Our nonprofit educational farm is located just five miles from downtown Freeport, Maine and I-295.
We invite kids in grades K-5 to spend their school vacations learning, exploring, and having fun at Wolfe’s Neck Center! We will take care of and visit our animals, cook, play in our forests, and so much more. Campers can sign up for a single day, a few days, or the full session.
Vacation Camp enrollment for 2024 has closed. Please check back this fall for information about School Vacation Camps for 2025. Thank you!
February Vacation Camp: Full
April Vacation Camp: Full
Week 1: June 17, 18, 20, 21
*NO CAMP on Wednesday, June 19th for Juneteenth*
Week 2: June 24-28
Week 3: July 1-3
*NO CAMP on Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day*
Week 4: July 8-12
Week 5: July 15-19
Week 6: July 22-26
*No Farmward Bound – C.H.E.F. program instead*
Week 7: July 29 – August 2
*No Farmward Bound – C.H.E.F. program instead*
Week 8: August 5-9
Week 9: August 12-16
Week 10: August 19-23
You can view our full 2024 Farm Camp Programs calendar, here.
To allow more individuals to experience Farm Camp each year, we are limiting registration to four Summer Camp weeks per camper, not including February or April Break Camps. We appreciate your understanding.
_________________________________________________________
Our youngest campers are introduced to farming and the natural world by spending a half-day in either the morning or afternoon at camp. Each week, campers will participate in a variety of focused activities, learning more about our farm and garden. They will meet our animals, taste vegetables growing in our garden, and explore and play in the forest or coast. Our staff nurture a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about all the plants and animals that call our farm home.
½ Day Programming Only (9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 4:00pm) I $275 per week
MUST be 4 years old and fully potty trained by June 1st to participate
This age group is currently full. We encourage you to join the waitlist in case there are any changes to registration. To join the waitlist follow the registration link at the top of this page.
_________________________________________________________
Peapods will spend the full day at camp, digging deeper into our farm and surrounding ecosystems. They will help take care of our animals and participate in a variety of games and activities geared towards learning about the many different parts of our farms. Activities may include collecting and dissecting eggs, preparing a salad with harvested greens, making butter, and snuggling our sheep. The Peapods will have the chance to play and learn alongside the older campers during afternoon Choice Time where campers choose from a handful crafts, games, or exploration-based activities.
Full Day Programming Only (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $325 per week
MUST be 5 by June 1st
This age group is currently full. We encourage you to join the waitlist in case there are any changes to registration. To join the waitlist follow the registration link at the top of this page.
_________________________________________________________
Sprouts will get their hands dirty through daily farm chores that may include collecting eggs, feeding the goats, and tending our gardens. Each day, Sprouts will focus on discovering more about a different part of our farm with activities like needle felting with wool from our sheep or cooking with ingredients from our garden. They will explore the vibrant ecosystems surrounding the farm, including the forest, salt marsh, and Casco Bay shorelines. Our staff will lead activities that encourage creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the natural world.
Full Day Programming Only (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $325 per week
_________________________________________________________
This group of campers will deepen connections with the land through age-appropriate, farm-based activities. Daily chores may include caring for more of our livestock, turning the compost, and picking harmful insects out of our production fields. Seedlings will venture to farther reaches of the farm and develop a deeper understanding of our fruit and vegetable production and dairy practices. While we ask our Seedlings to have more responsibility in the day to day care of our plants and animals, there will be plenty of time spent playing, exploring, and discovering.
Full Day Programming Only (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $325 per week
_________________________________________________________
Exploring food and farming firsthand, Farm Kids will engage in the meaningful work of growing food, harvesting produce, and caring for livestock on a deeper level. Additionally, in the creative tradition of Farm Camp they will try their hand in farm processes such as pickling, cheese making, and wool crafts. While enjoying a higher level of responsibility on the farm and participating in Farm Improvement Projects, Farm Kids also take time to be fully immersed in classic Farm Camp fun.
Full Day Programming Only (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $325 per week
_________________________________________________________
Farmward Bound campers immerse themselves in our farm production through meaningful projects in our fields and with our livestock. They will learn more about our sustainable farming practices and participate in the many steps it takes to go from farm to table. The group will expand their exploration of Wolfe’s Neck during a weekly excursion to Wolfe’s Neck State Park. These campers can participate in an optional one-night overnight on the farm, typically held Thursday into Friday. During the overnight, campers will visit our dairy barn during milking hours to see the process, cook themselves dinner using farm products, play games, and enjoy having the farm to themselves. We provide tents and some other gear and will work with families to ensure each camper has what they need to participate. More details about the overnight will be provided prior to your camper’s week.
*Farmward Bound will NOT be happening during Weeks 6 and 7 (July 22nd to August 2nd). Instead, we will be hosting a new cooking program for campers ages 12-15.
Full Day Programming with One Optional Overnight (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $400 per week
_________________________________________________________
Cook. Harvest. Eat. Farm! This group of campers will transform into farm-based chefs over the course of their week here. They will get a closer look at what it takes to produce the food we eat – visiting and working in our gardens and vegetable fields and harvesting produce. They will then take to the kitchen to learn how to prepare what was picked, the basics of knife and food safety, and different cooking techniques. Whether campers come in with cooking experience or are total novices, our goal is for each one to leave a little more comfortable in the kitchen and with a better understanding of farm to table.
*This program is only taking place during Weeks 6 and 7 (July 22nd to 26th & July 29th – August 2nd).
Full Day Programming Only (9:00am – 4:00pm) I $400 per week
Our Counselor-in-Training program is designed for 14-year-olds ready to step up and lean more about leadership in a camp setting. Through activities with other CITs, collaboration with Junior Counselors (JCs), and hands-on experiences with younger campers, CITs will start to develop skills to be positive role models at camp. Through this program, CITs will be trained in valuable skills and knowledge during short workshops on topics such as behavior and group management, safety, and motivating campers.
*This program is only taking place during weeks 4 and 5 (July 8th – July 19th)
Full Day from 9:00am to 4:00pm | $100 per week
In case of an emergency, CITs will be treated as campers due to rules we follow with our Youth Camp License. Because of this, there must be a fee associated with the CIT program.
Our Junior Counselor (JC) program is designed for passionate, mature, and responsible high school students (ages 15-18) looking to gain hands-on leadership experience working with younger children, while learning about sustainable agriculture and local ecology. JCs balance their days outside assisting camp staff with activities and working as a cohort with a Junior Counselor Leader. Each day, they will also spend some time cultivating the necessary tools to become effective leaders in a camp setting, reflecting on scenarios from the week, and participating in some JC-only activities. The JC program is a volunteer learning opportunity for individuals who are comfortable working outdoors in a farm environment. Participants can choose one or two week-long sessions, with two consecutive weeks being preferred.
This summer, turn your child’s camp experience into a Maine adventure for the whole family! Camp & Camp is a great way to do Farm Camp while also enjoying our award-winning oceanfront campground. During your camp week, you can stay on-site at one of the 150 pet-friendly campsites along the shoreline, through forests, and along fields. While your camper is exploring our farm during the day, there are many ways for you to enjoy and relax at Wolfe’s Neck Center. Activities include taking a hike on the miles of nature trails in our forests, renting a kayak to explore our coastline, or bringing/renting a bicycle to expand the reach of your adventures. Also on site is our Farm Store, where you can purchase a variety of Maine products, in addition to our own meat and produce to cook over the campfire, a Café with a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, and daily Community and Family Programs for kids too young to participate in Farm Camp.
The Camp & Camp 25% discount is offered for Sunday through Thursday stays. Any additional nights are available at full list price. This offer is applicable to campsites only. Not available on cabins, A-frames, Comfort Camping, or LL Bean Wicked Easy Camping.
To book your Camp & Camp stay:
Farm Camp tuition is due in full by June 1st. Additional late fees will accrue after that date.
Scholarships for camp are available. Please see our FAQs for more information about applying for a scholarship.
Refunds and Credits:
Families who request a cancellation in any of these windows may choose to transfer their camper(s) to another available session at no cost or to donate their tuition to our scholarship fund.
If you need to cancel after June 1st due to extenuating circumstances, please contact us at educationadmin@wolfesneck.org.
**Weeks 1 and 3 will be prorated to account for a 4-day week because of holidays.
Are there any other fees?
Yes! We are very fortunate to be able to offer partial and full scholarships for Farm Camp. If you are a resident of Freeport or Pownal, you are also eligible for Carol Southall Camp Scholarships through Freeport Community Services.
To apply for a scholarship for Farm Camp:
Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis with priority given to applications submitted before April 1st. Please reach out to educationadmin@wolfesneck.org with questions.
Outlined below are some basic skills that help campers have a successful week at camp, as they work through transitions, are part of a group, and deal with a new routine. Our goal is for all campers to have fun and receive the support they need to have a good week. We hire incredible staff and can accommodate and work with most campers of varying abilities and needs. We are limited in our capacity to meet severely challenging behaviors and unable to provide one-on-one services with camp staff. Hopefully, this list can help determine whether or not your child is ready for Farm Camp here.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office (207-865-4469 ext. 101) to discuss your campers’ specific needs, how we can accommodate them, or if you are still unsure if Farm Camp would be a good fit. We are very much willing to do what is reasonably within our capacity, while ensuring the health and safety of all of camp, to help your camper have a safe and successful week.
How does Farm Camp staff support our campers?
What Farm Camp cannot provide:
What does my camper need to wear to camp?
Campers should wear weather appropriate clothing and CLOSED TOED SHOES. Because our day includes campers being up close with our animals, working in our fields with tools, and being in spaces with or near animal poop, it is important to fully protect feet. We also encourage your camper to pack extra clothing such as a change of socks, extra layers, hats, jackets, and waterproof clothing.
What does my camper need to bring to camp?
What not to bring?
What is the general daily schedule at Farm Camp?
Please note:
**Farmward Bound & C.H.E.F. will vary from the above schedule.
Schedule for Morning & Afternoon Buds Program:
Morning Session
Afternoon Session
Is your program the same each week?
Yes & No. Our program generally follows the same schedule from week to week and covers similar topics. Each morning, groups will participate in ‘Farm Focus Time’ where they will dive deeper into different farm areas including our gardens, animals, and fields. Themes will repeat every two weeks and while activities will remain the same week to week, there will also be some variation in what groups do during this time. The afternoons consist of Choice Time. More popular activities may repeat week to week, but there are consistently new choices and plenty of opportunities for repeat campers to intermingle and participate in something new.
What are the First Aid resources at Farm Camp?
The health and safety of your camper(s) is our top priority. Our staff are trained to be active observers of all campers and to maintain a safe group environment. We have specific ratios of staff to campers and tone setting takes place prior to all activities around our farm to establish safety expectations. We expect that your campers will listen to and respect our staff’s safety reminders and make choices that will keep their bodies as well as the rest of the group and our plants and animals safe. We also recognize that camp and our farm environment is a great place for campers to try new things and take risks within a controlled and safe setting with the encouragement and careful observation of our staff.
Many of our Farm Camp staff are First Aid, CPR, or Wilderness First Aid certified and we typically have one or two certified lifeguards on staff. With trained staff, they are able to do the majority of the basic first aid we see on a day-to-day basis at camp. This training and the critical thinking skills that often come with the certifications, allow our staff to more easily recognize potential risks and facilitate their group in a way that minimizes hazards.
We will also have a licensed medical professional on our summer staff who will treat the basic day-to-day first aid as well as treat and support all other medical issues that arise. Based on ME Health Department requirements for summer camps this person will be one of the following: Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, an Emergency Medical Technician, or a Wilderness First Responder.
Our camp office staff as well as many of our full-time staff hold First Aid/CPR certifications and the Farm Camp Manager has a Wilderness First Responder certification as well as Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate.
Our staff is better able to meet your campers health and medical needs when we have all the information we need to take care of them while at camp. Please make sure you fill out our health form in its entirety 2 weeks prior to your camp session and/or call us with any questions or concerns.
What happens if it is raining at camp? Or if it is very hot?
Farm Camp is almost entirely outdoors, and that’s the fun of it!! Staff will monitor the weather and modify activities as needed to account for the health and safety of our campers.
Our property has lots of sunny spots – good for plants and pastures, but more challenging for humans. Throughout the day, groups go off to shady areas, the woods, and the coast. Lunch and snack will be in the shade. In the event of extreme heat, we will utilize the Smith Center. We provide campers with fresh water throughout the day and opportunities to take a break. Please pack your camper with a water bottle, and they may refill it at any time!
Because of the new Smith Center, we will not need to cancel camp during thunderstorms. Campers and staff will move activities indoors/under a covered space during inclement weather. If there’s no thunder, we will be outdoors in the rain! Drop off and pick up locations may change in the event of inclement weather to ensure campers and their belongings stay dry.
In the event of severe weather, we will be in contact via email first and then phone.
How does camp drop off and pick up work?
Camper pick up and drop off for all campers will occur at the picnic tables in front of the white Little River Farmhouse. For pick up, please bring an ID. We take the safety of campers seriously. You will be asked to present your ID to confirm with the Authorized Grown Up list (provided within your CampInTouch profile) before your camper is released from camp.
Can my camper bike or walk to and from camp?
Yes! We encourage car alternatives modes of transportation to camp! If you would like your camper to be able to bike or walk home themselves without an adult, you will need to fill out our bike/walk permission form giving your camper’s counselor permission to sign them in/out of camp. We ask that all campers arrive with an adult on the first day of camp. This form will be available in our Farm Camp Handbook that will be sent before the start of camp.
Can my camper be bumped into a different age group?
No. We organize our programs so campers within their respective age groups, based on their age as of June 1st, 2024. While your camper will be with their age group for parts of the day, they will also have time to participate in activities with other age groups throughout the day.
Can my camper attend your program all summer long?
No. We limit registration to four weeks per camper in order to allow more families to participate in our programs!
What is the nut policy?
Due to the increased prevalence of nut allergies, we have instituted a nut-free policy for Farm Camp. We do not serve nut products at camp and we ask all participants to refrain from bringing nuts or nut-related products to camp.
However, due to the variety of programs, activities, and public visitors at Wolfe’s Neck Center, we cannot guarantee we are a nut-free facility for those with severe allergies. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your camper’s allergy needs or our policies.
What is Farm Camp’s cancellation policy?
Farm Camp tuition is due in full by June 1st. Additional late fees will accrue after that date.
Refunds and Credits:
Families who request a cancellation in any of these windows may choose to transfer their camper(s) to another available session at no cost or to donate their tuition to our scholarship fund.
If you need to cancel after June 1st due to extenuating circumstances, please contact us at educationadmin@wolfesneck.org.
What is Farm Camp’s camper cell phone policy?
Please do not send your camper to Farm Camp with cell phones or other electronics. We want all our campers to be fully engaged and present with our programming. If you need to contact your camper or our office needs to contact you, we will use our office phones. Medical equipment is our only exception. Medical electronics must be checked in with our office/medical staff at the beginning of your camp week.
What is Farm Camp’s behavior policy?
We ask each child to participate (physically, mentally, and behaviorally) in creating a meaningful experience for themselves and others! Those who do not contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment will meet with the Farm Camp Manager to discuss concerns and work together to form a behavioral plan, and the child’s family will be notified. Any child who engages in threatening, intimidating, or intentionally harmful behavior toward any person or animal will be immediately removed from program activities. The family will be notified, and the child may be asked to leave Farm Camp. Tuition will not be refunded.
Is there a fee for late pick up?
Please make every effort to pick up your child on time. Pick up time is 4:00, unless you are a morning Bud, in which case your pick up time is 12:00. Families will be charged a $5.00 late fee if ten minutes late, and $1.00 for every minute thereafter (11 minutes or more). If you are late, we will use your late fee to appreciate our staff at the end of the program season. Thank you for your compliance and understanding. If you are running late, please contact the office at (207)865-4469 or educationadmin@wolfesneck.org if you are able.
How do I register my child for camp?
Farm Camp Registration opens on Monday, December 4th at 10AM. The link will be posted at 10AM to the top of this webpage as well as emailed to camp families already in our camp system.
To get in our system prior to the day of registration, you will have to fill out a CampInTouch Inquiry Form. Instructions on how to do that can be found in the next FAQ. Please note that only NEW camp families will need to fill out an Inquiry Form.
Click here to see an example of what the registration form will look like.
Can I create a CampInTouch account before registration opens on December 4th at 10AM?
Not exactly. If you are a NEW Farm Camp Family and have never created a CampInTouch account before, you can get your family into our system by filling out this Inquiry Form here. It will put you in our system to receive emails and updates prior to registration opening on December 4th.
Note – This is only for NEW users. If you attended Farm Camp in 2023, you already have a CampInTouch account, and DO NOT need to fill out an inquiry form.
What forms do I need to fill out before attending camp?
These forms can be found in your CampInTouch profile under the Forms & Documents tab.
Please note these forms are due by June 1st regardless of when your camper is attending camp.
How do I make a payment for my camper enrolled in camp?
Before you make payments, please note our minimum payment amount is $5.00.
When is payment due for camp?
Farm Camp tuition is due in full by June 1st regardless of when your camper is attending camp.
I’m having trouble with CampInTouch. What do I do?
If you are having trouble figuring out how to navigate CampInTouch, or have other CampInTouch questions, take a look at their “Parent Login and FAQ” page.
If you still have questions, email our office at educationadmin@wolfesneck.org or call us at (207) 865-4469 ext. 101.
I’m not sure which weeks I registered my campers in or if they are on the waitlist. How can I find that out?
Once registered for camp, you can check your camper’s registration status by returning to your CampInTouch My Account home page. Click on Camper Information to view which weeks you are registered or waitlisted.
What are the top tips and tricks when registering for Farm Camp?
I’m on the waitlist, what now?
We do see movement in our waitlists, so we recommend staying on the list. If a spot becomes available, we will give you a call as soon as the space opens. Please note that occasionally spaces open the Monday of that week if another camper cancels for some reason.
There is no way of knowing what number you are on the waitlist within your CampInTouch profile. If you would like to know, please send us an email at educationadmin@wolfesneck.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
By staying on the waitlist, you also remain in our Farm Camp Family system to receive news and updates before the general public for the following year.
Wolfe’s Neck Center is free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Wander through our animal barn, hike our trails, visit our vegetable plots and explore the rocky Maine coastline. We also offer activities designed to immerse visitors in food, farming, and reconnecting with nature. These include Family Programs, Tours, and Workshops like our popular Goat Hike, events, School Vacation Camps, and more. Join our newsletter mailing list for notification to get updates about happenings around the farm.
Is there a discount on Camp for members?
No. While we do not offer a discount on camp tuition for members, there are many other benefits of a Wolfe’s Neck membership. Perks include: early notification of Farm Camp registration opening, discounted family programs and workshops, members-only events, farm products discounts, and early access to our seasonal vegetable CSA. Farm Camp will be hosting more camp-specific events throughout the year for Farm Camp Families. Members will receive early notification and discounted or free registration.
Why has the price of camp increased?
We aim to keep our tuition to camp as low as possible in an effort to be accessible to more families. However, the cost of running camp continues to increase with high operating costs and improved wages for our counselors to fairly compensate them for the incredible efforts. We have scholarships available and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or payment concerns.
Please contact our Education Team at educationadmin@wolfesneck.org or (207) 865-4469 ext. 101.
Support our work! Your tax-deductible gift supports a better future for farming, our children, and the planet.