Summer Programs

The FARM Institute Summer Programs

* For the second year in a row (2007 and 2008) TFI has been voted by Cape Cod Life as The Best Kids Activity on The Cape and The Islands

“I love feeding the animals and taking care of them.  I love the newborns and singing songs.” Shay Sullivan Age 6

While most children are not going to grow up to be farmers, they will be the next generation of stewards of the land.  The FARM Institute offers several Summer Programs that will give your child experiences that will last long after they leave the island through participation in the full range of summer programs for kids 2-15. 

The Farm Institute
The FARM Institute (TFI) is a non-profit organization that is made up of farmers, teachers and community activists who are dedicated to educating and engaging children and adults in sustainable agriculture on a diverse working farm.  TFI is located at Katama Farm which consists of 162 acres of beautiful farmland in close proximity to South Beach in Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. 

 Beginning in June and running through the end of August, these programs will give your family months of opportunities to become connected to Martha’s Vineyard in a way that will impact your lives for a lifetime.  Your children will participate in farm chores, feed the animals, tend the vegetables, all the while learning to work with others and to develop a sense of self as they take ownership of the responsibilities they are given. Your child will be an active participant in the daily routines of the farm.

 “Our 5 year old daughter learned a lot in the week she was there and, more importantly, was so proud of the "work" she had done.”

The FARM Institute programs

TFI programs are designed to foster a better awareness of the natural world and farms.  They strive to nurture students by honoring  1) achievement, 2) unique learning styles and 3) individual problem solving.  An amazing opportunity for your children to grow and learn not only about themselves but the land as well.  With guidance from teachers and farm staff, your children will:

● Care for a diverse selection of animals

●  Engage in the growing cycle by planting, nurturing, harvesting and preparing food  from the garden

● Maintain and use the farm facilities and equipment

● Participate in group activities which emphasize hands-on investigations exploring the cycles of life

“I particularly loved that my children were able to give me a tour of the garden and point out all sorts of vegetables that I'm sure most children just assume come from a grocery store!!!”

Triad of Experience
The FARM Institute Triad of Experience –Work, Enrichment and Enjoyment- is the core of  what the organization does and believes. Work installs  the idea that if the child can take care of the farm, it will take care of them.  They learn and experience the dignity of labor and how each of us can act in the service of making a difference. The Enrichment component of TFI and the working farm allows for interdisciplinary learning, connection and reflection.  Finally children given the opportunity to enjoy, play and have fun on the farm will be motivated and inspired to act, learn and give with environmental responsibility.

For more information go to www.farminstitute.org

As one parent of a camper said “…something important seems to happen to kids when they spend time on a farm…”