Whether you’re looking to grow your own food, preserve your harvest, or get back to basics, we’ve got something exciting blooming at the farm! Auerfarm is thrilled to partner with the Samad Gardens Initiative to present a full day of hands-on learning at our Self-Sufficiency Crash Course!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We’ll be gathering at 158 Auer Farm Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002 for a day packed with practical knowledge, community connection, and all-around self sufficiency.

Why Self Sufficiency?

In thriving times, and uncertain times, there is a need to learn and share the empowering skills of growing nutritious food, preserving the harvest, and saving seeds. We at Samad Gardens Initiative have found there is no better way to do this than amongst communities: sharing, learning, and inspiring each other to align with a self-sufficient lifestyle. In addition to lead host Sarah Rose Kareem of Samad Gardens Initiative, we are excited to feature special guest presenters, Sis. Anna Muhammad and Melissa Emma, who will be sharing their expertise throughout the day.

Hands-On Workshop:

We’ve put together a practical lineup of interactive sessions designed to help you thrive:

• Canning and Food Preservation: Learn how to preserve your garden abundance to enjoy year-round.
• Herbal First Aid: Learn to identify medicinal herbs and how to prepare and use them in an emergency. 
• Seed Saving: Discover how to harvest and store seeds so your garden keeps growing year after year.
• Gardening on a Budget / Home Soil Health Tests: Learn practical methods and tips to start a garden (yes, even in containers!), keep it thriving and test your soil without breaking the bank.

Community Potluck & Seed Swap!

Bring what you have to give, take what you need.

• Bring a potluck dish to share with new friends over lunch.
• Bring your favorite seeds to trade at our community seed swap!

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into self-sufficiency with us?

Visit www.samadgardensinitiative.com to learn more and secure your spot! We can’t wait to see you on the farm!

Are you ready to swap the office cubicle for 120 acres of rolling hills, friendly farm animals, and the rewarding chaos of summer camp? 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm is looking for two organized, high-energy leaders to join our summer leadership team. If you have a passion for outdoor education and a knack for making magic happen behind the scenes, one of these seats on the tractor might have your name on it.

Assistant Camp Director: The Assistant Camp Director plays a vital role in ensuring a successful and enjoyable camp experience for all. You will work closely with the Camp Director to oversee the day-to-day operations, supervise staff, and ensure the smooth running of all camp programs. To view the full job description and to apply, visit Assistant Camp Director.

Camp Registrar: The Camp Registrar is an integral part of the camp office team, and is responsible for coordinating paperwork and administrative tasks for the summer programs, organizing the pre-camp paperwork, and is responsible for the intake, screening, and management of camper information. The position requires a blend of high-level organization, customer service, and technical proficiency in registration software. To view the full job description and to apply, visit Camp Registrar. 

We’re Hiring for Summer Camp at Auerfarm!

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to build our incredible Auer Camp team!

We are now hiring for the following summer positions:
Camp Counselors : Camp Counselor
Assistant Camp Director: Assistant Camp Director
Camp Registrar: Camp Registrar

Working at Auer Camp is more than just a summer job — it’s a unique, enriching, and energizing experience. Our staff members help create the magic that makes summer unforgettable for our campers. Located on a beautiful 120-acre educational farm, Auer Camp is a place where days are spent outdoors — in the gardens, in the barns, exploring the Play Forest, and creating good old-fashioned fun. Our campers learn through hands-on experiences, teamwork, creativity, and discovery — and our staff are at the heart of it all.

Where curiosity grows wild and learning comes alive! At Auerfarm, STEM isn’t something children read about—it’s something they touch, climb, smell, build, and breathe. Our STEM Enrichment Programs invite young learners to trade screens for sunshine, classrooms for barn doors, and routine for discovery.

Morning Magic: SPROUTS (Ages 3–6)Tiny hands, big wonder. In SPROUTS, our youngest explorers begin their day immersed in nature’s classroom. From digging in the soil to investigating insects, observing plant growth, or listening to the rhythm of the seasons, children learn through play, inquiry, and sensory-rich experiences. Every discovery is hands-on, every moment purposeful, every lesson rooted in joy.

Afternoon Adventure: FARM & FOREST (Ages 5–11)

Curiosity expands as the day unfolds. FARM & FOREST invites children to explore deeper, stretch their thinking, and connect with the land in meaningful ways. Students might follow animal tracks, engineer natural shelters, experiment with water flow and soil types, or observe the habits of barnyard animals. It’s STEM powered by mud, movement, imagination, and wonder.

Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls
Our days are filled with movement, discovery, and exploration. Participants will spend time:
• In the barns and with our farm animals
• Planting, harvesting, and investigating in the gardens
• Playing, building, and imagining in the Play Forest
• Hiking through our trails and exploring natural habitats
Crafts, nature projects, and extended hands-on learning opportunities are woven throughout every session—giving children time to think deeply, wonder freely, and experience science, engineering, and the natural world in a way that textbooks simply can’t deliver.

Flexible Enrollment for Growing Learners
We welcome new participants on a rolling admissions basis, making it easy for families to join when space is available. Students may register for one or two days per week, depending on their needs and interests.

No tablets. No keyboards.
Just fresh air, friendship, and the natural spark of discovery.

Visit Sprouts Enrichment to register for our Sprouts Program.

Visit Farm and Forest to register for our Farm and Forest program.

Looking for a fun and meaningful way for your child to spend an evening—and take a little time for yourself, too? Auerfarm is excited to introduce Kids Night Out, Parents Night Off, a once-a-month adventure designed just for kids!

This three-hour drop-off event offers children the opportunity to explore the farm after hours and enjoy an evening filled with hands-on fun. Kids will share dinner, create seasonal crafts, visit with our friendly farm animals, play games, and make new friends along the way. Each month brings fresh activities inspired by the farm, the season, and the natural world.

While your children are laughing, learning, and experiencing the magic of Auerfarm, you can take a well-deserved break—run errands, enjoy a quiet dinner, or simply relax knowing your child is in a safe, engaging, and joyful environment.

Join us for Kids Night Out, Parents Night Off, and give your family the gift of fun, connection, and a little extra breathing room. Spots are limited—register early to reserve your child’s place!

Kid’s Night Out Registration

Dear Educator,

As the winter season approaches, we invite you to experience the beauty and wonder of Auerfarm in a whole new way. Auerfarm is open all winter, and it’s one of the most exciting times to explore, investigate, and learn in our natural outdoor classroom. Winter offers unique opportunities for hands-on discovery, and our farm-based education programs are designed to engage students with the natural world—even in the coldest months. We’re excited to offer several enriching programs that align directly with the CT Science Standards as well as the Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring that your visit is not only fun but educationally meaningful.

Our winter curriculum includes favorites such as:
• Scat & Tracks – Students become wildlife detectives as they uncover animal clues in the snow.
• Animal Homes – Explore how animals adapt and survive during the winter months.
• Feathers & Fur – Discover the amazing features that help animals stay warm and thrive.
• All About Fiber – Meet our fiber animals and learn how wool becomes yarn through hands-on activities.
• Maple Sugaring – Learn about the process of making maple syrup from tapping trees to visiting our sugar house. Top off your visit with a snack of pancakes and maple syrup.

Whether students are investigating footprints in the snow, meeting our farm animals, or learning about seasonal adaptations, Auerfarm offers unforgettable winter experiences that connect children deeply with nature. We would love to host your group or school this season.

Book a Field Trip today:
Field Trips

In addition to on-site field trips, we are also pleased to offer Farm to School visits for schools or groups unable to travel to Auerfarm during the winter months. Our educators will bring engaging, hands-on farm learning directly to your classroom, ensuring students still experience the richness of agricultural and environmental education.

Our Farm to School curriculum includes engaging programs such as:

• Worms & Composting – Explore the incredible role worms play in soil health and learn how composting supports our environment.
• Feathers & Fur – Investigate how animals stay warm in winter and discover the unique adaptations of local wildlife.
• Garden in the Classroom – Bring growing to you! Students learn about seeds, plant parts, and what plants need to thrive through interactive activities.

Book your Farm to School Program today: Farm to School Programs

If you have any questions or would like help selecting the perfect program, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to assist!

Warmest wishes,

Jonni Marshall – Director of Educational Programs
P.S. Please stay in touch, sign up for our newsletter:  Newsletter

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