Spring Break Farm Camp (for 6-12 year olds)
In our rapidly changing world, it feels good to take a break. Right here in Vancouver, Southlands Farm camp is the opportunity to unplug screens and connect with nature.
We will plant, weed, mulch, compost, prune, harvest, feed the chickens, visit the goats, tame the sheep, check on the bees, and more.
Camp themes* include:
Outdoors Bush-craft and Survival Skills
“The great thing about bush-craft is that wherever you go, the skills go with you.” Ray Mears – British Woodman and Author
Outdoor Bush-craft and Survival Skills is an exciting opportunity to delve into some fantastic skills that can only be gained from the outdoor environment. Under the supervision of our educators, the participants will have the options of some useful and highly engaging subjects.
Plant identifying and knowledge regarding their properties, and even edible recipes from farm-sourced flora and wild plants.
An overview on safe management of Fire-Lighting, Wood Chopping, Axe Work & Safety for camp fires, and controlled practices of Wood Feathering and Wood Scoring techniques.
Natural Rope Making and cordage is also a large part due to the abundance of natural plant materials around, and the knowledge is utilised within Shelter Construction activities.
Messy Farm – Hands On Farm Activities
Messy Farm allows the participants to get fully down and messy with the natural materials that farm life has to offer and find out that making amazing things can work hand-in-hand with nature.
Using farm sourced materials we are able to have Clay Pottery sessions that can be shaped and moulded to fit the personality of the participant.
Creating homes for all our lovely critters on the farm is done through Creating & Painting Bee Hive Boxes and Creating Bug Traps so that we can observe and learn from the small creatures in our farm meadows.
We also learn about using natural, renewable resources through creation: Beeswax Candle Making and Natural Paint Dyes are fantastic ways of showing the importance plants and insects have on textile work. Plus there's usually something to take home!
Life On The Farm
Have you ever wondered what life is like on a farm? How do animals and humans work so well together?
Well wonder no longer, as Life On The Farm allows the participants to get a real genuine sense of the activities and day-to-day roles when tending to a working farm and livery stable.
Participants can work with Feeding roles, where students feed the farm animals and get a greater understanding as to the animals' physiology and how they give back to the farm, such as Egg Collection from our feathered friends.
For any budding Veterinaries or those with a love of caring for animals, Wings Clipping & Animal Care are also jobs where camp participants can learn skills to show how animals are cared for and maintain a healthy life.
But it isn’t a simple walk-through, we’ll get messy and stinky with Poop Walks and Hay Work to show that farm-life is fun but not always rosy smelling ;)
Waterways – Ponds, Ditches & Rivers
Water, Water everywhere, and boy is it fascinating!
Waterways – Ponds, Ditches & Rivers allows participants and budding young marine scientist to find out and discover all the fantastic ways that water plays into our lives here on the farm.
Pond Dips & Discovery allows us to uncover various creepy crawlies (frogs, fish, tadpoles, water beetles, and more) that live underwater and, through our trusty magnifying glasses, identify them and the importance they have to the water ecosystem.
Buoyancy Experiments involve participant creating seaworthy (well...pond-worthy) constructs that allows the educators to explain buoyancy and water displacement in greater detail.
Southlands Heritage Farm is extremely lucky to be within walking distance of the Fraser River. River Walks will also be an opportunity for participants, with educator led supervision, to explore the moor and fenland surrounding the river’s mouth and the wildlife and flora that accompanies the wetlands.
* Please note that these are suggested themes for each program. The actual content of the programs will vary based on the interests and abilities of the participants, and the seasonal offerings of the farm.
Wet-boots/Wellingtons/Gumboots – however you call them, they are a must!!
At least 14 days notice: 95% refund for cancellation, no fee for changes.
At least 7 days notice: 50% refund for cancellation, no fee for changes
Within seven days of the start date, no refunds.
If you are cancelling for health reasons, we may be able to provide a credit towards a future camp. Please contact us about your situation.
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