Each spring, Maple Dene Elementary students, grades 4 and up, spend three days and two nights at The Farm School in Athol, MA. Here they learn about farming in the surrounding fields and taking care of animals, including cows, goats, chickens, sheep and the farm’s work horses. This year’s trip is planned for May 11-13th.
Students work together in small groups to accomplish the daily work on the farm. They help with planting, while learning about ecology and stewardship of the land. The garden provides much of the delicious food to feed the hungry student farmers and staff. All of the buildings, except the barn, have been built over the years by students, including the bunk house where they now sleep.
This year will be Maple Dene’s eleventh visit to the farm. So many students have shared in the work there, and each group includes newcomers to the experience – as well as those who cannot wait to return.
You can learn more about the Farm School at www.farmschool.org.
