Merck Forest and Farmland Center’s 2021 Summer Camp Program

Summer is right around the corner, with green grass to sink our feet into; warm, sunny days with blue skies; and all the joys that come with this spectacular time in Vermont. Summer camp at Merck Forest & Farmland Center was re-established just a few years ago, after a long hiatus. Since 2018, we have dipped our toes back into offering camp - offering first, one week; then two; then three camps this past summer. This year we are expanding to a full suite of camps: a total of eight weeks for kids entering grades 1 - 8.

Registration is now open! (Go to our Shop at www.merckforest.org)

Our Philosophy

We believe that children thrive when given the freedom to immerse themselves in nature through exploration and guided discovery. By slowing down, and using their senses to fully experience the world around them, campers develop a sense of curiosity, love and responsibility. Through this, they emerge with deeper empathy, a better sense of their place in the world, and the knowledge that they can make a difference.

CAMP IN THE TIME OF COVID: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are consulting with and following guidelines set forth by the CDC, the Vermont Department of Health, and the American Camp Association (ACA) regarding safe camp procedures for both campers and staff. To view the ACA Field Guide for Camp, go to www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/camp-business/field-guide-camps

Offerings

6/14–6/18: Barnyard and Beyond Farm Camp

For children entering Grades 1, 2, & 3 | June 14–18, 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members) | Max. 10 campers

Campers will explore life on the farm, with a focus on our farm animals, the crops we grow, and our Children’s Garden. Through games and imaginative play, they’ll discover what roles the plants and animals play on our farm, their life cycles, and how a farm works. Campers will dig into dirt, gather eggs, and sink fingers into soft wool as they engage in hands-on farm-related activities.

6/21–6/25: Ag Camp: Inquiry and Exploration on the Farm

Children entering Grades 4, 5, & 6 | June 21–25 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members) | Maximum 10 campers

Campers will explore the biology of various animals that are found on the farm and in the fields, and their interdependencies. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their understanding of the intertwining communities using nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will probe into pollinators, track chickens, and ruminate with sheep as they engage in agricultural-related activities.

6/28–7/2: Trail Crew Camp

For children entering Grades 7 & 8 | June 28–July 2 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members) | Maximum 10 campers

Trail crew members will trek through field and forest, learning how to steward working lands. Through hands-on explorations and projects, they’ll develop practical backcountry and primitive skills, engage in citizen science, and participate in service learning projects. Crew members will navigate with map and compass, construct shelters, lop invasives, and tackle trail work as they explore the front and backcountry of Merck Forest.

7/12–7/16: Aqua Camp: Inquiry and Exploration in Ponds and Streams

For children entering Grades 4, 5, & 6 | July 12–16 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members) | Maximum 10 campers

Campers will explore the inhabitants of the streams and ponds of Merck Forest and how they are interdependent. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their knowledge of the importance of mountain streams, of pond ecosystems, and the interdependence of aquatic life using nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will monitor waterways, inventory invertebrates, and collect amphibians, as they engage in hands-on aquatic activities.

7/19–7/23: Dragonflies and Cattails Camp

For children entering Grades 1, 2, & 3 | July 19–23 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members)

Campers will explore life in our ponds and streams, as they learn about the plants and animals that live in and around these watery worlds. Through games and imaginative play, they’ll discover the qualities of water, the creatures that live in watery environs and how those animals are adapted to live in an aquatic world. Campers will scoop up salamanders and frogs, capture caddis flies, and play in babbling brooks as they engage in hands-on aquatic-related activities.

7/19–7/23: Wilderness Camp: Inquiry and Exploration in the Forest

For children entering Grades 1, 2, & 3 | July 19–23 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members)

Campers will explore the biology of various mammals that live in the Northern Taconic forests and how these mammals and their environment are interdependent. Through inquiry and observation, they will deepen their knowledge of natural communities, as they use nature journals to document their explorations. Campers will sketch squirrels, investigate skulls, and sleuth for evidence of creatures as they engage in forestry-related activities.

7/26–7/30: Trail Crew Camp

For children entering Grades 4, 5, & 6 | July 19–23 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members)

Trail crew members will trek through field and forest, making an impact on the land. Through handson explorations and projects, they’ll develop practical backcountry and primitive skills, engage in citizen science, and participate in service learning projects. Crew members will navigate with map and compass, construct shelters, lop out invasives, and tackle trail work as they explore the front and backcountry of Merck Forest.

8/2–8/6: Woods and Wildlife Camp

For children entering Grades 1, 2, & 3 | August 2–6 | 9:00am–3:00pm

$250 ($225 for MFFC members) | Maximum 10 children

Campers will explore life in our forests as they learn about the animals and trees that call the northern Taconic Mountains home. Through games and imaginative play, they’ll discover what animals live in Merck Forest’s woods, how those animals meet their needs and how they are adapted to living in the forest as well as how a forest works. Campers will dig into crumbling logs, scout deer trails and scamper through the woods as they engage in hands-on forest-related activities.