Come on out and get your hands dirty at Davison Orchards’ Farmer for a Day program.
Kids are invited to join Linda (Davison) McVeigh to learn what it’s like to be a farmer for a day. The kids will meet three generations of working farmers as they experience a day of hands-on learning and fun.
New this year, the farm’s first ever Farmer for a Day program was offered early in the season to kids seeking a fun, interactive, and authentic farm experience and was a resounding success, and so four more dates have been added.
“Our summer programs will reflect the seasonal activities on the farm,” said McVeigh, the program facilitator. “Kids will be kept busy exploring the crops in various stages of growth, learning about irrigation, and harvesting in-season produce.”
The day will start with a visit to the barns and animals, followed by a tour of the farm facilities including the apple peeling machines and the juicing room. Walking along the edges of the farm will give kids a chance to observe animal trails, beehives, and learn to identify some of the natural vegetation common to the area.
After lunch, kids will take a ride on the Johnny Popper tractor-train through the fields and plantings, where the eager farmers-in-training will learn about irrigation techniques and the process of harvesting under the watchful eye of Farmer Tom.
Because farm life can’t be all work and no play, the day will be rounded out with playtime in the Crazy Cow Kids’ Corral, a farm-themed play area. Kids will also be served real fruit ice cream as a special treat for all their hard work at the farm.
Each child attending the program in July and August will harvest fruit and vegetables to take home to their families.
“Many children haven’t experienced a vegetable garden in the back yard,” said McVeigh. “To pick produce fresh from the vine or branch connects us to our food in such a basic way.”
Farmer for a Day is designed for children ages five to eight, and will be held at Davison Orchards this summer on July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Registration is $50 /day which includes lunch and snacks.
For more information or to register, call 250-549-3266 or e-mail info@davisonorchards.ca.
