Farm Camps
WHAT IS BOWERS SCHOOL FARM?
Bowers School Farm believes that everyone should have access to thoughtfully designed outdoor learning environments that nourish and sustain their lives. The 93-acre property is a full working farm, where all animals and plants are part of an interwoven and purposeful system. The Farm encourages honest conversation and provides a safe atmosphere to question and consider the many facets of food systems.
An 85-year ongoing study conducted by Harvard Research has found a strong connection between doing chores and later professional success and overall happiness. The findings showed that shared responsibilities help children develop greater self-worth, confidence, work ethic, and empathy for others.
WHY CHOOSE CAMP AT BOWERS SCHOOL FARM?
Camp on the farm is an invitation for future generations to begin cultivating an understanding of the intricacies of food systems. For many youth, the opportunity to connect “back to the land” through rich, meaningful, and playful ways is unavailable. Presented through age appropriate activities, campers are thoughtfully introduced to authentic realities of a farm.
At Bowers Farm Camp, learning meets adventure! We offer your child a unique opportunity to explore the world of farming through hands-on activities like planting and harvesting fresh food, caring for animals and farm-to-table cooking classes. Along the way, your camper will discover how food systems work, the importance of sustainability, and the joy of healthy living. With plenty of outdoor fun, new friendships, and exciting challenges, it’s the perfect blend of education and adventure!
2025 Spring Break Horse Camp
This introductory horse camp includes hands-on activities with the horses while learning the basics of horse behavior, anatomy, and care. It will foster strong relationships between camper and horse, and give campers the skills needed to create these relationships in the future. After this camp, participants will have a general understanding of how we care for and bond with horses. Riding will occur daily, weather permitting. No prior riding experience required. The camp will focus on English and Western riding styles with other activities.
Participants will gain a solid foundation in equine care and the skills needed to create lasting relationships with horses. Ages 10-15.
Summer Camp 2025
NOTE for B.O.B. Camp: Parents must drop their camper off and pick up from Bowers Farm on M-W and at Johnson Nature Center on Th-F.
"A Summer of Farm Adventures: Explore, Learn, and Grow Every Week!"
To provide a better expectation of the immersive experience, we have switched away from multiple themes to a weekly Farm Camp . The farm is dynamic, and ever changing. By focusing on the core theme of Farm Life, children can explore animal care, gardening, and different cooking recipes daily, all while building on their skills and knowledge throughout the summer. This approach allows for deeper engagement and meaningful connections to farm life, ensuring that every day offers something new, no matter how many times your child attends. Plus, the Farm is fresh and exciting no matter what week you choose.
We will watch the farm come alive throughout the summer as chores, activities, garden recipes and relationships change and develop to fit the needs of the farm each week.
Exciting Updates for Bower’s Farm Camp 2025!
As we look ahead to this year, we are thrilled to share some exciting changes that will make camp even more amazing! We’ve been working hard to enhance the camp experience, ensuring a dynamic and engaging summer for all our campers. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Farm Camp Goes Weekly!
We’re keeping all your favorite farm staples and adding a whole bunch of exciting new activities to spice things up! Get ready for a summer full of fun, fresh experiences and unforgettable memories! We’ve moved away from multiple themes and are introducing a weekly Farm Camp format. This change allows for a more immersive experience, it helps foster deeper connections to farm life. Every week campers will get to explore animal care, gardening, garden kitchen daily, our ropes course, a horse riding experience, and more—all while building on skills and knowledge throughout the summer. Whether your child attends one week or multiple, the Farm will offer fresh and exciting activities each and every time!
Friday Lunch
On Fridays, no need to pack a lunch, our full day campers will enjoy a special lunch prepared fresh from our garden by our kitchen staff: pizza, salad, and lemonade!
Personalized Friday Farm Shows
This year, we’re reimagining the Friday Farm Show! Instead of a large group presentation, each group will be stationed at a location on the farm to share their maker space projects. Parents will sign out with their group leader and have the opportunity to walk the farm and shop at the camp store.
Water Fun Fridays
Get ready for water days! Every Friday will feature a slip and slide and water play station available during assigned time slots for groups. It’s a fun way to wrap up the week and stay cool! Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit and get ready for a splashin’ good time!
New “Playground” Area
We’re adding a designated playground area, giving campers the opportunity and encouraging free-choice play away from the garden. This space will allow kids to engage in their favorite activities and explore more of the farm!
Exciting New Camps and Activities
B.O.B. Camp (Aug 11-15): Our last week of camp will feature a farm camp at Bowers Farm (Mon-Wed) and Adventure Nature Camp at Johnson Nature Center (Thurs-Fri). Check our website for more details!
Horse Camp: We’re adding Horse Camp to our offerings this year for an exciting new experience! Start your adventure with our Green Beginner Level Horse Camp, perfect for new riders! Once you’re ready for the next step, you can trot your way into our Pink Beginner Level II for even more fun and challenges! Let’s saddle up for an unforgettable ride!
Post-Camp Childcare Option
We’re excited to offer extended care for our full day campers until 6 p.m. (not available week of June 30 or Aug.11). This will give families more flexibility. Sign up will be limited.
HEALTH FORM INFORMATION REQUIRED DURING REGISTRATION:
During registration, health information will need to be input in order to complete your camper’s registration.
As an example of the information required, you can view a health form here to assure you have all necessary information and documents.
Those registering campers for Forest Friends, you will also need to input information in an Early Childhood form as well.
NOTE: Links above are example forms to show what information will be required upon registration. You will need to type in all information upon registration. Do not download/fill out the form, as there is no space for upload in our registration system.
BARNYARD BUDDIES IMMUNIZATION REPORT REQUIRED AFTER REGISTRATION
By May 1, please submit up-to-date immunization records as required by State licensing, HERE.
Our camp coordinator, ‘Ms. Lou’, has extensive experience in camps, early childhood education, and equine camps and instruction.
I have a great passion for teaching, agriculture and being a positive role model. Children learn through experience and I strive to make every child’s learning environment inviting, safe and exciting. Creating opportunities for children to grow and explore the world through hands on farm experience is a passion of mine.
Questions? Please contact: Lou lkavanaugh@bloomfield.org
Important Policies
Payment & Confirmation
Full payment with a credit card is due at the time of registration.
Financial aid is available only at Johnson Nature Center camps here.
There are no discounts available.
There are no prorated daily rates available.
Waitlist Policy
If a camp session is full, you can choose to be added to the waitlist. You may stay on a waitlist as long as you would like to. There is a required deposit of $10 to hold your spot on the waitlist and it is nonrefundable. The deposit cannot be transferred to another week or session of camp.
If a registered spot opens up, you will be contacted via email or phone and have the opportunity to accept or decline the spot. You have 24 hours to respond beginning at the time we contact you, before we contact the next family. If you accept the camp session spot, you are responsible for paying the remaining camp tuition balance, less the $10 deposit.
Registrants cannot remove themselves from a waitlist. If you wish to be removed from a waitlist, email Lou.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Your tuition is refundable, less a $50 processing fee per camp and per child, provided that you submit a request to cancel a camp session(s) in writing by May 1, 2025. Refunds are issued to the credit card account that was used to purchase the reservation.
There are NO REFUNDS for cancellations made after May 1, 2025. There are NO REFUNDS or prorated rates for missed days of camp. Payments or registration(s) cannot be transferred or exchanged to another session of camp.