A Heartfelt Opportunity to Support Bowers Farm Summer Camp – Year 5 and Beyond

Five years ago, when we opened registration for the very first week of Bowers Farm Summer Camp, we genuinely had no idea what to expect. We had 12 spots available, and to our complete amazement, they were filled within the hour. At that time, registration was through a google form and you couldn't set limits to those, so we had to manually watch the registrations come in and turn off the form when it was full!

Since that whirlwind first day, our camp has grown in ways we never imagined.

We started year 1 with one week of camp and 12 wide-eyed, free-range farm kids.

Year 2 we great to two weeks with 24 campers each week.

Year 3 we expanded to three weeks with 36 kids each week, and for the first time, we added a full-day option for older campers.

Year 4 we stretched ourselves to 4 weeks of our 1/2 day camp option with 36 campers each week, plus one week of our full day camp.

Every year has brought more weeks, more campers, and more opportunities.

Now, as we proudly enter our fifth summer, we’re preparing for four weeks of half-day camp and two full weeks of full-day camp.

This year, we also have more staff than ever before—and with that, a growing commitment to making sure all kids feel welcome. We’ve been deeply moved by the increase in families requesting accommodations for children with disabilities, so that their child can enjoy farm camp alongside their peers. This inclusive mission has become a core part of who we are, and we’re honored to rise to the occasion.

The growth of camp has been exciting, sometimes chaotic, but always deeply rewarding. Just this year, we saw more competition than ever for our staff positions—proof that Bowers Farm Summer Camp is becoming not just a summer destination, but a community.

And now, we’re adding something new that we’re incredibly excited about.

Over the years, we’ve had countless conversations with people who’ve said, “I wish I could help out with camp, but I’m not able to work there,” or, “I don’t have kids the right age to sign up, but I love what you’re doing.” Until now, there really wasn’t a clear way to support camp unless you were directly involved.

That changes this year.

With the help of our new online ordering platform, we now have a way for anyone—truly anyone—to support the mission of Bowers Farm Summer Camp. Whether you're a former camper, a grandparent, a neighbor, or just someone who believes in what we're doing, there are now opportunities to donate in a way that feels meaningful to you.

You can contribute to:

• General Camp Expenses (used where most needed)

• Educational Materials (supplies for hands-on learning)

• Recreational Materials (from art supplies to outdoor games)

• Scholarship Fund (to help cover additional staff needed for campers with disabilities)

We know times are tough, and that the cost of nearly everything is rising. We've worked hard to keep the price of camp as low as possible without compromising the quality of the experience, the passion of our staff, or the richness of the learning environment. Your support helps us do that—and more.

To be honest, asking for donations can feel uncomfortable. But I try to remind myself of how grateful I am when someone shares a cause they love with me. Giving is a gift in itself—an opportunity to take part in something joyful, hopeful, and meaningful.

Supporting Bowers Farm Summer Camp won’t be for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those of you who believe in agricultural education, in creating space for all children to thrive, and in the magic of summer on the farm, your generosity means the world to us.

Here’s to making Year 5 the best one yet!

Click the link below to learn more? 🌱 Every seed you sow helps a child grow.

Support Bowers Farm Summer Camp