| 
Role of Parents
The
Hatchery
Description
Dates
and Times
FarmHands
Description
Dates
and Times
Summer Camps/Hatchery
Description
Dates
and Times |
| The
Hatchery is
a weekday morning program for children 3-5 years old. It is designed
as a "first-time" farm experience for children,
introducing them to animals, crops and farm living through hands-on
activities that are safe, fun and educational.
The program
is staffed by a Hatchery teacher, who is assisted by one or two
Hatchery parents. Class size is limited to ensure program quality.
During the
3 hour program, Hatchery children spend their time on several
types of activities:
|
|
| Chores:
Through daily
chore routines, children learn about the needs and products of farm
animals. Routines involve some or all of the following: collecting
eggs, pumping water for work horses, shelling corn for geese, putting
hay in sheep manger, putting straw in calf pen. |
| Seasonal
Activities:
In the spring, children visit baby animals, plant a garden, and
see a sheep being shorn. In the fall, children pick and decorate
pumpkins, dig potatoes, husk Indian corn and make a wallow for the
pigs. |
| Crafts:
Children make crafts using materials from the farm: corncobs, egg
shells, wool, feathers, etc. Sometimes a cooking or baking project
is done instead of a craft. |
| Storytelling
and Singing:
Farm related themes are used to reinforce what children have learned
about animals, crops and nature. |
Outdoor
Fun: Children
explore the farm and its seasons through walks, games and play.
Towards the end of the 12 week session, each child will have a chance
to ride a horse or pony, and to take a hayride.
|
Application:
Parents wishing to enroll in The Hatchery program must attend
an organizational meeting held prior to the program starting date.
At this meeting, program content and logistics are explained by
our staff and application forms are completed and submitted by
parents. Meetings are intended for parents only. Call the farm
at 609-737-3299 for meeting dates and fees.
Applications cannot be made by mail.
For more information
contact Kathy Brilla at 609-737-3299 or email. |
|
