Packing Information can be found in the Parent Portal or at this link.
Directions to the Farm are located here.
Arrival and Departure
Families should arrive at the farm on Monday between 9am and 11am. As the session draws near we will be providing families with detailed information about traffic patterns, parking, etc.
Families are reminded that dogs are not permitted on the farm (furry travelers must stay in cars).
Electronics
The farm's summer program thrives on community and a rustic way of life. In order to get the most out of our program experience, children should not bring any electronic devices including phones, cameras, tablets, smart watches, readers, or games. Non-digital cameras are permitted, but may only be used in public spaces and when they will not disrupt the program.
Food & Food Allergies
The farm provides fresh home-cooked and nutritious food options. Our menu options sometimes include meat, but there is always a vegetarian option provided. We can also accommodate other diets (gluten free, dairy free), but cannot necessarily accommodate every type of food sensitivity or allergy. Our kitchen does not cook or serve nuts but sometimes serves prepared foods (e.g. brownie mix) that may have been produced in a facility that is not guaranteed nut-free. Please contact the Farm Director for any specific questions or concerns.
Student Overnight Accomodations
Students stay in our new housing facility called the Roost. Summer staff also reside in the same building. There are private toilets, wash sinks and showers for student daily use. In order to provide the best farm community experience, we do not accept requests for bunkmates or pairings. Room assignments will be provided upon student arrival.
Phone Calls
Summer Program is a time to focus on our new commmunity and commitments to each other. Phone calls disrupt the farm routine and so only phone calls for student birthdays are allowed and must be arranged in advance with the farm office.
Letters and Packages
Students love getting written correspondence from family and friends. These letters create a meaningful and healthy connection to home, and become important keepsakes for years to come. We encourage families to share the farm's address with friends and family to send letters.
Please do not send anything other than letters. Well-meaning care packages of food, magazines, or other items can disrupt the community that we are building on the farm. This mail will be held safely at the Farm Office until the end of program and returned to the student upon departure.
If you have questions about what to send, please ask! We are happy to help provide guidance, and thank you for supporting our farm community building.
Please be sure share this information with grandparents and friends who might wish to share mail with your child. The address to send mail to is:
Student's Name
Red Gate Farm
4 Norman Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Photos
We take pictures and some video throughout every summer session. These are password protected and posted every few days online for sharing with parents during the program session. The goal is to share some of the day to day farm experiences of the students with families at home. There is not an effort to photograph every student, and so we cannot guarantee that your child will be featured in a photograph.
Laundry
We do a mid-session laundry for the two-week session. Laundry service is not provided for the single one-week sessions. We do provide "emergency" laundry services in the case of a clothing mishap.