Summer Farm & Nature Camp
Join us on the farm this summer to learn about our animals, gardens, and surrounding nature! We’ll learn how to farm while spending time outdoors, forging new friendships, and building confidence in ourselves.
A registered skills camp through NH DHHS.
Session 1
July 7 - 11
Entering Grades K-2
Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm
$250 - $375 / Session
Tiered Pricing - see additional info below
Session 2
July 21 - 25
Entering Grades K-2
Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm
$250 - $375 / Session
Tiered Pricing - see additional info below
Session 3
August 4 - 8
Entering Grades 3-5
Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm
$250 - $375 / Session
Tiered Pricing - see additional info below
Sparking a connection to ourselves, each other, and the world around us all while having summer fun. Each day will begin with a group meeting and will include farm and nature-based activities and lessons, harvested snacks, choice time, art, and group games. We will build responsibility and confidence as we complete our farm chores in the morning, then will take care of ourselves by staying cool with water games and time in the forest in the hot afternoons.
About Tiered Pricing
We offer this pricing structure for our summer camps in recognition of varying financial resources. This is a self-selecting process. We do not ask for evidence or proof of income and participants are never treated differently based on tier choice.
The simple version
Tier 1 - $250 - lower income or experiencing unemployment, or other financial challenges
Tier 2 - $325 - represents the cost of running the program
Tier 3 - $375 - households with abundant financial resources help us support others
You may find it helpful to use The Green Bottle Scale pictured. We encourage you to choose the cost tier that is right for you at this point in time.
We have one full camp scholarship (no cost) available each session. Email Julia at dancingbearfarmnh@gmail.com to inquire about the camp scholarship. Offered on a first come, first served basis each year.
Closed-toed shoes (boots are best!)
Reusable water bottle
Layers - we will be outside each day, so dress for the weather!
A change of clothes - We may get muddy or wet. On hot days we play water games to stay cool.
Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Packed lunch and snack
What to Bring/Wear to Camp
Meet the Counselors
-
Julia Lownie
Julia is a certified Nature-based educator with vast experience leading farm and nature classes for all ages. Julia has a degree in Environmental Conservation from Umass Amherst, a certificate in Nature-based Early Childhood Education from Antioch in Keene, and a North American Montessori Center ages 0-3 certification. Before moving to Dancing Bear Farm, Julia collaborated with the River Valley Coop in Easthampton, MA to develop and lead art and nature playgroups for families while also directing the Greenhouse and Garden Program at Leverett Elementary School. Prior to that, Julia worked at a Reggio-inspired after school and day care program and helped to build up and run the Farmers Helpers education program at Chip-in Farm in Bedford, MA.
-
Cameron Lownie
Cam is a fourth grade teacher at Disnard Elementary in Claremont NH. He studied creative writing at St. Lawrence College in Upstate NY before getting a job as a copy editor. It wasn’t long before Cam realized a desk job wasn’t the right fit for him, and he ended up as a substitute teacher at Wayland Elementary School. From substitute teacher to Building Sub to Para-educator to fourth grade teacher in Springfield MA, Cam has found his calling working in public schools. He is excited to now be starting his first year teaching in Claremont. Cam helps to run classes and camps at Dancing Bear Farm during the summers and school vacations. Fun fact: Julia and Cam first met while working as camp counselors at a Mass Audubon nature camp together!
-
Mary Lownie
Mary is our camp Garden Teacher and the Dancing Bear Farm vegetable gardener. She leads garden activities, teaching us how to plant, care for, and harvest fruits and veggies in the greenhouse and gardens each session.
Mary is also a skilled crafter, and may join us for a craft project or to lead a choice time activity. If we’re lucky she might even bring out the friendly farm dogs, Cassie and Rosie, for a visit and a game of fetch!
-
Ken Lownie
In a former life, Ken was a software executive, but these days is Dancing Bear Farm’s lead builder. Day-to-day tasks for Ken include repairing the tractor, firing up the grill, working on furniture reupholstery, and fixing the many small things that break every day on a farm. If it involves manual labor or grease, Ken is there.
During Summer Camp, Kenny might join us to read a story, introduce us to the tractor, or to lead a construction project
Dancing Bear Farm Background Check Policy
All staff and volunteers of the Dancing Bear Farm Skills Camp must pass a background check prior to working with children. Dancing Bear Farm will obtain Background Checks of staff and volunteers each year through campbackgroundchecks.com (as recommended by the American Camp Association).
Any staff or volunteers that do not pass a background check will not be permitted to work with children at Dancing Bear Farm. The Camp Director will further review any references, employment history, and volunteer history submitted by or for each camp staff member to determine whether to allow each individual to work directly with youths at the camp.
The Camp Director will maintain an up-to-date listing of all camp staff, together with the status of their background check, employment history, and references.
Dancing Bear Farm will make this policy available on the farm website, www.dancingbearfarmnh.com. DHHS and the public may request a copy of this policy at any time, which will be provided by the Camp Director.
A completed certification form, background check policy, and $25 fee will be sent to NHDHHS prior to any youth arriving at the camp in each calendar year the camp operates.
This background check policy will be reviewed and updated annually. The policy was last reviewed on December 11th, 2024.