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. Register for a camp track >>
We are offering several camp tracks:
Counselors in Training
Camp participants may choose to volunteer as Counselors in Training (CIT) during the day camps that follow. Youth will learn how to lead groups of youth safely around the farm and river, teach gardening and environmental education, cook with kids and more. CITs will connect with peers and youth, gain leadership and job skills while earning community service hours.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 7–12: June 17–21
Art and Nature
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 24–28
Entering grade level 4–6: July 15–19
Garden to Kitchen
Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together every day. Campers will earn basic nutrition, kitchen and knife safety, explore the garden and farm, and meet new friends.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 6–8: June 24–28
Entering grades level 4–6: July 29–August 2
Little Sprouts
Meet the animals, 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 4–6: July 8–12 or July 22–26 Please note: This camp runs from 9–11am.
Hearts and Hands
Engage in meaningful projects that serve the larger community. Throughout the week, campers will focus on learning new skills on the farm and at the river while making a difference through various service projects.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: July 8–12
STEM in the Garden
Inquire, design, experiment, and build your way through the garden. Youth will reconnect and explore all of nature’s gifts through the lens of STEM principles.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: July 15–19
Survival Skills
Learn about building fire and shelter, 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 a game of capture the flag. Overnight option on Friday: All campers will be dropped off on Friday at 8am. For campers who are staying the night, pickup will be Saturday, July 27 at 9am. Campers who are not spending the night can be picked up at 12pm (regular camp ending time) or can choose to stay until 5pm on Friday. (Additional fees apply.)
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: July 22–26
Girl Scouts on the Farm
Brownies will connect the natural world, learn about farm life, and explore with new friends. Girls will earn several badges throughout the week and will be able to discover the wonders of the enchanted land that surrounds them. Registration through Girl Scouts Heart of Central California >>
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: July 29–August 2
Wild Critters
Become an American River Parkway animal specialist. Track, discover, observe and learn about the animals that share the ecosystem with us here at Soil Born Farms.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 1–3: August 5–9
River Naturalists
Explore, play and learn along the beautiful American River! Be prepared to hike to different areas along the parkway and discover why the river is truly a magical and special place.
Session Dates:
Entering grade level 4–6: August 5–9
| 2019 Summer Day Camp Sessions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp | Grade (entering) | Dates | Time |
| Counselors in Training | 7–12 | June 17–21 | 8am–noon |
| Art and Nature | 1–3 | June 24–28 | 8am–noon |
| Garden to Kitchen | 6–8 | June 24–28 | 8am–noon |
| Little Sprouts | Pre K–K | July 8–12 | 9–11am |
| Hearts and Hands | 4–6 | July 8–12 | 8am–noon |
| STEM in the Garden | 1–3 | July 15–19 | 8am–noon |
| Art and Nature | 4–6 | July 15–19 | 8am–noon |
| Little Sprouts | Pre K–K | July 22–26 | 9–11am |
| Survival Skills | 4–6 | July 22–26 | 8am–noon |
| Girl Scouts on the Farm | 1–3 | July 29–August 2 | 8am–noon |
| Garden to Kitchen | 4–6 | July 29–August 2 | 8am–noon |
| Wild Critters | 1–3 | August 5–9 | 8am–noon |
| River Naturalists | 4–6 | August 5–9 | 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 |
| Participants in this camp may choose to volunteer as Counselors in Training (CIT) during the day camps that follow. Youth will learn how to lead groups of youth safely around the farm and river, teach gardening and environmental education, cook with kids and more. CIT’s will connect with peers and youth, gain leadership and job skills while earning community service hours. |
Register |
| Garden to Kitchen (Grade 6-8) | American River Ranch |
| Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together every day! Learn basic nutrition, kitchen and knife safety, explore the garden and farm, and meet new friends. |
Register |
| Art and Nature (Grade 1-3) | 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 |
| Hearts and Hands | American River Ranch |
| Youth will engage in meaningful projects that serve the larger community. Throughout the week campers will focus on learning new skills on the farm and at the river while making a difference through various service projects. |
Register |
| Little Sprouts - Session 1 | American River Ranch |
| Meet the animals, 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. For campers entering pre-K – Kindergarten, suggested ages 4-6. Note: This camp runs from 9-11am. |
Register |
| Art and Nature (Grade 4-6) | 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 |
| STEM in the Garden | American River Ranch |
| Inquire, design, experiment, and build your way through the garden. Youth will reconnect and explore all of nature’s gifts through the lens of STEM principles |
Register |
| Survival Skills | American River Ranch |
| Learn about building fire and shelter, edible wild foods, how to stay safe in nature and more! The week’s activities will culminate with an overnight option to camp-out on Friday night and a game of capture the flag. (additional fees apply for the overnight option.) |
Register |
| Little Sprouts - Session 2 | American River Ranch |
| Meet the animals, 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. For campers entering pre-K – Kindergarten, suggested ages 4-6. Note: This camp runs from 9-11am. |
Register |
| Garden to Kitchen (Grade 4-6) | American River Ranch |
| Enjoy the bounty of this land by harvesting, cooking, and eating healthy and delicious food together every day! Learn basic nutrition, kitchen and knife safety, explore the garden and farm, and meet new friends. |
Register |
| Wild Critters | American River Ranch |
| Become an American River Parkway animal specialist. Track, discover, observe and learn about the animals that share the ecosystem with us here at Soil Born Farms. |
Register |
| River Naturalists | American River Ranch |
| Explore, play and learn along the beautiful American River! Be prepared to hike to different areas along the parkway and discover why the river is truly a magical and special place. |
Register |
Cost and FAQ
Early Bird Registration through April 1:
Little Sprouts $125; Cooks Camp $250; All other camps $225
Registration after April 1:
Little Sprouts $150; Cooks Camp $275; All other camps $250
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 Manager Alyssa Kassner: 916 363-9685 x1012 or email >>
