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Summer Academic Enrichment Eligible Programs


Program Info
Program: Organic Farming - Farm, Feast & Fire
Sponsoring Organization: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Main Contact
Name: Jenny Bushmaker
Title: Program Director
Address: 6282 Cranberry Road
Finland, MN 55603
Phone: (218) 353-7414
Email: jenny.bushmaker@wolf-ridge.org
Web Site:
https://www.wolf-ridge.org
Curricular area: Science
Grades Served: 7 , 8

Goals

Our teaching philosophy is simple: learning happens best when one experiences it. Lives it. Breathes it. Hands-on activities combined with an unbelievably beautiful campus make our living laboratory the kind of educational experience you can’t get anywhere else.

The program was created for those campers with a high interest in developing their environmental science knowledge and skills, as well as, their outdoor adventure and recreation skills. The goals and objectives for the1-week program are to; * Learn about the importance of sustainable agriculture for their health and for the health of their environment. * Understand the primary principles and techniques of organic agriculture, including building healthy soil, farms as ecosystems, organic pest control, and crop life cycles. * Learn that they can support the health of their environment by supporting local farmers, growing some food organically, eating a more plant-based, seasonal diet, and even considering a career in organic farming. * Learn how to take produce directly from a farm and prepare a plant based meal * Identify the many roles and importance of seeds in our society, past and present. * Briefly describe the history of seeds as it pertains to human culture. * Define hybrid, heirloom and genetically engineered seeds. * Examine their food purchasing habits and suggest possible environmental and personal health impacts of their choices. * Recommend actions necessary in creating a sustainable food system. * Understand that all living and non-living components of an environment interact with one another to form an ecosystem * Understand that humans have a great ability to alter natural systems * Gain an appreciation of their natural surroundings and take an active role in the conservation and stewardship of our environment. * Understand that a complex natural system is more stable than a simple one, and more able to absorb disturbances. * To develop self-reliance, self-confidence and se


Activities

The Organic Farm Camp – Farm, Feast & Fire Program explore the science of ecosystems, plus relationships between people, farming and their environment. We encourage participants to consider how their values and behaviors can influence and ultimately impact the world around them. Our curriculum and activities provide hands-on, memorable experiences that involve the whole person and address multiple learning styles.

We choose curricular content based on the local, natural and cultural history of Minnesota, as well as broader environmental issues. Science-based classes provide opportunities to learn more about our planet and how it works; cultural history classes give a glimpse of the way our predecessors interacted with local ecosystems to create a life for themselves; current event classes help us to understand emerging issues; personal growth and team-building classes develop skills for meeting personal and group challenges; and outdoor skill classes help students discover ways to keep learning about their environments for a lifetime.

Courses and activities for the Organic Farm Camp – Farm, Feast & Fire Program are designed to develop leadership skills, responsibility and self-esteem as participants explore, harvest and cook at the Wolf Ridge Organic Farm.  Activities include; * Insects & pollinators * Animal care * Soil ecology * Rock climbing * Adventure ropes * Harvesting vegetables for all of Wolf Ridge * Campout at the Farm * Harvesting, processing and sharing meals prepared by the group * Choose farm community role for the week * Individual projects and interests throughout the week * Design, construct and building skills in relation to the farm * Community and team building


Program Dates

July 28 - August 3, 2019



Can students reside on campus? Yes

Can students commute to campus? No

Can students take online classes?


Estimated residential cost per student
Tuition: $113
Fees: $83
Books: $0
Supplies: $156
Room/Board: $274
Transportation: $175