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As our neighboring communities get more urbanized, the chance for children to experience the rich farming history of this region becomes more difficult.  Ollin Farms is dedicated to preserving those traditions and Kena will again be offering bilingual summer classes to give youth the opportunity to experience farm life first hand.  This is a great opportunity to  have a fun time learning about where our food comes from and to find out what it's like to be part of a thriving  family farm.

Ollin Farms has developed a unique class program that condenses an entire growing season into one fun week.  From seeding to nurturing to harvesting, kids participate in the full cycle of raising  healthy food.  Students also learn basics of raising livestock and are responsible for the daily feeding of the sheep and chickens and collecting eggs.  The classes are also a way to celebrate summertime on the farm, exploring down by the creek, playing games, craft-making, and expending all that youthful energy in a safe and fun environment.  Chef Dale joins us on the last day of classes for our harvest feast, where he harvests with the students and prepares lunch celebrating the fruits of our labor.

2012 Summer Classes
The theme for this year's summer classes is connection of the land to community.  We will explore traditional Native American farming practices, and the role food played in shaping that culture.  We will connect how the lessons from these traditional systems are shaping the current shift to more sustainable farming and how place-based foods are once again bringing us together as neighbors, friends, and community.

Frequently asked questions:

Are the classes the same from year to year?

We have kids that have been returning every summer; we change some things or introduce new subjects each year. Just like the farm, the farm classes are a developing project, and each year we find new ways to make them rewarding and fun!

What do kids need to bring?

Sun block, water container,  towel, sandals,  tennis shoes,  lunch and a snack for the first three days (full-day groups only). The last day of the summer camp Chef Dale comes to cook with the kids.

What if my kid(s) don't fit the suggested ages?

We suggest ages based on our experience with the activities involved and the goal to get all the kids working together.    That being said, just like the farm itself, these classes build teamwork between different ages and skill levels. There are always multiple camp leaders working with the students, and if the need arises, we sometimes separate tasks out or break into groups to match kids with equal abilities.

 My child is not sure if he wants to join a farming Summer Camp?

We have seen kids change in one week, the first day they do not want to get an egg from the chickens house or get dirty with the soil, and then these same kids have tears on the last day of the camp because they don't want it to end. We become a family, tending the animals, catching chickens, eating vegetables off the vine . Our goal is to start that little seed in the kids, that can make a difference in their life and understand that being in touch with soil  is a good option, eating healthy can be fun,  and  knowing where the food you eat comes from is empowering.