Space for arrival and departing was donated by Foxcroft Academy and food was donated by Save-A-Lot Food Store. Monetary donations were given by Dover and Dexter Kiwanis, Milo Garden Club, and Oakhurst Charitable Giving. These donations help to keep this camp in progress.

Each day of camp was led by volunteer farm hosts who intrigued the campers with fun activities, educational discussions, and tours of their farms.

Monday, June 28th, Karen Morris of Borderline Farm led the group at her sheep farm as she taught the campers the process of backyard wool production. The campers washed wool in overfilling rain barrels, laid it out in hopes for the sun come out and dry it, learned to card the wool, and were able to use the treadle of a real spinning wheel. Tuesday, June 29th, George Nuite of Gilrock Farm let the campers bottle feed some newborn calves, feed hay to the older cows and then led the group on a walk around the farm and took them on a nice cool hayride around the newly planted corn fields.

Wednesday, June 30th, Sid Stutzman of Stutzman Farms greeted the campers with a lesson on planting and care of strawberries, peas, and potatoes. Sid showed the campers all around the farm fields answering many questions and then letting them each pick from his pea and strawberry fields. The campers left with strawberry red smiles.

Thursday, July 1st, Joy Lacasce of Finestkind Christmas Tree Farm walked around the tree farm with the campers and explained how they grow all their Christmas Trees from seed and how they then transplant as they reach certain stages. Joy says Finestkind chooses to grow mostly Balsam Fir due to their incredible fragrance.

Friday, July 2nd, Gail McCormack of Infinity Horse Farm set the campers up in groups of six and let her teenage student workers explain to the campers what a day at the barn might be like. The campers were able to try first hand brushing a horse and even scooping clean a stable. The campers learned the names for the colors of a horse and were able to ride around the arena as well.

The campers left summer camp on Friday with a new excitement for farming and agricultural life. Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District has worked very hard to make this summer camp an annual educational tool for the local children. Donations and support are always welcome, in any form. We encourage you to call the office 207-564-2321 or e-mail info@piscataquisswcd.org for further information, ask for Shelia or Lynn.