A week before their first Farm Day, the Wintonbury Early Childhood Magnet School preschoolers have their boots lined up outside their classroom door in eager anticipation. “My son never wants to miss school on Farm Day,” remarks one parent. The Wintonbury preschoolers have visited the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm for the past few years, integrating farm-based experiential learning into their classroom curriculum. Wintonbury has a total of 18 preschool classrooms that rotate through the farm. Three days a week, two classrooms visit the farm for a two-hour program that connects mind, body, and soul to nature. The curriculum directly correlates to the seasonal changes on the farm throughout the year. During the fall, the students pick apples from the orchard and turn them into apple cider. In the winter, they tap the maple trees and learn how we turn the sap into maple syrup. In the spring, they learn about baby animals and pollinators as they emerge from the cold. “It’s an experiential learning program; it’s very hands-on for the kids,” said Kyle Conard, a lead Wintonbury farm educator. “Many kids are learning where food comes from for the first time, or they haven’t seen animals up close before.” Each lesson is taught for three weeks as all 18 classrooms make their visits to the farm. This allows for different programs that are unique to the Wintonbury preschoolers, as some seasonal programs are also available as field trips for schools in the area.

One such program is the grains lesson taught in December. In this lesson, the preschoolers learn that gingerbread cookies actually come from the farm. They go on an adventure around the farm to locate flour, eggs, sugar, and spices for their cookies. Each step along the way teaches them something new about that ingredient and where it’s found on the farm. We try to teach them that food comes from the farm. You know you don’t just have a bag of flour. Where does that flour actually come from?” said Kim Christophel, lead Wintonbury teacher. Learning about the journey that food takes from fields to fork is magical. Little minds do not see a bus taking them to a farm; they strap on their boots that have been eagerly awaiting them and climb aboard the magic school bus which will transport them to the circus. As soon as they arrive, they are greeted by a cacophony of lions, tigers, and bears. Their eyes widen. The adventure begins. Those roars might be coming from geese, chickens, and peacocks, but the excitement is all the same. They are met by the warm, familiar faces of their farm educators and are told that they will be making gingerbread cookies today; however, they need to go on a scavenger hunt to collect materials around the farm. The young minds are ready for adventure.

The scavenger hunt acts as a tour of the farm so that the kids will immerse themselves in the experience and learn while having fun. They’ll venture to the gardens and greenhouse to find wheat and spices for the gingerbread. Then they’ll trek to the sugar shack where they will find sugar cane. The sugar shack houses the maple syrup operation which the preschoolers get a brief introduction to before their maple lesson. It is also home to an observation bee hive so that they can safely watch bees at work inside it. The sugar cane, maple syrup, and bees all help to make connections between sweet things. The kids will then find eggs in the chicken coop and get a quick lesson in baby chicks before their baby animals lesson in spring. Lastly, they will find butter next to the cows and learn about different dairy animals and their products.

Kim recounts a humorous moment during a scavenger hunt: “We were doing our scavenger hunt one morning with heavy frost when one little guy stopped, crouched down to look at it, and said, ‘Ah! I think Elsa has been here!’ It was so cute, and then you get to teach on that for a moment.” Why would frost appear, other than Elsa’s doing? Why does this happen in winter? What does that mean for any crops underneath? It’s those types of experiential learning questions that may not necessarily be tied to the curriculum but that kids get to explore while being on the farm. “The biggest thing is hands-on experiences. It’s not just a picture of a cow; you know there is a cow. It’s so great because you do get those kids whose families don’t always get to go to a farm, so they get to have that experience through school,” said Kim.

The scavenger hunt ends in the classroom where the preschoolers will finally be able to make their gingerbread cookies. In the classroom, there are several different stations for kids to learn and play. The exploration station is where they make cookies. The imaginary play station allows children to model what they learned by playing with play cookies, baking tins, and other kitchen items. The sensory station allows children to grind up oats and wheat to simulate making flour as well as smelling cinnamon and spices from the greenhouse. The writing station includes worksheets with words and images for word recognition and drawings about the lesson. The immersive scavenger hunt along with different learning stations connects young children to nature and connects their foods to the farm. They explore lessons in myriad ways that are fun and playful but rooted in education. This model is used for most of Auerfarm’s educational programs and field trips. The Wintonbury preschoolers remain at school for two years allowing for continued learning at the farm.

“It’s nice when older kids help younger ones,” said Kim. “It’s like ‘Oh, it’s okay to do this,’ and younger ones will pair up with older ones.” “We see [their development] in several ways. It might be that kids are afraid of animals; then they come to the farm and by year-end they love animals. Or you get a kid who is afraid of petting bunnies until they see all of their friends doing it; then they’ll try it too,” said Kyle. “It becomes such a breakthrough.” 

The partnership between Auerfarm and Wintonbury is truly unique and equips these young minds with a strong foundation in agriculture, science, and nature. This program is enjoyed by all as many parents volunteer to chaperone these field trips to watch their children thrive while learning on the farm. The Wintonbury PTO also hosts several family fun days at the farm so parents and families can get involved in all of its fun. The lessons learned on the farm will stick forever. The next time they have apple cider they’ll remember visiting the farm, picking apples, grinding them in the cider press, and collecting fresh cider. When they’re baking gingerbread cookies at home they’ll remember that cows and chickens made this possible; that wheat, oats, and spices took weeks to grow on the farm for them to enjoy their cookies; that farmers tended crops and animals to ensure healthy and safe food for public consumption. But most of all we hope they remember the wind on their faces, the dirt under their nails, and the fun they had at Auerfarm.

This article is part of Auerfarm’s Fall Appeal Newsletter. Programs like these are at the heart of our mission and with your support we can continue inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment. 

"It's a lizard!" "It's a salamander!" "It's a Dicamptodon," said Chiki, holding out her phone. She had taken a picture of the small stream creature the students had caught and looked up the exact type. "It's a type of brook salamander," she explains, "That's the first one I've seen around here, nice job!" she high-fives the student.

Splashing, laughter, and the occasional reminder to share could be heard in the stream that courses through Auerfarm. A group of 14 fourth graders from McAlister Intermediate School in Suffield and Montessori Magnet School at Batchelder in Hartford participating in the Interdistrict Camp Program at Auerfarm worked together to catch minnows, crayfish, and anything else they could find in the water. Knee-deep in muddy water was Chiki Santillan, a seasoned assistant camp director who enjoyed the stream probably more than the students did. Up on the bank was Hayley Yaros, the slightly more responsible of the duo in charge of the "Daisies" group, a name the pair had affectionately chosen together.

Santillan and Yaros have worked together at farm camps every summer for the past nine years, having spent the last five at Auerfarm. Recently promoted to co-assistant camp directors the two have revamped the camp's programming to foster an environment of play-based learning through a social-emotional framework.

"We try to create a place where kids are free to be themselves and are free to explore. That's where you draw out their natural curiosities about the world and can teach them things based on what they're interested in," said Santillan. "Taking ownership in their education gives them a sense of confidence that will propel them forward in life."

This grant-funded interdistrict program brings students from a rural and urban school together to reduce the racial, ethnic, and economic isolation of students and create spaces where students can gather, interact, and learn together in a week-long camp program. Each morning started with a morning meeting and a game. The game would be about team building, inclusion, and communication. Students would have to work together towards a common goal. This helped to observe differences amongst the group and break down any barriers. It helped to reach a common ground. Then students would move into their explorations; either the barn, stream, garden, or a science exploration. In the barn, students brushed donkeys and learned about animal safety. They walked goats and observed chickens. In the gardens, students learned about edible and medicinal weeds. They learned about plant dyes and flower pressing. In a science exploration students collected water samples from different areas of the farm and examined the contents under a microscope to record their observations.

However, the most beloved aspect of the program was exploring the stream every day. Every student enthusiastically participated when at the stream. The group arrived with shovels, nets, trowels, and buckets in tow ready to fish. Before each stream session, the students received a talk on respecting habitats and the wildlife that call the stream home. With that, they were off to see what they could find for the day. Many crayfish and tadpoles were caught, the occasional frog or toad, and for one brave soul, a baby water snake.

"The excitement from the students when they catch something, or the wonder on their faces when they place rocks in the stream and change the flow of the water are the windows of opportunity for learning. Why does the water change flow patterns? What is it that we caught? Why was it found here and not there? You introduce the topic by playing in the stream, then we can zoom out and say 'Okay, we can talk about habitats or the water cycle. Then you can expand that, and talk about water conservation, recycling, and the environment. And you're connecting it back to the experience in the stream. They feel centered in what they are learning, they retain it better, and they have confidence in their intelligence," said Santillan.

The interdistrict program at Auerfarm not only bridges the gap between urban and rural students but also fosters a deep connection with nature and scientific inquiry. As the day winds down, the students gather to share their discoveries and reflections. The excitement is palpable as they recount their adventures in the stream, the barn, and the gardens. This interdistrict program at Auerfarm stands as a shining example of how hands-on, experiential learning can break down barriers, inspire young minds, and cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. The program, like the stream itself, is a place of discovery, growth, and connection. It's a testament to the power of nature and the importance of fostering a love for the natural world in our young people.

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This article is part of Auerfarm's Fall Appeal Newsletter. Programs like these are at the heart of our mission and with your support we can continue inspiring children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science, and the natural environment. 

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Interested in summer camps at Auerfarm? See our summer camps page here. Registration begins January 1st!



 

Auerfarm was delighted and honored to be invited to as a workforce summer resource at the Intensive Education Academy’s (IEA), ‘What’s Next’ – It’s Never Too Early To Plan For Your Child’s Transition Years: A Parent Informational Evening event.  IEA and Auerfarm have been education partners for many years; thank you, IEA for including us!

Owen McMahon and Auguste LaFreniere, Job Coaches for Auerfarm’s Growing Opportunities (GO) Summer Program, represented the GO program.

Auerfarm was among some of CT’s finest resources and speakers; 

Department of Developmental Services, Department of Social Services,  Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri Law Firm, Level Up Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, State Education Resource Center, Wheeler/Connecticut Clearinghouse, Easterseals, Planet Fitness, HighHopes, CT Family Services Network, and Guided by Goats.

For more information about Auerfarm’s Growing Opportunities program: https://auerfarm.org/educationalprograms/auerfarm-go-program/

Auerfarm and Samad Gardens Initiative are excited to announce the return of the collaborative workshop, “Foraging Edible and Medicinal Weeds,” on May 4, 2024, at 3:00 PM. This workshop is hosted in a five-part foraging series with classes spanning from May to September and encompassing a wide range of wild plants as the seasons change. Classes are stand-alone or participants can choose to sign up for the whole series!  All classes will be hosted at The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm in Bloomfield, CT. 

The workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify useful and edible native plants growing in their local environment. Participants will learn the basic principles of safe foraging and embark on a guided walk to put their newfound knowledge into practice. This hands-on experience will deepen your connection with nature and show you how to incorporate these plants into your daily lives, both for culinary and medicinal purposes.

“This is a cool workshop because it shows you that nature and the environment are here to help us. These weeds grow naturally, have so many benefits, and the bounty is plentiful. This workshop was grounding, interactive, and informative. I left feeling appreciative for the world around me,” said a participant in last year’s workshop. 

This workshop is part of the ongoing Samad Farmer Incubator Program, a series of classes and workshops designed to empower individuals interested in pursuing a career in farming. Through this program, Samad Gardens Initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to agricultural education, with a particular focus on serving the BIPOC community.

Registration:
To register and learn more, please visit the Auerfarm website at www.auerfarm.org/events or visit us on Eventbrite. 

About Samad and Auerfarm:
Samad Gardens Initiative LLC is an herb, cut flower, and diversified vegetable farm and education enterprise founded by Azeem Zakir Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem in 2020. Samad’s mission is twofold: to produce quality, organic, nutritious produce for our urban communities, and to offer ongoing education opportunities for new and beginner farmers in our state. We meet both goals by operating a Demonstration Farm and Incubator Farm Program at Auerfarm 4-H Farm and Education Center, where we offer hands-on classes on gardening, foraging, seed saving, and more. Samad Gardens Initiative has an invested interest in serving the BIPOC community, which continues to experience severe access gaps in the fields of farming and agriculture.

Calling all aspiring green thumbs! Auerfarm is excited to announce its upcoming “Start Your Gardens Crash Course” workshop, designed to equip you with all the essentials to start your own garden and grow fresh produce at home! 

This interactive program, taking place on Sunday, April 7th, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, is perfect for both gardening newcomers and those seeking to refresh their knowledge and learn new techniques. Led by Samad Gardens Initiative, the workshop will delve into the fundamental principles of vegetable gardening, empowering you to grow delicious and nutritious food right at home.

Throughout the 2.5-hour session, participants will gain valuable insights into:

• Soil Basics & Plant Needs: Understand the foundation of healthy plant growth, including soil composition and nutrient requirements.
• Seasonal Growing & Seed Starting: Learn the art of planting by the seasons and explore the rewarding world of seed starting.
• Transplanting Techniques: Master the proper methods for transplanting seedlings outdoors for optimal success.
• DIY Plant Amendments: Discover cost-effective and sustainable ways to enrich your soil and nurture your plants.
• Pest & Disease Management: Equip yourself with strategies for preventing and managing common garden challenges.
• And More!

In addition to the comprehensive workshop content, participants will receive a selection of seeds to take home and begin their gardening journey.

Space is limited for this informative and engaging program. Register today on Eventbrite to secure your spot!

About Samad Gardens Initiative at Auerfarm: 

Samad Gardens Initiative LLC is an herb, cut flower, and diversified vegetable farm and education enterprise founded by Azeem Zakir Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem in 2020. Samad’s mission is twofold: to produce quality, organic, nutritious produce for our urban communities, and to offer ongoing education opportunities for new and beginner farmers in our state. We meet both goals by operating a Demonstration Farm and Incubator Farm Program at Auerfarm 4-H Farm and Education Center, where we offer hands-on classes on gardening, foraging, seed saving, and more. Samad Gardens Initiative has an invested interest in serving the BIPOC community, which continues to experience severe access gaps in the field of farming and agriculture.

The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm and Samad Gardens Initiative is thrilled to announce the return of the Incubator Farming Program and the Start Your Garden Crash Course!  This comprehensive program offers a deep dive into sustainable and holistic land care practices, empowering individuals to pursue their agricultural aspirations.

The Samad Gardens Initiative Incubator Program is designed for those interested in transitioning into farming as a career or homesteading for self-sufficiency. The program offers a variety of hands-on workshops and expert-led training sessions throughout the spring and summer months.

Participants can choose to enroll in the full program or attend individual workshops that pique their interest. Some of the exciting workshops offered this season include:

• Start Your Gardens Crash Course: Learn essential skills for growing your own food, from seed starting to pest management.
  

  Pictured in the event flyer are Azeem and Sarah Rose Kareem of Samad Gardens Initiative.

• Gardening on a Budget: Discover practical techniques for thriving urban and container gardens.
• Foraging Edible & Medicinal Plants: Gain the knowledge to safely identify and utilize wild edibles in your daily life.
• Seed Saving: Master the art of saving seeds from your own harvest for future plantings.
• Self-Sufficiency Crash Course:
  Explore a comprehensive range of skills for achieving a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

This series provides a supportive learning environment where participants can connect with a network of passionate farmers and mentors.

Embrace Sustainable Agriculture with Auerfarm!

For more information on the Samad Gardens Initiative Incubator Program schedule and individual workshop registration, please visit our website: https://auerfarm.org/events

About Samad Gardens Initiative at Auerfarm: 

Samad Gardens Initiative LLC is an herb, cut flower, and diversified vegetable farm and education enterprise founded by Azeem Zakir Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem in 2020. Samad’s mission is twofold: to produce quality, organic, nutritious produce for our urban communities, and to offer ongoing education opportunities for new and beginner farmers in our state. We meet both goals by operating a Demonstration Farm and Incubator Farm Program at Auerfarm 4-H Farm and Education Center, where we offer hands-on classes on gardening, foraging, seed saving, and more. Samad Gardens Initiative has an invested interest in serving the BIPOC community, which continues to experience severe access gaps in the field of farming and agriculture.

Bloomfield, CT – Bob’s Discount Furniture and Auerfarm will host a ribbon cutting to officially open the new Crispin Cottage Farmstay, completely furnished by Bob’s Discount Furniture. The ribbon cutting will take place on March 16th, 2024 at 10:30 AM and will be attended by Senator Derek Slap, Mayor Danielle C. Wong, and Councilman Kenneth McClary with remarks from Erica Fearn, Executive Director at Auerfarm, as well as, Nicole Ball, PR, and Community Outreach Manager at Bob’s Discount Furniture, and Scott Wells & Lori Bartone of Options Employment and Educational Services.

Bob’s Discount Furniture embraces community partnership by completely furnishing Auerfarm’s recently opened Farmstay cottage, contributing a $10,000 investment in high-quality furniture and supporting education initiatives.

This partnership transforms a physical space and symbolizes the shared dedication to fostering growth and inclusivity within the community. The farmstays at Auerfarm are managed by the Auerfarm Growing Opportunities (GO) students who are from the Options Employment and Educational Services, Farmington Valley Transition Academy, and West Hartford Transition Program. GO provides workforce development skills to students 18-22 in the areas of hospitality, food service, agriculture, and facilities. These students will work alongside Roca, a program aiding young women aged 18 – 24 who have faced significant trauma, further expanding the scope of the workforce development supported by this partnership.

Beyond the immediate impact on workforce development, the Auerfarm Farmstay is vital to the organization’s social enterprise model. The funds generated through the Farmstay contribute directly to Auerfarm’s educational and agricultural programs, ensuring their sustainability and expansion. This interconnected approach creates a self-sustaining ecosystem, where each element reinforces the others.

Auerfarm’s belief in equal opportunities aligns seamlessly with Bob’s Discount Furniture’s dedication to community well-being. Through this collaboration, both organizations seek to amplify their impact on the community, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the farm’s boundaries.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the Farmstay, attendees can participate in the community engagement activities of Auerfarm’s Maple Sugaring Demonstration & Pancake Breakfast, scheduled at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m. at 158 Auer Farm Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our Eventbrite page.

About Bob’s Discount Furniture

Founded in 1991, Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the fastest-growing furniture retailers in the country. Keeping true to its founding principle that everyone deserves quality furniture, Bob’s provides unsurpassed value with honesty and integrity. Through all the work that happens behind the scenes, Bob’s engineers this value, offering its discount on a wide variety of stylish, quality furnishings, mattresses, and home accents. The company also offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, featuring cafes in each store with complimentary gourmet coffee, ice cream, cookies, and candy. With 171 furniture stores across 24 states, the Manchester, Connecticut-based company has become the 8th-largest U.S. furniture chain according to Furniture Today. The company is also recognized by Plant-A Research Group and Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families.

Bob’s is committed to supporting local communities through a variety of charitable giving efforts. Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation has anchored the company’s philanthropic work for more than 20 years. Additionally, the Bob’s Outreach program was created as a separate entity to help schools and children-related charities. In total, Bob’s and its Foundation donate more than $2.75 million to charities through these programs each year. For more information on Bob’s charitable programs, visit Bob’s Cares, and follow Bob’s on Twitter @MyBobs, on Facebook, and Instagram.

About Auerfarm:

Auerfarm inspires lifelong learning through hands-on, interactive, and innovative experiences that explore agriculture, science, and the environment. Students, families, and other visitors gain scientific knowledge and a heightened appreciation for the world around us. The farm was generously donated by Beatrice Fox Auerbach’s children to 4-H with an agreement to maintain the property as an open space, providing a community resource where children and families can learn about and enjoy the ambiance of the farm. The 120-acre property in the northwest section of Bloomfield, Connecticut was deeded to the non-profit 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm Inc., (Auerfarm) in 1976. For more information visit Auerfarm, and follow Auerfarm on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.