Crystal Mackay, of Ontario Pork, is involved with a farm camp. It’s called Farm Fun & Sun Camp, and it will be held later this month at a conservation centre northwest of Toronto.
For some of us, dairy farms and summer camps are at opposite ends of the fun meter, but Mackay’s website (www.crystal-clear.ca) indicates the two can meet.
The 1,200 acre centre has a working dairy. Camp life for up to 40 campers, ages eight to 11, includes chores starting at 7:15 a.m., followed by a varied regimen of cow milking, calf halter-breaking, nature appreciation, swimming, hiking, crafts, evening farm chores and the ubiquitous campfire sing-along.
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Most instructors take a week’s vacation from their day jobs to work at the camp. Mackay is the communication specialist for Ontario Pork, but runs the camp program through her company. She held an essay contest for a free registration and posted responses on the internet.
“I think I need a week at farm camp because I want to be a vet when I grow up. Yes, I am only 10 years old, but I need to start focusing on my goals,” says Angie, a girl who doesn’t waste time.
Chantelle, 12, has a culinary interest: “Maybe, just maybe, I could learn how to talk to the animals and have the cows tell me how chocolate milk is made.”
Lyndsay, 9, was the contest winner. She has hopes for hands-on learning: “I would want to know everything about each farm animal so it wouldn’t get sick. I’ve tried to study them in books, but it was too hard.”
I don’t know of any organized farm camps in Western Canada, but if there are, I’d like to hear about them. Heck, I’d like to attend them, but the bosses might have something to say about that.
While I’m waiting for an invite, have a look at this recipe from the camp website that makes good summer sense. It’s called How to Preserve Your Children.
Ingredients:
One large grassy field
Several dogs or puppies (cows and calves can substitute)
One creek or stream
Three dozen children
Pebbles, frogs, guppies and accessories
Method: Pour children and animals into the field. Allow to mix well. Pour the stream over the pebbles. Sprinkle with flowers. Shake up with fun and self-confidence. Spread deep blue sky over all and bake with the sun. When brown, remove to cool and settle. When dry, serve with milk and cookies and friendship.
