Farm Through the Ages: A Grand Finale at Farm Camp!
July 18, 2025

Today marked the final day of this unforgettable week at Farm Camp—and we went all out with a full-on celebration of farm life through the ages! From churning butter like pioneers to futuristic tractor play, campers got to experience the rich history (and fun!) of farming, old and new.

🌾 Morning Chores, the Old-Fashioned Way

Each camper group started their day by jumping into new morning chores—watering gardens, feeding animals, mucking stalls, and collecting eggs. With teamwork and elbow grease, they took care of the farm just like families did generations ago.

🐄 A Journey Through Farm Time

Throughout the day, campers explored what life on the farm was like back in the day:

🧈 Butter Making: Campers shook jars of cream into real butter and spread it on crackers for a tasty reward. Many were amazed how much work it took to make something we usually buy in a tub!
🚜 Tractor Driving 101 (Power Wheels Edition): With big imaginations and kid-sized “engines,” campers took turns behind the wheel of mini tractors to practice their "driving" skills—future farmers in the making!
Lincoln Logs & the Log Cabin House: Inside our log cabin, campers built with Lincoln Logs and heard the inspiring story of Abraham Lincoln, who grew up in a log cabin just like it. We talked about how young Abe helped on the family farm and studied by candlelight—proof that hard work and curiosity can go a long way.
🌟 Panning for Gold: Campers got hands-on with a classic pioneer pastime—searching for glittering gold. They even found some treasures to take home!
🐐 Animal Visits: Today was full of goodbye snuggles with goats, chickens, bunnies, and our friendly ponies—campers gave lots of hugs to their favorite farm animals one last time.
Slip & Slide: Because what’s a farm summer without a little water fun? Campers cooled off on the giant slip and slide with laughter echoing across the fields.
🎭 The Gallery Walk Farm Show: We ended the day with the ever-popular Gallery Walk Farm Show—featuring camper-led skits, animal parades, songs, and craft pick up. Parents and staff clapped and cheered as campers took the “stage” and showed off what they learned.

🐴 Horse Camp Highlights

Our Horse Campers had a busy and awesome last day too!

They started with the important work of cleaning pony pens, then tested their horse smarts with a round of Horse Jeopardy.
In the afternoon, they dove into equine science—learning about and painting the horse’s digestive and skeletal systems right onto real live horses (with washable, animal-safe paint of course!).
They finished their day with the Farm Horse Show, proudly showing off their painted ponies, camp spirit and new learned riding skills!
campers took home their hard earned certificates and patches….follow the link to learn more about our horse programming patches…https://www.schoolfarm.org/equine-programs

🍕 Garden Kitchen: Pizza Day!

After yesterday’s garden harvest and pizza prep, today was all about eating! Campers enjoyed their farm-fresh pizzas topped with ingredients they harvested and prepared themselves. The garden smelled like basil, tomatoes, and summer sunshine—plus a whole lot of melted cheese.

🦋 Barnyard Buddies: Little Farmers, Big Fun

Our youngest campers in Barnyard Buddies ended their week with a sweet mix of fun and learning:

🦋 They made butterfly pollinators to help our garden friends thrive
🌺 Explored our historical gardens, learning how early settlers grew their food
🎨 Went on a color-match scavenger hunt across the farm
🐴 Took a cheerful wagon ride and shared a final pasture picnic in the sunshine

As our campers packed up their gear (and maybe a few muddy socks), we felt so proud of how much they’ve learned, explored, and grown this week. Whether it was feeding chickens, painting horses, baking pizzas, or performing in the farm show, every camper helped bring the farm to life.

🌻 Farm Adventure Day Blog – A Day Full of Discovery and Delight! 🚜

What a joyful day it’s been here on the farm! The morning sunshine greeted us as we launched into a brand new set of farm chores—everyone rolled up their sleeves and jumped right in with energy and smiles.

We kicked things off with a burst of fun thanks to the OO Milkshake Song —which had everyone dancing, giggling, and shaking off any morning sleepiness.

🏹 Nature Skills, Shelter Building & Creative Thrills

Today's activity lineup was packed with excitement and hands-on learning:

Archery: Campers tested their aim and learned the basics of bow safety.
Shelter Building: Using sticks, leaves, and teamwork, groups built creative natural shelters—great for practicing problem solving and outdoor survival basics!
Fire Building & S’mores: Nothing says adventure like learning how to build a safe fire and roasting marshmallows.
Nature-Inspired Art: We explored patterns in the world around us, focusing on circles and repetition found in leaves, tree rings, and flower petals.

🍲 Stone Soup & Saddle Time

The Red Peppers and Purple Peppers teamed up to cook Stone Soup over the fire, adding fresh-picked farm veggies and a sprinkle of teamwork.

Meanwhile, Purple Peppers and our FIT crew got a chance to hop in the saddle for an exciting horse ride. Our Horse Camp group is polishing their riding skills and getting ready for their horse show tomorrow from 1:30–2:30 PM—they're trotting their way to greatness!

🐰 Barnyard Buddies Explore & Taste

Our youngest group, the Barnyard Buddies, took a lovely morning walk to the garden where they helped harvest fresh kale and carrots. Back at the outdoor kitchen, they turned their harvest into delicious smoothies and homemade fruit leather. Yum!

Afterward, they climbed aboard the wagon for a bumpy ride around the farm, followed by a cozy picnic lunch under the shade trees.

From garden harvests to horseback adventures, building shelters to discovering nature’s hidden patterns—today was filled with learning, laughter, and connection. We can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow, especially cheering on our Horse Camp riders at their show!

🌞 Stay tuned for more farm fun!

Garden Kitchen Adventures: Exploring the Five Tastes & Discovering Supertasters!

Today in the Garden Kitchen, our campers put on their scientist hats—and their chef aprons—for a flavorful journey into the world of taste! We explored the five basic tastes, found out who among us might be a supertaster, and got hands-on in preparing pizzas for our Farm Fresh Pizza Lunch tomorrow.

👅 The Science of Taste: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter & Umami

We started the day by learning about the five basic tastes that help us experience flavor:

Sweet (like fresh berries or honey)
Sour (like lemon or vinegar)
Salty (like olives or cheese)
Bitter (like arugula or dark chocolate)
Umami (the savory richness found in tomatoes, mushrooms, and parmesan)

Campers got to sample a variety of small bites representing each taste—and the reactions were priceless! Some scrunched their faces at sour lemon slices, others lit up at the sweet snap peas from the garden.

Then, we did a special taste bud experiment to find out who might be a supertaster—someone who experiences certain tastes, especially bitter ones, more intensely. Using test strips, campers compared results and learned how individual taste perception can shape our food preferences.

🍕 Pizza Prep: Garden-Fresh and Camper-Made

With taste exploration behind us, we turned our attention to cooking. Campers prepped ingredients for their own garden-fresh pizzas—chopping tomatoes, tearing basil, and even trying out garlic for adventurous flavor combinations.

We talked about how each topping could bring a different taste element to the pizza:

Sweet cherry tomatoes
Salty cheese
Bitter arugula
Umami-packed mushrooms
A hint of sour from a splash of balsamic glaze

Campers carefully chose toppings that matched their taste buds—and their creativity!

🔬 The Science of Supertasters

Then we dove into a special science activity: Are you a supertaster?

A supertaster is someone who has more taste buds than average, especially the kind that detect bitter flavors. Because they have extra taste receptors, supertasters often find certain foods (like raw broccoli or grapefruit) much more intense—or even unpleasant.

To find out, campers used a special testing strip coated with a bitter chemical called PTC (phenylthiocarbamide). Here’s how it worked:

If the strip tasted very bitter, that camper is likely a supertaster.
If it tasted only a little bitter or paper-like, they are a non-taster or medium taster.

It was fascinating to see how different everyone’s experience was—some campers made a face right away, while others said, “I don’t taste anything!”

This led to great discussions about how biology affects our food preferences and why some people love certain veggies while others don’t.

🌱 What’s Next: Pizza Party Picnic

The pizzas will be baked and served tomorrow for our Pizza Party Picnic, and we can't wait to taste everyone's unique creations. Today’s adventure wasn’t just delicious—it was science in action, and a great reminder that food can be both fun and educational.

Stay tuned for photos from tomorrow’s lunch, and ask your camper which taste was their favorite!

🐴 Wednesday at Farm Camp: All About Animal Science! 🧬

Today was packed with hands-on science, animal encounters, and creative projects that brought learning to life in the most memorable ways. From squishy science experiments to pony rides and wooly creations, Wednesday gave campers a closer look at the animals we share the farm with—and the science behind caring for them.

Our day kicked off with animal science stations spread across the farm. Campers explored a range of experiments and activities that helped them connect science to real-life farm experiences.

First up: The Bouncy Egg Experiment! Using vinegar to dissolve the eggshells, campers transformed regular eggs into soft, rubbery, bounceable ones—while learning about chemical reactions and how calcium breaks down. There were lots of wide eyes and careful hands Friday they will revisit the eggs and see all the different layers in action and see how high they bounce!

Next, it was time for another round of the STEM Egg Drop Challenge—a favorite, with new designs and strategies. Campers used various materials to protect their eggs and test their understanding of force, impact, and creative engineering.

Over in our Wool Science lab, things got cozy and crafty. Campers examined raw wool under a microscope, learning about fiber texture and the process of turning fleece into wearable material. Then they got hands-on by making their own “Baa of Soap”—a bar of soap wrapped in wool to use as a natural scrubber. They also wove their own wool bracelets, combining fibers and learning how people have used wool for clothing and textiles for centuries.

Wool bracelets require water and patience.

Before the rain rolled in, our Yellow Peppers, Orange Peppers, and Red Peppers had their moment in the saddle with a pony ride across the farm. For many, it was the highlight of the day—and you can check out all the best snapshots in today’s Photo Blog!

Horse Camp stayed busy, rain or shine. Campers gave their horses a full wash and grooming session, learning how to care for them from hoof to mane. They also dove into anatomy, identifying the parts of the horse and learning how each one plays a role in movement and care. To wrap it up, they created homemade horse popsicles—a mix of fruits and treats frozen into a cool snack their horses will get to enjoy tomorrow!

As always, our campers brought curiosity, energy, and plenty of questions to every activity. They’re learning not just by observing—but by doing, touching, creating, and caring. And that’s what makes farm camp so special.

Tomorrow brings new adventures, more animal encounters, and time in the kitchen—stay tuned!

🥒 Todays Garden Kitchen Recipes Stuffed Cucumber Canoes

Ingredients:

2 mini cucumbers
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1/4 cup chopped tomato
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: a drizzle of olive oil or a small spoon of hummus or feta or ranch for extra flavor

Instructions:

Prep the cucumbers:
Slice mini cucumbers lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the center to make a shallow "canoe."
Make the filling:
In a bowl, mix chopped peppers, tomato, basil, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Assemble:
Spoon the veggie mixture into the cucumber halves.
Serve:
Enjoy fresh as a crunchy, colorful appetizer or snack!

🌿 Stuffed Mini Peppers with Herbs (Farmer in Training)

Prep for 10 Servings

Ingredients:

10 mini sweet peppers (halved & deseeded)
1 cup chopped bell peppers and onions
1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prep the filling:
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, chopped peppers, and onions until softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
Mix:
Stir in cheese, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt.
Stuff the peppers:
Place mini pepper halves on a baking sheet. Spoon the mixture into each half.
Bake:
Roast for 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melty.
Serve warm as a colorful appetizer or side!

🌱 Tuesday at Farm Camp: Digging Into Soil & Science! 🪱

Today was all about what’s beneath our boots—soil, seeds, worms, and all the living things that help our garden grow! From singing silly songs to hands-in-the-dirt exploration, our all-day campers at Bowers Farm spent Tuesday discovering the science of soil in the most fun and interactive ways.

We kicked off the morning with a camp favorite: "Herman the Worm"—complete with giggles, wiggly dance moves, and lots of camper participation. (You can listen to the song here: Herman the Worm)

“He was this big” from the song Herman the Worm.

Then it was straight into garden time. Campers got their hands dirty making seed balls in the greenhouse—a mix of seeds, compost, and clay that can be planted now or taken home for later. They also planted microgreens, tiny powerhouse plants they’ll care for all week and get to sample later as a fresh, farm-grown snack. Campers explored the garden beds, helped water and weed, and checked in on the plants they’ll be watching grow over the next few days.

Rising Ranchers and Green Peppers had a big highlight today—they each got to ride the ponies! For many, it was their first time in the saddle, and the grins said it all. Be sure to check out the Photo Blog for snapshots of those unforgettable moments!

The most exciting part? Investigating our worm bins! Campers dug in to discover how worms help break down food scraps and turn them into rich compost. They got up close and personal with our red wigglers, learning how worms move, breathe, and play a critical role in healthy soil. There were lots of curious questions, squeals of excitement, and even a few campers naming their favorite worms!

Our Barnyard Buddies, our youngest explorers, wrapped up their Five Senses Farm Adventure. Today, they used everything they’ve learned to explore the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of the farm—touching fuzzy feathers, listening to clucking hens, and tasting fresh herbs they picked themselves. Their sense of wonder was in full bloom!

Barnyard Buddies got to pet Bud during their exploration time.

At Horse Camp, the day started with hands-on practice: leading, grooming, and saddling their horses before hitting the ring for more riding time. The confidence and skill these campers are already showing is impressive! In the Garden Kitchen, they whipped up a tasty treat before moving into a special STEM egg drop challenge—an activity that taught them all about helmet safety by designing protective "helmets" for their raw eggs. Some eggs survived the fall… some didn’t… but all campers walked away with a better understanding of how (and why) we protect our heads when riding!

FIT campers had another action-packed day. They joined Farmer Paul for real farm work—helping with tasks that keep the farm running smoothly—and then headed into Tool Time with Ken for more woodworking. Today’s focus was on using hand tools safely and effectively. From hammers to hand drills, campers are building both skills and confidence that they’ll use throughout the week.

Ken is great as showing our campers how to use tools.

It was a full, active, and incredibly educational day at camp. Science came to life through digging, planting, building, and hands-on discovery—and your campers were right in the middle of it all.

Tomorrow, we turn our attention to animals—get ready for some creature-focused adventures!

🌾 Monday at Farm Camp: Welcome to the Farm! 🌞

We kicked off the first day of Farm Camp with sunshine, excited campers, and lots of energy! As everyone arrived at Bowers Farm, it didn’t take long for boots to get dusty and smiles to spread. From the start, it was clear—we're in for a week full of hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, and new friendships.

Morning chores were up first, and campers dove right in—feeding animals, collecting eggs, and helping out around the barns. It’s a great way to start the day and a big part of what makes life on the farm feel real.

After chores, campers headed out on a scavenger hunt across the farm. They explored garden beds, peeked into chicken coops, and used their senses to track down everything from buzzing bees to blooming flowers. The wagon ride gave everyone a chance to sit back, catch the breeze, and take in the farm from a new perspective.

Throughout the day, campers played team-building games and got to know their camp groups. There was a lot of laughter, high fives, and some great moments of teamwork—we’re already seeing connections start to form.

Over in the Garden Kitchen, Mr. Brett led a hands-on lesson in smoothie science. Campers measured and mixed yogurt, fruit, and honey, learning how ingredients come together to make a perfect (and tasty) blend. The best part? Tasting the results!

FIT campers met Farmer Ken in the woodworking barn, where they got their first look at tools and safety basics. They're gearing up for some great projects this week, and today was all about planning, measuring, and getting familiar with the space.

At Horse Camp, campers met their horses for the first time and learned how to stay safe and confident around them. For many, this was their first-ever ride—a big moment! In Garden Kitchen, they made cowboy caviar, a fresh and colorful mix of veggies and beans to keep their energy up.

Our Barnyard Buddies group had a great start as well, exploring the farm through touch, smell, sight, and sound. From feeling sheep’s wool to smelling fresh flowers, their day was full of sensory discoveries and new animal friends.

We’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to come.

It’s only Day One, and already we’ve seen so much growth, friendship, and farm-fueled fun. Stay tuned for more updates from the farm—this week is just getting started and we can’t wait to share more with you!

🐛🌱 And tomorrow… get ready for a day of wormy wonders and garden science! Campers will be digging into the soil (literally!) to learn about composting, garden ecosystems, and the tiny creatures that help our plants grow. It’s going to be a messy, magical day of learning!

🐓🌻🚜
Your Farm Camp Team

We’re so excited to kick off another unforgettable week of Farm Camp! Whether it’s your first time joining us or you’re a returning camper, get ready for days filled with hands-on adventures, curious critters, fresh air, and the simple joys of life on the farm. From collecting eggs and feeding animals to planting seeds and exploring nature trails, there’s something new to discover every day.

Stay tuned to our blog for updates, photos, and stories from the fields — we’re so glad you’re here!

Farm Camp Blog 7/14 - 7/18