The Dickinson College Farm in Boiling Springs will host a variety of educational workshops this spring for children ages 5-12. Through fun, hands-on activities directed by Dickinson students, children will explore a sustainable farm and learn how nourishing food moves from seed to soil to table. Suggested donation is $8 per child and pre-registration is encouraged. Donations will be collected via a donation jar available at each event. It is asked that cancellations be given at least 24 hours before each event so that wait list members can be notified of openings.
Parents are welcome to participate, observe, take a self-guided tour of the farm, relax in the shade or take a short drive into beautiful Boiling Springs. At the end of the program, children are invited to show parents what they’ve learned around the farm.
Registration opens one month before each workshop. Registration links will be posted below. Follow the Dickinson College Farm on Facebook or Twitter to receive registration alerts.
2013 SEED Events
March 2nd, 10am-12pm – Register
Sweet Trees and Bees: Suggested ages 9-12
Discover how the special sap that maple trees produce is turned into maple syrup and learn how bees make their honey. Sweet treats will be provided!
April 6th, 10am-12pm – Register
The Incredible Edible (organic) Egg: Suggested ages 5-9
Collect fresh-laid eggs from the farm’s pasture-raised hens. We will see and taste the differences between our organic eggs and conventional eggs.
May 4th – Register
May Day Celebration: Suggested ages 5-12
Celebrate spring! We will plant new crops, make crafts out of recycled materials, and recreate a Maypole tradition.
“What I am hoping to instill in them is an appreciation for the environment so that hopefully they would want to take care of and protect the nature that is around them.”
–Heather Livingston
(Sentinel News Article about the program, pub. 10/4/12)
Heather Livingston is a senior Environmental Studies major at Dickinson College. After her study abroad experience last fall with The School for Field Studies in Costa Rica, Heather grew to understand and appreciate the concept of sustainable agriculture. While in Costa Rica she applied to work at the Dickinson College Farm and began working there when she returned to the states in January. Heather worked at the farm this summer and is currently a student worker. In addition to her farm job, she is developing a farm-based curriculum for children, under the guidance of farm manager Jenn Halpin. Heather hopes that by way of education, younger generations will understand the importance of organic and sustainable agriculture.
Fall 2012 SEED Programs:
Exploring Apples from the Soil Up
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012
9 – 11 a.m.
Ages 5 – 7
Children will learn about fall’s most colorful fruit by sampling apple varieties like Fuji and Honey Crisp and making art with apples. This workshop introduces children to the reasons that apples were important to Johnny Appleseed – and how rich soil helps them to grow.
Discovering the Origins of the Thanksgiving Feast
Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012
9 – 11 a.m.
Ages 7 – 10
Activities such as painting gourds, making a leaf rubbing and creating a three-sisters garden using squash, corn and beans will be used to introduce children to Native American agricultural traditions and what happens to crops when the cold weather arrives.
Decorate Gourds
With all the gourds lying around why not decorate them? We will paint gourds, so bring your creativity!
Celebrate the Three Sisters
Make your very own Three Sisters Garden in any design or pattern you want by integrating squash, corn, and beans.
Leaf Preservation
Keep a piece of fall with you wherever you go by making a leaf rubbing. We will have fun while learning the different parts of the leaf.
Nature Walk & Making Art From Nature’s Resources
Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012
9 – 11 a.m.
Ages 5 – 7
Children will make seasonal arts and crafts using nature gifts from the farm, sing winter songs to the farm before it goes into its winter-long hibernation and sample apple cider.