Letter From Farmer Q
As I write this letter, spring has begun — daffodils are blooming and our greenhouses are sprouting all sorts of plants. We were sad not to get the winter snows that the Farmers Almanac had predicted for December and February, but the winter turned out to be very exciting anyway. Not one, not two, but five baby lambs were born on the farm this winter! Happy to say they’re all healthy and growing. We’ve added three goats to our barnyard as well; two black pygmy goats and an Alpine goat that is very friendly. Be sure to check out the barn when you visit us next.
Looking ahead to summer, we’re very excited about our Enrichment Program for 12-14 year old children. A main component of this program will be traveling off the farm two days a week to explore the parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Pinelands of New Jersey. Tara Hewitt, who has been on our staff every year, will be heading up our Enrichment Program. Throughout the winter she has been planning all sorts of exciting activities for our “older” campers.
The most exciting thing for me as I look toward summer is that my son, Brian, will be joining Fernbrook as the Assistant Camp Director. Brian and Eric have been friends for many years, having worked in camps together in Vermont. After teaching in Thailand for the past two years, Brian and his wife Tracy have returned to New Jersey and are teaching in Montclair. I know all of us try to impart to our children a sense of morals, compassion and a joy in life. It is a joy in our lives to watch them grow and share their lives as adults. It is a special joy to me that my son has decided to be part of the dream I’ve created here at Fernbrook. I know he is very excited about being here and making this a wonderful experience for all our campers.
Our “Farm to School” initiative is progressing in many ways. We’re completing our second year working with Chesterfield Elementary School and the school garden will be sprouting all types of vegetables very soon. We’ve partnered with Isles, Inc. in Trenton to develop nutrition and agriculture programs within the city’s day care facilities, pre-K and Kindergarten classes.
As the day’s get warmer, I hope each of you and your families are well and continue to marvel at the miracles of creation that are bursting out all around us.
Summer camp starts June 23. We’ve fixed up some of the buildings, built a new shelter for animals, and are ready for a terrific summer filled with joyful surprises!
I hope to see you all soon.
~ Farmer QNew Camp for Teens
After many requests by the parents of campers who have “aged out” of Fernbrook Farms Summer Camp, we have developed a camp for children ages 12-14. Fernbrook Summer Enrichment Program focuses on local agriculture, ecology and community building.
Twenty campers per week will spend their days exploring Fernbrook, as well as local forests and waterways. Guided by two experienced and well-qualified staff persons, campers will spend their time on the farm engaging in activities that promote leadership, teamwork and ecological awareness. During off-site field trips, campers will visit local farms, hike the pitch-pine forests of the Pine Barrens, explore the coastline and paddle local waterways, and engage in a weekly beautification project.
By working together and experiencing nature on and off the farm, campers will gain an appreciation for the interconnectedness of local history, agriculture and ecology. Not only will they develop an understanding of the natural world, but also an understanding of themselves and a “sense of place” within the world around them. Each day will provide the opportunity for new adventures, fun and learning.
The Enrichment Program weeks and topics are June 23 — Forest Ecology; July 14 — Coastal Ecology; July 21 — Freshwater Wetlands; August 11 — Geology; and August 18 - Pinelands. Please call for a registration packet.
Calling All Home Schoolers!
The spring semester for home schoolers will begin Tuesday, April 8. The session is ten weeks long for students ages 6-15. Spring classes explore agriculture and ecology. Programs are hands-on, explorative lessons guided by an experienced instructor through questioning and group investigation.
Students will maintain a journal with regular homework assignments and reflections. At the end of each semester all students make a presentation of a self-directed project they undertake independently throughout the semester. Each session we have a great group of kids that have a lot of fun while exploring and learning about the interconnectedness of all things on the farm.
School Programs, Scout Programs — We Do It All!
Does your school or PTO need a program for it’s students? How about a scout or 4-H group? All of our programs are customized to your specific needs. Give us a call, we’d love to visit you and show you what we have to offer. Our new “Menu of Services” brochure is now available and will give you an idea of what we can do for you.Summer Camp Registration Deadline Approaches
Don’t forget... Register for Summer Camp by April 15 to receive a $15 discount per week. After the 15th, the rate is $210 per week.
Greetings from the Barnyard!
Spring is slowly making its presence known here on the farm with flowers blooming and the spring peepers creating quite a chorus at the pond in the evening. I’m still waiting for the cherry blossoms however (and opening day of baseball season of course, go Cubs) before I truly feel my favorite season is here to stay.
It seems like every time I sit to reflect for the newsletter there’s a whole list of new things happening on the farm and this season is no different. Programs have been going well and we’re happy with the progress we’ve made over the last three years to say the least. We’ve made great partnerships and have been asked to speak at several workshops and conferences over the last year. We’ve consulted for lots of folks looking to start similar programs on their farms or in their schools and we’ve continued to build on our relationships with our own community. This, I believe, is where we make the most impact.
The Stork Has Arrived...
bringing 5 lambs to the barnyard. Make sure you stop by to see our fuzzy sheep mothers and their cute and cuddly little lambs
When I ask myself “are we meeting our mission?” I can answer “yes” because we’ve reached the stage in our development as an organization where we’ve become a model for others to follow and to consult with. Not only are we reaching the children and adults who participate in our programs, but we impact those who are affected by programs we’ve helped to develop. It’s the ripple effect, as Farmer Q likes to put it.
This is not an attempt to toot our own horns, rather to toot yours. The progress and success of this organization is the result of dedicated people, Farmer Q, Maryann Hutson, Tara Hewitt and the rest of the staff have all put a lot of their hearts into seeing projects through to fruition. All of their hard work would have gone in vain if it weren’t for the reciprocity we meet from our community.
Everywhere I go I run into someone who’s come to the farm or been involved with Fernbrook in some capacity. Their encouragement, positive feedback and assurance that they’ll make it back to the farm soon, is what allows all of us to continue to put our hearts into this organization and make sure that we continue to extend the reach and impact of our efforts.
Thank you to all of you who support Fernbrook, either through scholarship donations, or by sending your child to Fernbrook for camp, homeschool, or public programs. When you do your figuratively throwing a stone of your own, starting a ripple effect of your own, creating an impact which goes much farther than you may know. Again, thanks. Have a great spring. We hope to see you out on the farm soon.
Sincerely, ~ Eric Tadlock
HELP WANTED - Summer Camp Staff
The Fernbrook Farms Education Center is seeking Summer Camp Staff for the 2008 season. Camp staff lead groups of children ages 6-11 and 12-14 through explorative activities on a 230-acre working farm. The Fernbrook Farms Summer Camp provides fun and educational experiences for children focusing on agriculture and ecology.
Qualified candidates possess a Bachelors degree or are currently seeking a Bachelors degree. Candidates must also have experience working with children through an established organization and must have a sincere desire to provide children with a safe, fun, structured environment. Competitive salary. Email your resume to Eric@FernbrookFarms.com.