Our farm has been a staple of life at Treetops for generations. Since the 1920s, campers have cared for barnyard animals and participated in the growing and harvesting of food. Campers gain a sense of the life cycle of plants and animals, and the interconnectedness of all organisms. By doing farm work, children recognize the importance of their contributions to the functioning of our community. Time at the farm helps children develop a strong connection to the natural world and a future interest in protecting it.
Barn & Animals
Ours is a working farm at Treetops, and has been from the start. We keep 12-15 horses for our horseback riding program and raise sheep, turkeys, goats, pigs, and several varieties of chicken, using their eggs and meat in our meals, as well as sheep’s wool in our craft projects.
Gardens
Our gardens do far more than contribute fresh flowers, greens, and other produce to the dining rooms; they help campers see how every bit of food they eat derives from soil, sun, and water and requires planting, cultivating, weeding, and harvesting.
Farm-To-Table
At Treetops the farm-to-table cycle begins right here on our own land. Each day, campers collect close to one hundred eggs and help to harvest vegetables, greens, herbs, berries, and wild edibles grown on our property for our meals. Through planting, cultivating, weeding, harvesting, cooking, and composting. Treetops campers help provide the food that sustains our community.
Horseback Riding
Over the summer children have the opportunity to develop their horsemanship skills in our outdoor riding rings and on extensive trails around the property. From the saddle and from the ground—campers learn to care for and communicate with animals that are much larger than themselves, in a way that is kind, respectful, and helps to form a partnership with the horse.