FIT campers took on the low ropes course this morning. Teamwork and confidence building are important lessons learned during this activity.

🌳 Beating the Heat in the Woods – Thursday at Bowers Farm! ☀️

We hope you’ve had a fantastic week—because we sure have! From wiggly worms to pony rides, smoothie making to science experiments, it’s been a week packed with adventure, laughter, and lots of learning.

And today? Campers are living their best summer life by staying cool in the shade of our beautiful woods. 🌿

🌲 Into the Woods We Go!

With the sun shining high, we’ve been beating the heat the best way we know how—with trees, shade, and just the right amount of splashing!

Campers spent their day:

Navigating the low ropes course
Building cozy, creative shelters with sticks and tarps
Sharpening their skills with inflatable archery (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds 🎯)
Singing and snacking at the campfire
Laughing through a refreshing round of water limbo (how low can YOU go... while soaked?)

Meanwhile, campers cooled off indoors with:

Nature-inspired arts & crafts
Garden Kitchen creations
And some groups began prepping veggies for Stone Soup — our delicious community tradition!

🎉 A Few Fun Reminders for Friday!

👕 Show Your Colors – Tie Dye Day!
Campers are invited to wear their camp tie-dye shirts tomorrow—let’s turn the farm into a swirl of color and pride!

🍕 Pizza Lunch (Full-Day Campers Only)
We’re treating our full-day campers to a farm-fresh pizza lunch!
If your camper doesn’t eat pizza, please pack an alternate lunch.
Barnyard Buddies families: please send your usual packed lunch!

🍏 Snack Attack!
Don’t forget to pack extra snacks for Friday—our campers are working hard, playing harder, and building up BIG appetites! 💪

Rancher in Training campers made wood necklaces.

Shelter building oil the woods is great for testing camper engineering skills.

📸 Keep Up With the Fun!

Be sure to check out our Camp Photos https://experiencebowers.smugmug.com/2025-Summer-Camp for adorable photos, and great conversation starters for your dinner table.

🐴 Horse Camp Horse Show – TOMORROW at 1:30 PM

Families of Horse Campers—you’re invited to the arena for our grand finale!
🕜 Start time: 1:30 PM sharp
Come cheer on your camper as they ride and showcase what they’ve learned this week.
🎉 Campers may leave with a parent after the show once signed out with their group leader.

🐄 FARM SHOW – FRIDAY at 3 PM

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: our legendary Farm Show, reimagined and better than ever!

Here’s what you need to know:

Arrive at 3 PM and check in at the Farm Store
Presentations kick off at 3:15 PM under the camp tent
After the show, check out your camper with their group leader
Then... stick around! Take a farm tour, visit the animals, shop in the store, or just soak in those last bits of farm camp magic 🐐🛒🌻

🚗 Important Friday Pick-Up Info

There will be no pick-up in the circle drive on Friday.
If you need to pick up early, please do so before 2:30 PM, as our team will be busy setting up for the show.

Thank you for being a part of such a memorable week here at Bowers Farm. We can’t wait to share tomorrow’s big finale with you and celebrate everything your camper has learned and loved.

See you at the show!

Warmly,
Ms. Lou & the Bowers Farm Camp Team 🌽🐓🌞

☀️ Wednesday at Farm Camp: Hot Days, Cool Rides & Farm Life Through the Ages!
July 23, 2025

Phew! It was a hot one out on the farm today—but that didn’t stop us from making the most of every muddy boot moment. With water bottles in hand and bathing suits firmly in place, our campers explored the farm through the ages—from the pioneer days of Abraham Lincoln to the modern marvels of mini battery-powered tractors. And yes, we absolutely cooled off the old-fashioned way: with a giant slip and slide and a breeze-filled tractor ride.

🚜 The Past Meets the Present: Farm Through the Ages

Our campers time-traveled across centuries of farm life today—and honestly, if you thought butter was boring, you’ve never seen 20 kids shaking jars like maracas to make it happen.

In the log cabin, campers built with Lincoln Logs and listened to the story of Abraham Lincoln, who grew up in a one-room log home just like ours. Some campers were convinced Abe would’ve made a great farm hand here—and that he probably would have rocked the slip and slide, too.

From there, we churned our own butter, just like pioneer families would’ve done (except with a soundtrack of giggles and someone definitely beatboxing in the background). Next, it was off to the stream to pan for gold—and yes, a few campers may now be planning their next career move as 1800s gold miners.

Then came Tractor Training 101, where campers “drove” our battery-powered mini tractors around the barnyard like pint-sized professionals. Some drove with a lead foot, others drove in what we’ll call “creative patterns,” but everyone passed with flying colors and got their imaginary licenses. 🚗💨

🧼 Farm Chores & Leaders in the Making

Our older campers in FIT and Horse Camp really showed up today—literally and figuratively. These leaders-in-training helped lead morning chores, from mucking stalls to setting up supplies, and showed younger campers how it’s done with confidence, kindness, and just the right amount of sweaty determination.

Meanwhile, our Rising Ranchers and the Green Peppers got elbow-deep in pony grooming, learning how to care for our sweet equine friends from hoof to mane. The Yellow Peppers took charge of the chicken coop, carefully collecting and washing eggs—and maybe doing a little egg-counting math while they were at it.

🐴 Saddle Up: Riding Day for Red, Purple, and FIT

Our Red Peppers, Purple Peppers, and FIT campers all got their chance to ride today, and wow—confidence is growing fast! From first-timers getting brave in the saddle to returning campers mounting up with confidence.

Horse Campers took it to the next level, practicing trotting and learning how to ride with rhythm and control. For some, it was their very first time trotting—cue cheering, clapping, and the occasional “Whoa, I did it!” moment. 🐎

Back at the barn, they got hands-on with a hoof anatomy lesson and learned why horses wear shoes (spoiler: it’s not for fashion, but we did make them fabulous). Campers each painted their own real horseshoe to take home as a souvenir.

And because no good day ends without snacks, campers cooked up homemade applesauce—the kind that makes your whole barn smell amazing. They'll be bringing it home tomorrow, so get your spoons ready!

🐣 Barnyard Buddies: Farm Fun for Our Littlest Campers

Our youngest campers had a full day of discovery, delight, and just the right amount of dirt.

They helped with butter making, explored the historic farmhouse, and gave our ponies a spa day with lots of grooming and TLC. At one point, a pony was brushed by six tiny hands at once—basically the equine version of a luxury facial.

🌊 Hot Day? No Problem. Slip & Slide to the Rescue!

With the sun high and the temperatures rising, we made the best decision possible: a camp-wide slip and slide. Picture a giant plastic runway down the hill, buckets of water, lots of laughter, and counselors who may or may not have ended up sliding too. It was the ultimate cooldown—and possibly the most fun anyone has had on a Wednesday afternoon in July, ever.

🚜 Finishing Strong with a Tractor Ride

Each group hopped aboard the real-deal tractor wagon for a breezy ride around the pastures. Hair blew in the wind, songs were sung (some on-key, some enthusiastically off-key), and campers waved to their favorite farm animals as we passed.

🧡 The Week Isn’t Over Yet…

We’re heading into the home stretch of the week and we’re not slowing down. Tomorrow brings more riding, applesauce sampling, art projects, and lots of hugs for animals, friends, and counselors alike.

Thank you for sharing your amazing campers with us—this place wouldn't be the same without their laughter, questions, bravery, and brilliance.

Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget:
📸 For more photos and our weekly blog updates, click here.
https://experiencebowers.smugmug.com/2025-Summer-Camp

See you tomorrow,
— The Farm Camp Team 🐴🌽🧈

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

A tale of tiny creatures, muddy hands, and one very popular worm...

This morning at Bowers Farm began with a wiggle. Not from the ground (yet), but from our campers dancing to the classic camp tune “Herman the Worm.” With hands on their bellies and giggles in the air, they wriggled along as Herman grew bigger (and more suspiciously snack-filled) with each verse. It was the perfect silly start to a day all about what lives beneath our boots.

"Then he swallowed a grape…"
"He was THIS big!"
(Cue belly laughs and big hand gestures from campers across the field.)
Herman the Worm Song Video Link
🌾 Seeds, Soil & Science: Learning Where Life Begins

After the last "Herman" chorus faded, it was time to dig in—literally! Farmer in Training Campers and Horse Camp headed to the farm yard to start morning chores. Others headed straight to the greenhouse to create their very own seed balls: a mix of compost, clay, and seeds designed to be tossed into soil now or taken home for a future garden surprise. It’s a fun, ancient technique that helps protect seeds and give them a nutrient-rich head start.

See balls will turn into beautiful wild flowers.

Next, they planted microgreens that they will bring home on Friday—tiny leafy plants that grow quickly and pack a powerful punch of vitamins. Campers will tend them all week and harvest their snackable greens at the end. These little plants are like superfood sprouts, and learning how they grow helps campers see food in a whole new way!

Meanwhile in the garden beds, campers got down in the dirt: weeding, watering, exploring, and asking very good questions like:

“Do carrots grow under or above the ground?”
“Why do worms wiggle so much?”
“Is this a weed... or a wildflower?”

🐎 Pony Rides & Farm Pride

For our Yellow Peppers & Orange Peppers, today brought a long-awaited moment: pony rides! Campers took turns in the saddle, many for the very first time. The ponies—especially mother Daughter dup Patches and Taffy, a certified camper favorite—were patient, gentle, and clearly enjoying all the attention.
Their confidence grew with every lap, and parents, trust us: those smiles were next-level.

🐴 Fun Fact: Ponies aren’t just small horses — they have thicker manes, shorter legs, and are known for being extra strong for their size!
Worm Bin Wonders: Soil’s Secret Superheroes

Next, it was time to meet the stars of the soil: our red wiggler worms! Campers dove into our compost bins to observe how these little wiggly workers help break down food scraps and turn them into rich, healthy soil.

They learned:

Worms don’t have lungs—they “breathe” through their skin!
They have five hearts (yes, five!)
Worm castings (a fancy word for worm poop) are incredible natural fertilizer.

By the end, some campers were naming their worms and talking to them like old friends. Worm whisperers in training!

Campers used a magnifying glass to view the worms in our worm bin.

👃 Five Senses in Full Bloom: Barnyard Buddies

Our youngest explorers, the Barnyard Buddies, wrapped up their Five Senses Farm Adventure today. They smelled herbs, touched feathery chickens, listened to baa-ing sheep and clucking hens, and even tasted a few fresh garden goodies. They also had special animal time with Bud the bunny, who melted hearts with every soft, snuggly moment.

It was all about noticing, observing, and experiencing the magic of the farm with every sense they’ve got.

🐴 Horse Camp Highlights & STEM Fun

Over at Horse Camp, campers continued building skills and confidence. They practiced leading, grooming, and saddling—essential parts of horsemanship—before heading into the ring for more ride time. Campers are already showing leadership and poise beyond their years!

Horse Campers got a chance to trot their horse today.

They also tackled the STEM Egg Drop Challenge, where they had to design protective “helmets” for raw eggs and drop them from above. It was part engineering, part hilarity, and all about learning why helmet safety matters when riding. Spoiler: Not all eggs survived, but every camper came away smarter and safer.

🛠️ FIT Camp: Real Farm Work, Real Skills

FIT Campers rolled up their sleeves today with Farmer Paul, who guided them through real-life farm tasks like using hand tools safely and helping prep the grounds. They’re building muscles and knowledge with every wheelbarrow haul and hammer swing.

💪 Did you know? The average farmer walks 7 to 10 miles a day just doing chores—our FIT campers are well on their way!

Farmers Sharon and Paul share their knowledge of farm life with FIT campers.

🌈 What a Day!

It was a full, fun, and fact-filled Tuesday at Bowers Farm. From composting worms to microgreens, pony rides to egg-splosions, our campers were immersed in science, agriculture, and laughter all day long.

Tomorrow we turn our eyes (and hearts) to the animals — get ready for some unforgettable encounters with our furry, feathered, and four-legged friends!

Until then,
The Bowers Farm Camp Team 🌻🐝

🌾 Monday at Bowers Farm – Welcome to the Farm Day! 🌞

Today marked the start of an exciting week at Bowers Farm, and we kicked it off in true farm fashion — with fresh air, new friendships, and lots of hands-on fun!

Campers spent the morning getting to know their fellow farm friends through silly icebreakers and engaging team activities. From Rising Ranchers to our youngest Barnyard Buddies, everyone jumped right into the farm rhythm!

🚜 Farm Adventures:
Campers enjoyed a scenic tractor ride around the farm, taking in the sights and sounds of our working landscape.

🐓 Daily Farm Chores:
Each pepper group rolled up their sleeves and got to work:

Orange Peppers gathered eggs and helped with egg washing
Red Peppers took great care watering our greenhouse plants
Purple Peppers weren’t afraid to get messy with some pen cleaning
Yellow Peppers made our ponies sparkle with some gentle grooming
Rising Ranchers & Green Peppers saddled up for their pony rides — a camper favorite!

Eggs are carefully washed for use in camp activities and to sell in the Farm Store.

Pony rides are a highlight of a campers experience.

🌿 FIT & Horse Camp:
These campers stepped up and spent time with Farmer Sharon, our farm resident and expert, to learn the morning farm chore routine. From feeding animals to understanding daily tasks, they got a true hands-on look at what it takes to keep the farm running smoothly.

Campers make sure our animals have fresh water every morning.

🎨🧪 Camp Activities:

Tie-dyed our camp shirts — look out for some colorful creations later this week!
Animal visits: Ask your camper what furry (or feathered!) friends they met today.
Created our “Horseshoe Confidence” craft — a keepsake to build self-esteem
Explored our new adventure playground — lots of climbing, sliding, and smiles.
Dancing Corn Science Experiment: Campers were wowed by this bubbling, bouncing science activity! Using vinegar, baking soda, and dried corn kernels, they created a fizzy chemical reaction that produced carbon dioxide gas. The bubbles stick to the corn, lifting it to the surface before popping and letting it drop back down — just like dancing!
- This fun experiment introduces kids to basic chemistry and also connects to agriculture concepts of off gassing and as it uses corn, one of Michigan’s key crops. It’s a great way to see how everyday ingredients from the farm can teach us about science!

🌱 Garden Kitchen:
Campers kicked off the week with a fresh and healthy smoothie made with raspberries and spinach straight from our garden! Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it at home:

Bowers Farm Garden Smoothie

½ cup fresh raspberries
1 handful baby spinach
1 banana
½ cup yogurt
½ cup orange juice or water
Ice (optional)
Blend and enjoy!

🐐 Barnyard Buddies:
Our youngest campers had a magical first day! They met new friends, explored the farm, and were introduced to the animals they’ll be spending time with all week.

Barnyard bunnies visited the young turkeys this morning.

We’re so excited for the week ahead and can’t wait to share more adventures with you tomorrow!

—Ms. Lou & The Bowers Farm Camp Team 🌻

Farm Camp Blog July 21-25