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!

🌾 Spring Break Camps at Bowers Farm

(limited spaces available)

📅 March 30 – April 3, 2026

Registration Coming December 15 … Give the Gift of Camp!

We’re offering multiple small-group cohorts to ensure meaningful, personalized experiences for every camper:

  • Farm Camp (ages 6-10): A fun-filled farm adventure with all the camp favorites: hands-on animal care, planting, crafts, animal science discoveries and seasonal farm activities. Every day is packed with laughter, learning, and unforgettable farm fun! Cost: $450

  • Horse Camp (ages 8-12): Hands-on horse care, grooming, barn management, and riding basics. Great for beginner to intermediate young riders. Cost: $550

📅 March 30 – April 1, 2026 (3 day camp)

  • Pony Camp (ages5-7): Designed for little learners, Pony Camp is a gentle, whimsical introduction to the world of ponies. Campers step into a world where they discover how to care for, groom, and understand our sweet ponies—all through playful, hands-on activities perfect for our newest little riders.  Cost: $375 (NOTE: 3-day camp)

These camps provide immersive outdoor fun, animal care, hands-on learning, and unforgettable farm adventures.

SUMMER CAMP 2026

Summer Camp 2026

TENTATIVE 2026 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Camp Registration Dates:

  • Opens Wednesday, February 4 at noon for Farm Members

  • Opens Friday, February 6 at noon for public

NOTE for B.O.B. Camp: Parents must drop their camper off and pick up from Bowers Farm on Mon.-Tues. and at Johnson Nature Center on Wed.-Thurs.

"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.

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 before May 1, 2026. Refunds are issued to the credit card account that was used to purchase the reservation.

There are NO REFUNDS for cancellations made on or after May 1, 2026. 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.