Get ready for a great summer camp at the Fairchild Farm! Children ages six to ten will be empowered while learning about natural resources connected through the arts and science. Students will focus on projects, and develop them over the course of four weeks.
Sample classes include:
Week 1: Introduction: Activities and hands-on learning in the arts and sciences will include learning about butterflies, bees and honey production, other beneficial insects, microscopic analysis; observing, tasting and cooking with unusual tropical fruits; creating a unique farmer’s hat; local food resources including identification, importance, organic crops and quality of life. Student will begin a Nature Notebook from information they collect from their studies. The week concludes with a field trip and guided tour of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Daily lunch, snack and supplies included.
Week 2: Earthworms and composting; bird identification and building a bird house: harvesting their own lunch from the Fairchild Farm and hen house, then learning to cook it; introduction to Seminole and Miccosukee life and arts; planting lessons; nature crafts with leaves; learning about and making a scarecrow. Daily lunch, snack and supplies included.
Week 3: Students learn about destructive insects and healthy ways to control them; jackfruit propagation lessons; garden care, including watering and grooming; introduction to horses and their care; a field excursion to observe mangos; making mango popsicles and fresh guacamole from the Farm; recycled and natural craft classes and continuation of their Nature Notebook. Daily lunch, snack and supplies included.
Week 4: All about butterfly identification, food and plants they like; frog tour and discussion; herb garden tour, including fragrances and benefits, students will pick and make their own herbal tea; student groups create an International Day with food, customs and art; aquatic plants; students will learn about species like sapodilla that gave us chewing gum, vanilla and chocolate plants; students examine authentic rainforest tools and toys and compare their lifestyle with that of the Chachi people of the Ecuadorian rainforest. Camp culminates in Drama at The Farm with students writing and acting out their camp experiences complete with costumes from the costume loft. Daily lunch, snack and supplies included.
Where: The Art and Science Summer Camp at the Fairchild Farm (part of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) is located at 14885 SW 248 Street, Redland, FL 33032 (located 4 miles east of Fruit & Spice Park and 2.5 miles south of Monkey Jungle). The Fairchild Farm has 20 acres in the agricultural district of Miami-Dade County, and is a genetic facility which contains Fairchild’s living fruit tree collection including mangos, avocados, jackfruit, Spanish lime, sapodilla, canistel, mamey, caimito, and others.
Summer Camp Fees:
Fairchild Members: $150 per week; Non-Member: $175 per week, Fairchild offers a limited number of need-based scholarships.
Scholarships: A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To apply for a scholarship please complete registration form AND attach a copy of ONE of the following: 2008 Income Tax Return, Migrant Certificate, or proof of participation in Food Stamps Program, or TANF Program.
For more information, contact: Leila Werner, 305.258.0464 or email: lwerner@fairchildgarden.org.