At Auerfarm’s 120-acre property, the early morning quiet is broken by the arrival of 100 children, aged 3 to 15, eager to begin another day at Auercamp. This summer program is more than just a seasonal diversion—it’s a carefully crafted journey designed to transform young minds into future leaders and environmental stewards.
Auercamp’s curriculum, deeply rooted in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles, offers age-appropriate programs that build upon each other. “Sprouts” (ages 3-5) engage in basic nature exploration, while “Young Farmers” (grades K-5) delve into agricultural practices. “Explorers” (grades 6-8) tackle more complex ecological projects, and “Leadership” participants (grades 9-10) prepare for potential staff roles.
Will Porter, 18, a senior counselor who started as a camper at age 8, leads a group of Young Farmers in a stream study. “We’re not just catching frogs,” Porter explains. “We’re learning about ecosystems and food chains. It’s hands-on science.”
This approach to education is at the heart of Auercamp’s mission. Chiki Santillan, 23, a former leadership teen now an assistant camp director, emphasizes the program’s holistic nature. “Whether it’s building forts to learn about physics or caring for animals to understand biology, we’re constantly connecting fun with learning,” Santillan says.
Beyond academic enrichment, Auercamp focuses on character development. Hayley Yaros, 23, another assistant camp director, points out the core values instilled in campers: community, resilience, respect, and responsibility. “These values are woven into every activity,” Yaros notes. “When children work together to plant seedlings, they learn about teamwork. When they face challenges on hikes, they’re developing resilience.”
The program’s cyclical nature is perhaps its most distinctive feature. Many counselors and staff, like Porter, Santillan, and Yaros, were once campers themselves. This cycle of mentorship creates a strong sense of community and continuity.
Jaelyn Affsa, 19, and her sister Maya, 16, exemplify this progression. Once campers led by Santillan and Yaros, they now guide their own groups of younger children. Their younger sister Hannah was in Santillan’s first camp group at just 5 years old. Now she is in her final year as a camper, poised to enter the Leadership program next summer.
“Seeing former campers become mentors is incredibly rewarding,” Santillan reflects. “We’ve watched them grow up through the years from shy campers to seasoned counselors and form connections with each other. It goes to show that we’re not just teaching about nature and agriculture; we’re inspiring the next generation of leaders at camp and in their communities.”
This progression reinforces that sense of community and belonging that is so central to Auercamp. Beginning at the Sprout level, campers look up to the older campers and learn the skills necessary to progress forward. Young Farmers look up to the Explorers and are eager to advance to the next level. Explorers enjoy building outdoor skills and mentoring the Sprouts before progressing to be Leaders in Training. The Leadership Teens, often campers who have grown up through Auercamp, prepare to become counselors by shadowing staff and helping out with the young farmers. Every group and age level has an important role at Auercamp, and each group informs the next.
Hayley Yaros, a former leadership camper and now an assistant camp director, observes the impact of this cycle.
“Watching campers grow from young farmers and explorers to potential staff members is incredible,” Yaros notes. “It reinforces the lasting influence of our program. By freely exploring the farm and different interests, campers can grow and connect with nature, each other, and themselves.”
At Auercamp, campers don’t just spend a summer outdoors—they embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and leadership that lasts a lifetime. From their first days as Sprouts to their roles as mentors and staff, each child becomes part of a cycle that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to nature. This transformative experience is made possible by supporters like you. Help us continue shaping future environmental leaders by donating today.
