Thursday at Camp: All about Adventure and exploring 🐴🔥🏹🧭🏡🌲
Today was all about discovery, creativity, and adventure — and our campers fully embraced the spirit of adventure day!
Barnyard Buddies Exploring the Log Cabin.
Our Barnyard Buddies had a magical mix of history and hands-on fun. They began their morning with some sweet one-on-one time grooming ponies, learning how to care for and connect with our gentle four-legged friends. Afterward, they set off to explore the wood cabin and the historic Barton Farmhouse, getting a peek into what life was like on the farm long ago. Campers asked thoughtful questions and marveled at how different (and sometimes tricky!) daily life used to be without modern conveniences like electricity or running water. It was a perfect blend of learning and imagination.
In the forest, Farm Adventures campers went all-in for Adventure Day, and wow — what a day it was! The group rotated through exciting outdoor challenges and survival skills activities:
🔥 Fire building using flint and steel
🌲 Shelter building with natural materials
🧭 Compass navigation skills and scavenger hunts
🧗 Low ropes team challenges to build trust and communication
🎯 Archery practice — with some great aim and even better focus!
🎨 And to slow things down, campers explored nature art, focusing on circles, spirals, and patterns found in the world around them — from pinecones to tree rings to snail shells.
These experiences not only sparked creativity and resilience but deepened campers’ appreciation for nature and each other.
Our hardworking FIT (Farm Intern Team) joined in the adventure, too! They tackled the fire and shelter challenges and took time to reflect on leadership and teamwork in the process. It was so inspiring to see how they helped encourage younger campers and took initiative in each activity. True role models in action!
Meanwhile, our Horse Campers continued to strengthen their riding skills and spent time today learning about different horse breeds, their characteristics, and history. They also crafted and delivered some special homemade horse treats, making for some very happy horses! 🐴💕
Kids, kids, and cans. Please donate for our canned food drive.
🌾 Community Corner: Don’t Forget the Food Drive! 🥫
A big shout-out to the Bloomfield Hills FFA students who are leading our camp food drive this week! Please consider sending in non-perishable items (like canned goods, pasta, cereal, or peanut butter). Let’s continue showing our campers the power of giving back and supporting others in our community.
From forest forts to historic farmhouses, today was full of big steps, brave ideas, and new connections. We’re so proud of all our campers for jumping into each adventure with open minds and full hearts.
See you tomorrow for even more fun on the farm!
— Ms. Lou & the Bowers Camp Crew 🌻
Day Three at Farm Camp: Animal Excursions!
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Today was buzzing — quite literally — with energy and exploration as we dove into Day Three of Farm Camp! From bubbles in science experiments to barnyard adventures and bold new building projects, our campers continue to impress us with their curiosity, creativity, and teamwork.
Our Barnyard Buddies went on a special “B-word” scavenger hunt, exploring the farm in search of things that start with the letter B: Barn, Bees, Bugs, and more! Along the way, they got up close with animals around the farm, looked under logs for beetles, and even sang a few “Baa Baa” songs with the sheep. It was a joyful day of early literacy, sensory learning, and farm discovery!
Campers in Farm Adventures had a jam-packed day full of animal encounters, teamwork, and hands-on science. The morning kicked off with a STEM egg drop challenge, encouraging campers to build protective designs for their fragile eggs using various materials. This activity not only sparked creativity and critical thinking but also introduced real-world connections to safety (like helmets!) and physics.
In the afternoon, we cracked open some egg science! Campers placed uncooked eggs in vinegar and began observing the chemical reaction as the acetic acid dissolved the calcium carbonate shell — leaving behind just the soft, translucent inner membrane. Campers will continue observing the changes and conduct their follow-up investigations on Thursday. 🧪🥚
We also dove into wool science today, using microscopes to explore the structure of natural wool fibers. Campers observed how wool looks like long cylinders covered in overlapping scales, which naturally help it stick together — the same principle used in felting. Using this knowledge, they made their very own “Baa” of soap loofahs to take home, demonstrating how wool bonds to form a gentle scrubber. They also practiced pulling and twisting natural wool into soft fibers — a favorite sensory moment for many!
Our Horse Campers saddled up for Day Two of riding, continuing to build confidence and independence in the saddle. They also learned the basics of roping techniques, practiced their coordination, and capped off their afternoon with a creative craft using real horseshoes — turning them into rustic picture frames to take home later this week!
In the Garden Kitchen, campers made Rainbow Garden Wraps using ingredients they harvested or observed in the garden. 🌈🌯
Each wrap was packed with color and crunch:
1 whole wheat or spinach tortilla
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 tbsp purple cabbage (from the garden!)
2 tbsp bell pepper strips
1 tbsp hummus or ranch
Campers learned about eating the rainbow and how each color in fruits and vegetables offers different vitamins and nutrients to help fuel their day.
Everyday for a mid day rest our Rising Ranchers enjoy a book. Wednesdays book during bunny circle was called Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messener with art by Christopher Silas Neal.
Meanwhile, our FIT campers (Farm Intern Team) rolled up their sleeves and kicked off a building project with Farmer Ken that will soon become a permanent part of daily farm life. We can’t wait to share their progress! To refuel after their hard work, they made Swiss Chard & Cheese Hand Pies, using ingredients straight from our garden:
1 square pie crust
1/4 cup chopped Swiss chard
1 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp shredded cheese
Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
After sautéing the filling and folding it into golden pie crusts, the smell alone had everyone hoping for leftovers!
Every group also kept up with their daily chores, caring for animals, watering plants, and helping to keep the farm running smoothly — all while learning what it means to be part of a working, living community.
🌾 Community Corner: Support Our Food Drive! 🥫
We’re thrilled to share that the Bloomfield Hills FFA students are leading a food drive this week to support local families in need. Campers are invited to bring in non-perishable items such as canned vegetables, pasta, cereal, rice, peanut butter, and more. Collection bins will be available at drop-off. Let’s work together to grow kindness and give back to our greater community!
Day Two at Camp: Soil Science, STEM Fun & Farm-Fresh Smoothies!
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Day Two brought even more energy, discovery, and joy to Bowers Camp! As campers begin to settle into their groups and routines, we’re already seeing their curiosity bloom and their confidence grow. Today’s theme was all about Soil Science & Sensory Learning — and our campers absolutely dug in!
We started the day with a hands-on dive into our worm bins, where campers learned about the incredible ecosystem right beneath our feet. They observed composting in action, discovered how worms help break down organic matter, and discussed the importance of healthy soil in growing strong, nutritious food. Some even gently held our red wigglers while learning about their unique body parts and how they move through the earth!
Our science focus didn’t stop there — campers also explored the fascinating role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and how they work together with plants to help our food system thrive. This led into planting trays of microgreens, which campers will care for and harvest in the days ahead. Not only did they learn about the life cycle of plants, but also how pollination, sunlight, and soil health all work together to nourish life.
Over in the Garden Kitchen, the day’s science came full circle with a tasty twist — farm-fresh smoothies with a taste of honey from our pollinator friends! 🍓🥬 Campers blended up delicious and healthy drinks using ingredients from our garden, learning how nutrients from the soil find their way into the food we eat. We discussed vitamins, minerals, and how plants help fuel our bodies — all while sipping on cool, refreshing smoothies. A perfect way to stay hydrated and healthy in the summer sun!
Horse Camp riders got an early start today to beat the heat, enjoying a peaceful morning ride. Afterward, they dove into a creative STEM egg drop challenge, where they engineered containers to protect their egg “riders” from a tall drop — a playful and powerful lesson in helmet safety. Seeing the connections between engineering, physics, and horseback riding made for some real "aha!" moments. Campers also created horse popsicles — a special treat to keep their four-legged partners cool and happy!
Our FIT (Farm & Intern Team) campers kept the momentum going by feeding the worm bins, cleaning the bunny huts, and helping with garden maintenance. They’re gaining a deeper understanding of how all parts of the farm are connected — and the responsibility it takes to care for living things. These campers are becoming thoughtful, dependable leaders in our camp community.
Meanwhile, our youngest group, the Barnyard Buddies, spent the day exploring the farm with all five senses! They crafted simple investigative tools like magnifying lenses and scent jars, and used them to examine everything from soft chicken feathers to prickly seed pods. With big eyes and bigger questions, they discovered textures, smells, sounds, and sights in every corner of the farm — turning everyday moments into magical learning opportunities.
As always, our campers wrapped up the day a little dusty, a little tired, and full of new knowledge, new friendships, and big smiles. From soil and science to smoothies and STEM, today was all about learning through doing — and we’re so proud of how curious, kind, and capable our campers continue to be.
cooling off during pickup/ daily reflection with some tasty popsicles.
🌽 Community Corner: Camp Food Drive! 🥫
We’re proud to partner with the amazing students from Bloomfield Hills FFA, who are leading a food drive to support local families in need this summer. Starting this week, campers are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items — like canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and cereal — to drop off in the collection bins at the farm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our campers to see what it means to give back and be part of something bigger. Let’s show our support for the Bloomfield Hills FFA and help make a meaningful impact in our community! 💛
Canned and boxed food items.
Non-perishable snacks, cereals, and grains.
Baby food and Formula.
Please no: open or expired items. perishable foods. glass containers.
Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
See you tomorrow, campers — we’re just getting started!
With sunshine and gratitude,
Ms. Lou & the Bowers Camp Crew
Kicking Off an Exciting Summer – First Day of Camp!
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of the first day of camp — the excited chatter, new friendships forming, and the sound of laughter echoing through the farm. Today marked the official start of our summer camp season, and we couldn’t have asked for a better beginning!
Green Peppers Explore the green house!
Campers arrived bright and early, many wearing wide smiles (and a few carrying a little first-day nervous energy). Our staff greeted everyone with enthusiasm, helping campers settle in and feel right at home. By mid-morning, the jitters had melted away and were replaced with full-on fun.
water activities like water limbo helped campers beat the heat today!
Our day was filled with classic camp activities — from animal chores, science experiments & crafts to silly icebreaker games that had everyone laughing and let’s not forget garden kitchen. Campers explored the grounds, met their counselors, and started building connections that we know will grow stronger with each passing day.
Campers explored the wonders of natural dyes found within our enviroment.
One of the highlights? Watching kids cheer each other on during team challenges and step up to help new friends navigate their way around. It's already clear that this is going to be a summer full of kindness, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.
Farmer in Training campers listen in awe as Farmer Ken teaches them about tool safety.
We’re so proud of how our campers jumped into the day with open minds and hearts. And this is just the beginning! There’s so much more to look forward to in the days ahead.
Thank you to all the families for trusting us with your campers. We can’t wait to share more stories, photos, and memories as the summer unfolds.
Here’s to a fantastic start and a season full of joy!
Today kicked off our summer camp with our Welcome to the Farm Day, and what a day it was! We were so excited to introduce our campers to the magic of farm life, and as always, it was a day full of fun, exploration, and plenty of hands-on experiences.
We started the day by diving into some farm chores. From feeding the chickens to collecting eggs, the campers got a taste of the hard work that goes into keeping a farm running smoothly. Purple Peppers loved milking the goats, while Yellow Peppers were eager to help out in the Chick-inn.
Next up was a scavenger hunt, where campers, worked in teams to find farm-related items such as fresh eggs, a bundle of hay, and even hidden animal tracks. This activity was a hit, with everyone racing around, checking off items on their lists while learning about the different aspects of farm life.
Finally, we wrapped up the day with a wagon ride around the farm. With the sun shining and the breeze in their hair, our campers—took in the sights of our wide-open fields and barns. From the clopping of the horses’ hooves to the distant moo of cows, it was the perfect way to experience the farm’s natural beauty.
It was a fantastic start to the week, filled with laughter, learning, and a real connection to the land.
Our youngest campers, the Barnyard Buddies, had a wonderful time exploring the farm. From meeting friendly animals to helping out with farm chores and discovering all the sights, sounds, and smells of the barnyard, their day was full of curiosity and wide-eyed wonder. We loved seeing their enthusiasm and the way they connected with nature in their own unique way.
To top it all off, all camp groups tie-dyed shirts today, adding a splash of color to the day — exploring the science behind natural dyes! Campers will wear their tie-dye creations proudly on Friday as a fun way to wrap up the week and celebrate everything they’ve experienced together.
Meanwhile, our teen campers got hands-on with Farmer Ken, learning the basics of tool safety and exploring ideas for a group building project that will become a lasting part of daily farm life. They’re excited to contribute something meaningful to the camp and leave their mark — and we can’t wait to see what they create together!
New farm elements like our tire playground helped campers engage in active risky play!
Garden Kitchen time with Mr. Brett!
A definite highlight of the day was in the Garden Kitchen, where campers got hands-on making delicious cabbage enchilada wraps! They used our fresh ingredients, learned some simple cooking skills, and enjoyed tasting their healthy, homemade creations. It was amazing to see how proud they were of what they made — and even the most hesitant eaters gave it a try! Ask your camper to share their recipe with you!
Over at Horse Camp, campers kicked things off with some important safety instruction and horse care basics. Due to the heat, the group enjoyed a bath time with the horses and spent more time grooming and bonding with their horses. It was a gentle start that left everyone excited for more time in the saddle as the week goes on!
During cowboy cooking time at camp, we learned more than just how to whip up snacks that would make a cowboy holler "Yeehaw!" We talked about flavors, worked together like a true chuckwagon crew, and shared stories while chopping tomatoes and sneakin’ tastes of beans.
We laughed, we cooked, and we discovered that great food and good friends are all part of the cowboy code. Whether we were stirrin’ pots or swappin’ recipes, our tastebuds rode off into the sunset mighty satisfied. Ask your horse camper about Cowboy Caviar! 🌵🐴🍴
We’re so proud of how our campers jumped into the day with open minds and hearts. And this is just the beginning! There’s so much more to look forward to — from gardening adventures and low ropes to campfires, Horse back riding, and more.
See you tomorrow, campers!
With smiles and sunshine,
Ms. Lou and the Bowers Camp Crew
