2010 Summer Farm Fun
Quick Download: Summer Camp Registration Packet
Go here for Film Camp
First time looking at Red Gate Farm for Summer Camp?
Come to our Farm Open House.
Saturday, May 1, 10am - 1pm
2010 Summer Camp information is here! Session dates are posted below.
Summer Camp at Red Gate Farm is a special opportunity for children to learn about farms, nature and themselves. With only ten or twelve children per session, each child gets individual attention, and the small group allows for exciting projects and discovery on the farm.
You can scroll down for all camp information or click on one of the links below to jump to a topic of interest.
This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.
2010 Summer Camp Sessions
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Summer Farm Fun (8:00am - 3:00pm)
Ages 7-12: Each day is filled with discovery and adventure. Children explore the fields, forest, pond, streams and participate in all aspects of farm life. The day includes games and journal writing time. New and returning campers will find each week to be different and unique.
Click here to learn more about our camp for children ages 7-12.
Ages 4-6: Settling into Red Gate Farm's forest and farm environment, children will use all of their senses and experience the Earth's many gifts. With a focus on play and communing with nature, participants will explore their inner and outer world together.
Click here to learn more about our camp for younger children ages 4-6.
Session 1 : June 28 - July 2 : ages 4-6 : $255
Session 2 : July 5 - July 9 : ages 7-9 : $255
Session 3 : July 12 - 16 : ages 10-12 : $255*
*Includes an overnight on July 15th (Thurs. 1pm - Fri. 10am)
Session 4 : July 19 - 23 : ages 4-6 : $255
Session 5 : July 26 - 30 : ages 7-9 : $255
Registration Information
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Please contact the Farm Office by phone (413-625-9503) or
by email to begin the registration process. Your contact enables us to put your child on the enrollment lists before receiving your registration materials.
Registration packets must be filled out and returned to the Farm Office with a non-refundable $50 deposit per child per session.
Downloads:
Registration Packet
Membership discounts are available to Farm Members (with family membership or higher). Farm Members may discount $20 per child per session. Membership is available and open to everyone.
Early bird registration discount of $25 per child is available to any completed registration packets received before May 3rd.
All completed registrations are due by June 1st to guarantee a space in the program. Each class size is limited and early registration is recommended.
Final and full payments are due by June 15th
Financial Aid
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Red Gate Farm strongly believes that our programs and resources should be available to all members of our community. Those who are unable to meet our program fee requirements are eligible for financial aid through camperships and other support.
For more information and to discuss your needs, please contact Ben Murray by
email or by phone at (413) 625-9503.
What Parents Say About RGF Camp
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Nurturing environment, caring people... songs, camaraderie, farm chores - its all good. Thank you - you guys do a great job.
- parent of a 7 year old boy.
The strongest aspect of the program is the connection with the outdoors, farm and woods. The pride and ownership the kids feel about being part of Red Gate Farm.
- parent of an 8 year old girl.
I love that people (counselors) and the program environment have a slow pace and make the kids feel part of the place by being involved ina very hands-on way.
- parent of a 5 year old boy.
A very welcoming environment. We appreciated that everyone was there to greet us and say goodbye each day.
- parent of 8 and 11 year old girls.
The program served my family very well - the hours were perfect, not too long a day and it was the perfect niche for my country boy. We had excitement in the a.m. and tired silence on the way home (smiles).
- parent of a 10 year old boy.
Our daughter felt her contributions were valued. Knowing no other kids, she was instantly put at ease. Certainly, there's a very positive feeling in the environment of the farm and all of you!
- parent of an 8 year old girl.
It was my daughter's favorite camp experience. She wants to be a farmer now!
- parent of a 10 year old girl.
Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers)
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Is Red Gate Farm Summer Camp a licensed camp?
Yes. Red Gate Farm Summer Camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health. Each year our facilities are inspected and licensed by the Town of Buckland's Board of Health.
What are the qualifications and quality of the Summer Staff?
Staff are hired on their ability to deliver the quality programs that Red Gate Farm provides. Candidates are interviewed in person by the Farm Director, Ben Murray, and successful applicants must undergo CORI and SORI background checks. All of our summer staff have experience teaching children, and their summer schedule also includes a week of training at the farm. Each session leader has or is working towards a college degree, and is directly supervised by the Farm Director.
How many children are in each group?
Small groups mean individual attention for each child and a stronger learning dynamic. For that reason we limit our sessions to 12 students each. The younger children (Summer Sprouts) have even smaller classes with a maximum of 10 students each. Additionally, other Farm Staff participate in many aspects of all the programs, and the ratios improve even more during these times.
Why do I need to fill out a full registration packet for each of my children?
We are required by the State of Massachusetts to maintain complete records for each child who attends camp. We regret the inconvenience and extra paperwork this may cause!
I have a camper that wants to return, but we will be in the same session we were last year. Will it be the same?
No. Every year, every session, every day on the farm is different - that's why we love it here! We spend a lot of time planning and preparing for each summer camp session, and that includes reviewing what we did last year and who is a returning camper. While the routine remains consistent, there are always new activities, games, explorations and projects that we do each year with the campers. Each summer is unique.
I have additional questions! Where can I get more answers?
We are always happy to answer additional questions. Please call the Farm Office (413-625-9503) or email us with any questions or comments.
