture and the environment to our campers. CIT's are held to a high set of standards and there is an expectation of increased maturity and ability to be a positive role model. CIT's must be ready and willing to put the needs and interests of campers ahead of their own. In order to be considered for the CIT program, individuals must complete an application and submit two forms of reference, found here. Please note, due to volume of applications and limited openings, not everyone who applies is selected. Participation in CIT program does not guarantee future employment. CITs must commit to at least one of these two-week sessions: July 8-19, July 22-August 2, August 5-16.

$250 per two-week session, 8:15 am-3:45 pm

Applications are being accepted until June 3, 2024.

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.

$200 for week July 15-19, 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.

$200 for week July 22-26, 3pm-7pm

Art in Nature: Campers entering seventh through tenth grades

$200 for week July 29-August 2, 3pm-7pm

Note About Changes to Camp Groups for 2024:

After careful consideration and consultation, we have made the decision to change our groups and eliminate our whole day option for youth entering seventh through ninth grades. Instead, we will be offering evening specialty camp options for youth entering seventh through tenth grades. Additionally, youth entering first and youth entering second grades will now be in separate groups. We feel this is in the best interest of the farm and the community as a whole and will allow us to better serve the needs of our youth.