Summer Day Camp
We Grow More than Food
Students entering grades pre-K through 12 have the opportunity to explore farm, field and river environments at Summer Day Camp. Through experiential learning, discovery and play, youth will deepen their connection between food, health and the environment. Our fun and unique themed camps take place at Soil Born Farms’ 55-acre American River Ranch located on the beautiful American River Parkway. Early bird registrations opens on January 15, 2020. Register for a camp track >>
We are offering several camp tracks:
Counselors in Training
Teens will learn how to lead groups of youth safely around the farm and river, teach gardening and environmental education, cook with kids and more. Participants in this camp may choose to volunteer as Counselors in Training (CIT) during the day camps that follow. CITs will connect with peers and youth, and gain leadership and job skills while earning community service hours.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 9–12: June 15–19
Cooks Camp: Cooking Around the World
Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together inspired by a variety of cultures every day! Participants will learn the basics of nutrition and kitchen safety, explore the farm and meet new friends over shared meals. *This camp runs from 8am-12:30pm.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: July 20–24
Entering grade level 6–8: July 6–10
Little Sprouts
Campers ages 4-5 can meet the chickens, dig in the dirt, smell herbs and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. Using stories, songs, crafts, and games, our youngest campers will learn about our farm while enjoying playful, fun-filled mornings.
Session Dates:
Entering pre–K and Kindergarten, suggested ages 4–5: June 15–19 or July 13–17 Please note: This camp runs from 8:30–11am.
Farm Camp: Healthy Harvest
Discover the connection between the food we grow and the food we eat. Throughout the week, youth will work in the garden, visit the farm, and create simple, tasty recipes straight from the garden while playing games and singing songs. Campers will learn what it means to plant, tend, harvest and prepare their own food.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: June 22–26
Entering grade level 4–6: July 27–31
Farm Camp: Soil, Water, Air and Sun
Campers will spend the week exploring seeds, preparing garden beds, planting and harvesting produce, and discovering what plants need to grow healthy and strong. From soil science to plant parts, youth will become garden experts and environmental stewards.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: July 13–17
Nature Camp: Art and Nature
Youth will explore the intersection of art and nature during their week at Soil Born Farms where beauty abounds! From natural dyes to pine paint brushes, participants will craft and create using nature’s gifts.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: June 22–26
Nature Camp: Survival Skills
Survivalists will learn about building fire and shelter, foraging for edible wild foods, how to stay safe in nature and more! The week’s activities will culminate with an overnight camp-out on Friday night and an extended trip to the river. *Additional fees apply: For more information about this camp’s overnight option, check out the FAQ page.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: July 20–24
Nature Camp: River Naturalists
Explore, play and learn along Cordova Creek and the beautiful American River! Be prepared to hike to different areas along the parkway and discover why our local waterways are magical and special ecosystems.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: July 6–10
Girl Scouts: Brownies on the Farm
Brownies will connect to the natural world, learn about farm life, and explore with new friends. Girls will earn several badges throughout the week including their snack badge and bug badge, and will be able to discover the wonders of the enchanted land that surrounds them. Registration opens February 1. Register through Girl Scouts Heart of Central California >>
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: August 3–7
Girl Scouts: Cadettes on the Farm
Cadettes will enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together every day! Girls will earn their New Cuisines Badge while learning basic nutrition, kitchen and knife safety, exploring the garden and farm, and meeting new friends all while discovering the wonders of growing your own food. Registration opens February 1. Register through Girl Scouts Heart of Central California >>
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 6–8: August 3–7
| 2020 Summer Day Camp Sessions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp | Grade (entering) | Dates | Time |
| Counselors in Training | 9–12 | June 15–19 | 8am–noon |
| Little Sprouts | Ages 4–5 | June 15–19 | 8:30–11am |
| Farm Camp: Healthy Harvest | 1–3 | June 22–26 | 8am–noon |
| Nature Camp: Art and Nature | 1–3 | June 22–26 | 8am–noon |
| Nature Camp: River Naturalists | 4–6 | July 6–10 | 8am–noon |
| Cooks Camp: Cooking Around the World | 6–8 | July 6–10 | 8am–12:30pm |
| Farm Camp: Soil, Water, Air and Sun | 1–3 | July 13–17 | 8am–noon |
| Little Sprouts | Ages 4–5 | July 13–17 | 8:30–11am |
| Nature Camp: Survival Skills | 4–6 | July 20–24 | 8am–noon* |
| Cooks Camp: Cooking Around the World | 4–6 | July 20–24 | 8am–12:30pm |
| Farm Camp: Healthy Harvest | 4–6 | July 27–31 | 8am–noon |
| Girl Scouts: Brownies on the Farm | 1–3 | August 3–7 | 8am–noon |
| Girl Scouts: Cadettes on the Farm | 6–8 | August 3–7 | 8am–noon |
How to Register:
1) Select an available session and pay online.
2) After you pay online, complete the online registration packet >> Registration is not complete until we receive your packet.
| Event | Venue | Date | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counselors in Training | American River Ranch |
| Teens will learn how to lead groups of youth safely around the farm and river, teach gardening and environmental education, cook with kids and more. Participants in this camp may choose to volunteer as Counselors in Training (CIT) during the day camps that follow. CITs will connect with peers and youth, and gain leadership and job skills while earning community service hours. |
Register |
| Little Sprouts | American River Ranch |
| Campers ages 4-5 can meet the chickens, dig in the dirt, smell herbs and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. Using stories, songs, crafts, and games, our youngest campers will learn about our farm while enjoying playful, fun-filled mornings. *This camp runs from 8:30am to 11am. |
Register |
| Farm Camp: Healthy Harvest | American River Ranch |
| Discover the connection between the food we grow and the food we eat. Throughout the week, youth will work in the garden, visit the farm, and create simple, tasty recipes straight from the garden while playing games and singing songs. Campers will learn what it means to plant, tend, harvest and prepare their own food. |
Register |
| Nature Camp: Art and Nature | American River Ranch |
| Youth will explore the intersection of art and nature during their week at Soil Born Farms where beauty abounds! From natural dyes to pine paint brushes, participants will craft and create using nature’s gifts. |
Register |
| Cooks Camp: Cooking Around the World | American River Ranch |
| Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together inspired by a variety of cultures every day! Participants will learn the basics of nutrition and kitchen safety, explore the farm and meet new friends over shared meals. *This camp runs from 8am-12:30pm |
Register |
| Nature Camp: River Naturalists | American River Ranch |
| Explore, play and learn along Cordova Creek and the beautiful American River! Be prepared to hike to different areas along the parkway and discover why our local waterways are magical and special ecosystems. |
Register |
| Farm Camp: Soil, Water, Air and Sun | American River Ranch |
| Campers will spend the week exploring seeds, preparing garden beds, planting and harvesting produce, and discovering what plants need to grow healthy and strong. From soil science to plant parts, youth will become garden experts and environmental stewards. |
Register |
| Little Sprouts | American River Ranch |
| Campers ages 4-5 can meet the chickens, dig in the dirt, smell herbs and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. Using stories, songs, crafts, and games, our youngest campers will learn about our farm while enjoying playful, fun-filled mornings. *This camp runs from 8:30am to 11am. |
Register |
| Cooks Camp: Cooking Around the World | American River Ranch |
| Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together inspired by a variety of cultures every day! Participants will learn the basics of nutrition and kitchen safety, explore the farm and meet new friends over shared meals. *This camp runs from 8am-12:30pm |
Register |
| Nature Camp: Survival Skills | American River Ranch |
| Survivalists will learn about building fire and shelter, foraging for edible wild foods, how to stay safe in nature and more! The week’s activities will culminate with an overnight camp-out on Friday night and an extended trip to the river. *Additional fees apply |
Register |
| Farm Camp: Healthy Harvest | American River Ranch |
| Discover the connection between the food we grow and the food we eat. Throughout the week, youth will work in the garden, visit the farm, and create simple, tasty recipes straight from the garden while playing games and singing songs. Campers will learn what it means to plant, tend, harvest and prepare their own food. |
Register |
Cost and FAQ
Early Bird Registration through April 1:
Little Sprouts $150; Cooks Camp $275; Girl Scouts $260; All other camps $250
Registration after April 1:
Little Sprouts $175; Cooks Camp $300; Girl Scouts $285; All other camps $275
*Overnight option for Survival Skills Camp: Additional $75 (3 meals included)
Download Summer Day Camp FAQ >>
Scholarships
Soil Born Farms, a non-profit organization, operates with very limited resources and our ability to provide Summer Day Camp scholarships is made possible by Board members, private donors, and those who contribute to the scholarship fund. These funds are very limited and based on the total of paid-in-full registrations. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, download and submit the Scholarship Application >>
More information, contact Youth Education Assistant, Lacey Carlson: 916 363-9685 x1009 or email >>
