FarmOn! aims to educate and prepare people of all ages on sustainable and profitable careers in agriculture by focusing on the following 6 subjects:
- Farm Economics
- Environmental Impacts
- Self Sufficiency
- Community
- Health
- History of Land Stewardship
Camp FarmOn! is a summer program for youth in the Hudson Valley Region and nearby communities that provides hands-on experience in our biodynamic garden, learning how to grow some favorite vegetables and herbs sustainably. Campers go on field trips to visit other local farms and see their grow operations, we are visited here at Empire Farm by small business owners to motivate and inspire our campers to be entrepreneurs. At the end of the week campers pitch their business plans based on the tv show SharkTank to our farm committee and their parents.
Program Overview
Camp FarmOn! is a summer program for youth that provides hands-on experience on the farm. Campers spend a week immersed in the business side of farm life; falling in love with farming and learning how to make a living. Hosted at the scenic and historic Empire Farm with day trips to other local farms, visits from small business owners, and activities designed to encourage campers to dream big and plan for success. At the end of the week campers pitch their business plans based on the tv show SharkTank to our farm committee and their parents.
Day 1: Finding Your Farming Niche
An introductory day to get to know each other and the farm. Campers tour Empire Farm to learn about different styles of growing and begin to give some thought to what growing practices they would or would not implement in their own agricultural projects. We’ll create Vision Boards and start to dream up the ideal farm..
Day 2: Berries & Dairy
Field trip day! There is a lot of variety in agriculture; from what is produced, how it is produced, where it is sold, and how it is sold. Campers will visit a pick-your-own berry farm and a dairy farm to compare and contrast the business models of each.
Day 3: Small Business Owner Meet & Greet
At the heart of agriculture is community – and we are fortunate to be able to learn from some of the best of our community! Local business owners will visit us at Empire Farm and tell their own origin stories, share what they think makes for a successful business, and answer questions.
Day 4: Marketing
Some arts and crafts with a lot of learning. Campers will review existing print advertisements and as a group we will discuss what made those advertisements impactful. Would you buy this item or service?
Why or why not? What kinds of elements make for successful advertising. Each camper will design and create their own advertisement for whatever their imaginations desire.
Day 5:
After campers have imagined their dream farm, considered what is being produced, how it is being produced, where it is being sold, and have a business model in mind, and the skills to advertise and promote their business – they will end the week with their final pitch. This exercise will be done in a “Shark Tank” style where campers will bring the culmination of their week’s work to our panel of FarmOn! Sharks and parents or teachers.
Campers should bring a bagged lunch and water every day.
Bug spray and sunscreen will be provided with parental permission.
How It Works
Students ages 12-16, sign up through their associated schools to participate in Camp FarmOn! Campers arrive daily at 8:00 am to Empire Farm via school-provided transportation and depart at 4pm. Daily field-trips include visits to food producers, restaurants, small businesses and farms, as well as activities and garden work at Empire Farm.
Join The Audience
You are welcome to join us for presentations at Empire Farm in Copake NY! Parents, friends, family, educators, business leaders and the community are all welcome to visit us at Empire Farm for these filmed presentations and a chance for investment in innovative student ideas!
Limited space is available!
Join the invite list:
email:tara@farmonfoundation.org
Become a Sponsor
Consider sponsoring a student or class to attend CampFarmOn! Your 100% tax deductible donation assists with daily transportation, lunches, class supplies, field trips and instruction! A $150 donation covers lunch, transportation, instruction and supplies for one student to attend a full session of camp. A $4,500 donation sponsors an entire class! All contributions make an impact on the success of this valuable community program. Thank You!