A Promising New Education Initiative
During a conversation with her friend Jessica Adams a few years ago, Meagan was inspired to create an educational farm summer camp for children in the area. Both share a training background in education and a passion for the environment, so they decided to launch a project where children can get exposed to the farming world while reconnecting to nature—two elements they believe go hand in hand.
The first pilot cohort began last season. For three consecutive weeks, Meagan and Jessica welcomed 15 children who spent their days on the farm. Simplicity is at the heart of their educational approach, which combines free play, land art, farm and ecosystem exploration, insect spotting, wild and cultivated plant identification, and more.
“We drew inspiration from our childhood prior to the ’90s, when we were still disconnected from technology.”
A Hit for Children and Adults Alike
The camp was a resounding success, with registrations that quickly filled up. Both the children and their parents loved the experience! During this farming immersion, little ones were encouraged to slow down, admire the countryside and realize how much agriculture is interconnected with nature.
Given all this buzz, Meagan Patch hopes that other farmers will launch similar initiatives.
“If we want to reconnect children to the land and ensure the next generation understands the importance of agriculture, the farming community needs to open its doors,” she said.
Giving children a taste of our daily life is one of the best ways to help them understand the value of food. She concludes by saying, “Education on the farm can take many forms. It’s up to each person to find the right way to share their reality.”