Program Overview
The Farm Experience Program introduces students to sustainable farming practices through hands-on activities in fruit and orchid cultivation, soil management, and farm-to-table experiences. Students learn how food is grown, how soil is cared for, and how plants are nurtured from seed to harvest.
This program connects students with nature and food systems, helping them understand sustainability, responsibility, and the value of local agriculture.
Program Goals
The program aims to:
- Introduce basic concepts of sustainable farming
- Teach students how plants grow and how farms operate
- Build hands-on skills in gardening and plant care
- Increase awareness of food systems and sustainability
- Encourage appreciation for farmers and local produce
Sustainable Farm 101
Overview
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of sustainable farming and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Activities
- Learn basic principles of sustainable farming
- Understand how farms balance production and environmental care
Blossom & Bloom (Fruit & Orchid Cultivation)
Overview
Students learn how fruits and orchids are cultivated and maintained in a sustainable farm setting.
Activities
- Explore fruit cultivation methods
- Learn basic orchid care and cultivation practices
- Observe plant growth cycles
Composting
Overview
Students learn how organic waste can be turned into useful compost to improve soil health.
Activities
- Learn what composting is and why it is important
- Participate in simple composting activities
- Understand how compost supports sustainable farming
Grafting
Overview
Students learn basic grafting techniques to combine plant varieties and improve crop quality.
Activities
- Learn what grafting is and why it is used
- Observe or practice simple grafting methods under guidance
Marcotting (Air Layering)
Overview
Students learn how to propagate plants using marcotting (air layering) techniques.
Activities
- Learn how marcotting works
- Observe or practice basic marcotting techniques
- Understand how plant propagation supports sustainable farming
Farm Adopt Program
Overview
Students symbolically adopt a plant or farming plot and follow its growth over time.
Activities
- Choose a plant or crop to adopt
- Tag and document its growth
- Receive progress updates from farm staff
Soil to Soul, Seed to Feed (Farm to Table)
Overview
Students experience the journey of food from the soil to the table and learn about responsible consumption.
Activities
- Learn how food moves from planting to harvesting
- Understand the importance of fresh, local produce
- Participate in simple farm-to-table activities (harvesting, preparation, or tasting when possible)
Things to Bring
- Comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- A notebook with a pen
- Mosquito repellant
- Watershoes
- Lunchbox
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Explain basic principles of sustainable farming
- Describe how fruits and orchids are cultivated
- Understand composting and its role in soil health
- Recognize basic plant propagation methods (grafting and marcotting)
- Explain how food travels from farm to table
- Show greater appreciation for sustainable agriculture and local food systems