This year Snipes Farm Day Camp will celebrate its 19th summer nurturing the lives of children and youth. At a time when screens dominate our lives, there is a deep need for children to connect with natural world. Environmental education grows a curiosity about the world around us-critters, weather, plants, and the life beneath our feet and how we are all connected. Campers spend their days exploring 80 acres of woodlands, meadow, creeks and gardens. Ancestors of the 7 generations of the Moon/Snipes family planted trees that give us shade all across the farm. Campers eat what they help to grow and enjoy picking blueberries early in the season and later, blackberries. Caring for goats, bunnies, ducks and chickens teaches stewardship and compassion. Every week we add new games and songs, recipes, farm, science and art projects into the program. At the heart of it all is community and friendship, fun and joy!
Registration opening SOON!
About Farm Camp for Children ages 6-12
Arrival
Coming through the Big Red Barn campers head onto the farm with towering trees, green fields and ducks and bunnies on the horizon. They are greeted by the counselor of their group and enjoy play time until everyone arrives. An all-camp circle gathers everyone together for songs and inspiration for the day and then they head to their "bunks', an indoor space that is their home away from home to get out of any inclement weather and where they keep their things. Campers are divided into age groups: Green Beans ages 6-7, Sweet Potatoes ages 8-9, and Zucchinis ages 10-12. Group assignments can be fluid depending on how recently a child has turned or will turn an age at camp time.
Activities
Camp activities connect campers to the farm and community. Each provides a chance to try something new, make discoveries, build skills and to have fun! Cooking, art, nature classes, and archery (for campers ages 7 and up) are done by age group in the mornings. Community Care (chore) times help us to share the care of animals, a garden, our bunk and common spaces and to become good stewards of this special place. Groups can combine for choice time activities in the afternoon and for recess. The creek is the favorite place to cool off and find critters! Other afternoon fun includes: games, sprinkler time, fort building and crafts. Nature is all around us and our teacher!
Enrichment
Special guests come weekly to offer interactive performances, or to lead theme-related activities. These have included: The Trenton Circus Squad, Hawk Mountain Raptor program, PA Natural Resources Council for environmental education, the 4H for hands-on science and art programs, and music and movement programs. Learning happens everywhere all the time about nature, animals, botany, games, nutrition, science and friendship. Campers, Counselors-in-Training, counselors, teachers, and support staff make a special community together filled with friends.
Wellness and Safety
Good health in the community is maintained with caring vigilance of families and a nurse on staff and through the guidance of the CDC, county and state health guidelines with safety as our priority. Social and emotional wellness is cultivated through activities that help each camper to be known and appreciated and as everyone contributes to a positive community of friends. Two healthy snacks are provided daily. Exercise comes naturally when exploring the farm and through big group games. The beauty of the farm and camp activities use all of the senses cultivating imagination and joy.
Daily Schedule
- 7:30am Before Care
- 8:30am Campers Arrive
- 9:00am All Camp Morning Circle
- 9:15am Community Care Tasks
- 10:30am Morning Snack
- 11:00am Morning Activities
- 12:30pm Lunch & Choice Time Activities
- 2:00pm Afternoon Activities & Snack
- 3:30pm Dismissal/Aftercare (Fridays 3:30-4:00 Invitation to parents/guardians for camper led tours!)
- 5:30pm Aftercare Dismissal
DATES AND RATES
Choose which weeks that best fit your family's schedule. There will be new games, songs, recipes, projects and friends to meet every week. We will look forward to our Wednesday special guests for fun and inspiration!
Week 1
June 22-26
$465
Week 2
June 29-July 2 (4 days)
$372
Week 3
July 6-10
$465
Week 4
July 13-17
$465
Week 5
July 20-24
$465
Week 6
July 27-31
$465
Week 7
August 3-7
$465
Week 8
August 10-14
$465
For more information contact:
Melanie Douty-Snipes
215-295-1139 Ext. 105
melanieds@snipesfarm.org
