Come down to the farm to learn about food, farming, and how we live with our environment. It's hands-on discoveries at the Teens4Good organic farm at the Schuylkill Center. This farm, a partnership of the Federation of Neighborhood Centers and the North Light Community Center, will be the backdrop for Down on the Farm Camp, giving kids a chance to see farming up close. Opportunities to plant, harvest, taste, and just get dirty abound.
All Programs
Members: $260/week | Non-members: $280/week
** For programs with a field trip or extra materials, add $25
Available Sessions
Sweet Sunshine Power
June 12 - 16
It's a solar-powered week! Learn about photosynthesis – how plants use sunlight to make sugar– through lots of hands on activities and games. We'll try hand at solar cooking and learn about how humans and plants use the sun's energy. Explore how different parts of the farm and layers of the forest use sunlight to grow and create our ecosystems.
Underground Wonders
June 19 - 23
Dig down underground to learn about plant root systems, soils, and the incredible creatures that live in this soil world. We will plant, dig, and look closely at plant roots to learn how plants work, and get to know some of the creepy crawlers that keep our soil healthy.
**Founding Farmers
June 26 - June 30
From Native Americans through colonial settlers, farming has shaped our region for centuries. Travel back in time this week as we learn about traditional farming techniques, food, crafts, and customs. We'll explore early farmstead life through fun activities and visits to local historic farms. We'll also find out what life on the farm was like here at the Schuylkill Center many years ago.
**Philly Farms!
July 3 - 7
* No Camp Tuesday, July 4
Now it's time to turn to some of farming's newest ideas, with a look at urban farms, right here in Philadelphia! Get ready to harvest, cook, plant, and help out on local farms in the city! Learn all about urban farming in this special field-trip based week.
Jammin' on the Farm: From Flower to Fruit
July 10 - 14
Dissecting flowers and fruits to learn about the life cycle of a plant will set the scene for scientific discovery with a tasty twist. We will forage for fruits and flowers in our forests, fields, and farm. A wineberry jam making session brings a tasty close to our week, and let's everyone enjoy the fruits of their foraging. !
Farm Fresh Flavors
July 24 - 28
Get excited for a delicious week of discovery! We will harvest, cook, create, and eat this week, focusing on the freshest flavors of the season. We will taste new ingredients from our farm, and campers will create their very own recipe books with our culinary creations. We will keep busy foraging around the farm, playing games, and making yummy treats!
Handcrafts & Homesteading
July 31 - August 4
Dive into traditional farm life with crafts, projects, and games galore. We will use old-fashioned techniques to make rope, soap, and more. Dye t-shirts using natural materials for a special project. Explore the farm as we imagine what life was like here many years ago!
Wonderful Watersheds
August 7 - 11
How much water does it take to make the food we eat? Explore the importance of water for the farm and for us as we learn about the water cycle and explore watersheds at the Schuylkill Center - in our forests and on our farm. We'll design ways to catch and save rain and explore the microscopic world of ponds and creeks. Be prepared for playing creeks!
Magical Medicinal Plants
August 14 - 18
Discover the wonders of medicinal plants - native and introduced species from around the world! We'll search our forest and farm to identify medicinal plants, herbs, trees, to learn about their history and use these specials plants will be used to create our own magical potions, lotions, repellents and teas. Try out your own homemade white pine needle tea, and learn to repel insects with onions and garlic!
