FARM EXPLORERS
Overnight Camp for 8-12 Year Olds
At Farm Explorers Camp, children ages 8-12 get to dive deep into the world of sustainable farming while enjoying all the fun and adventure of a traditional summer camp experience. Set on our beautiful Biodynamic, organic farm, this program is designed to foster independence, encourage creativity, and build a strong sense of community, all while connecting campers to the land and the animals they help care for.
Campers live in our cozy farmhouse, where they form close bonds with their fellow campers and counselors. Each day, they rotate through small group activities, each designed to provide an immersive experience of farm life. They might spend the morning feeding the animals, cleaning the milking barn, or learning the basics of milking cows. In the afternoon, campers could be planting in the garden, crafting, or exploring our forested trails.
Afternoons and evenings bring the group together for special activities like swimming in the pond, nature hikes, storytelling around the campfire, and mealtimes featuring fresh, local ingredients. This balance of farm work, nature play, and group activities helps children grow both individually and as part of a community.
Enroll by December 31 and save 5% with our early bird discount on overnight camp tuition!
Discount applied automatically
Watch the video below to learn more about the Farm Explorers Camp!
6-Day Camp
Ages 8-12
$1,795
Session 1: June 22 - June 27
Session 3: July 13 - July 18
30 camper capacity
13-Day Camp
Ages 9-12
$3,555
Session 2: June 29 - July 11
Session 4: July 20 - August 1
28 camper capacity
6-DAY farm explorers camp
Sessions 1 + 3: Ages 8-12
Our 6-day Farm Explorers session offers campers a hands-on introduction to life on a working Biodynamic, organic farm. Perfect for both new and returning campers, this session provides daily opportunities to care for our sheep, horses, chickens, and pigs, as well as learn skills like milking cows, collecting eggs, and horseback riding. Campers will also spend time in the garden, harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables that are used in the farm’s kitchen for delicious, organic meals enjoyed together in our dining hall.
In addition to farm chores, Farm Explorers enjoy classic camp activities such as swimming in our pond, arts and crafts, games, and music-making. Campers will live in the Main House, our historic 200-year-old farmhouse, and experience the joys of farm life in a supportive, community-focused setting. This session offers the perfect balance of farm work, outdoor fun, and traditional camp experiences, making it an unforgettable week of learning, adventure, and new friendships.
13-Day farm explorers Camp
Sessions 2 + 4: Ages 9-12
Our 13-day Farm Explorers session offers a deeper, more immersive experience on our Biodynamic, organic farm, making it a perfect choice for returning campers, students who’ve visited Hawthorne Valley on a school farm trip, or first-time campers ready for an extended adventure. This longer session invites campers to fully embrace the daily rhythms of farm life, creating lasting connections with animals, the land, and their fellow campers.
In addition to the activities offered in our 6-day session—such as caring for farm animals, harvesting in the garden, milking cows, and horseback riding—13-day campers will have more time to explore the farm, assist with additional animal chores, and venture out on nature hikes through our forests. The session also includes a special weekend at Hawthorne Valley, where campers take a break from their daily routines to enjoy exciting activities like a cookout at the pond, a scavenger hunt, and Farm Olympics. With extra time to build friendships and dive deeper into farm life, this session provides a well-rounded and unforgettable experience for campers looking to connect with nature and each other in a more meaningful way.
The Farm House
The Farm Explorers reside in our historic Main House at Hawthorne Valley Farm, a beautiful building that dates back to the early 1800s. Still standing on its original stone foundation, the house has welcomed thousands of children since 1973, when the educational programs at Hawthorne Valley were first established. Over the years, the house has undergone various renovations and expansions, yet it retains its original charm and character, beloved by all who return to the farm.
The Main House is home to four dorm rooms for the campers—Front Dorm, Ice House, Yellow Dorm, and Pink Dorm—each furnished with bunk beds, shelves, and bathrooms either within the room or just adjacent. Nearby, counselors stay in private or shared rooms, with each dorm room paired with its own group of “room group counselors” for close supervision. The house also includes a cozy living room, a kitchenette, a library, and offices for our camp managers.
In the summer, a residential nurse is also based in the Main House, where one of the rooms is designated as the infirmary—known as The Cocoon—for campers or staff who may need rest or monitoring. The Main House offers a warm, comfortable, and safe environment, providing a home base where campers can unwind and relax after a day full of adventure on the farm.
