An Inside Look at Frost Valley’s Catskill Farm Tour Adventure Trip

02/15/2019

In order to give campers and parents an inside look at Frost Valley’s Catskill Farm Tour Adventure Trip, Adventure Director Zach Eigenbrodt answered some questions parents and campers might have about the trip.

1. Can you describe the campers this trip would be well suited for?

“This trip is perfect for campers going into the 9th – 12th grade who love animals and have an interest in working on a farm and learning about where the food they eat comes from. A willingness to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, combined with a desire to try new things will really help campers to get the most out of this trip. A strong desire to give back to the local farming community is a plus. Campers will receive 35 hours of community service for completing this trip.”

2. What prior experience is necessary?

“There’s no prior experience necessary. Campers should have a desire to camp outside in a tent and a willingness to work on different types of farms.”

3. What will campers gain from working on local farms?

“Campers will gain hands on experience, learning directly from local farmers about issues that affect agriculture in the Catskills, such as what crops grow well based on the type of soil and the impact of farming practices on the watershed. They might participate in things like milking a goat or cow, processing dairy products, and planting or harvesting vegetables. As I mentioned earlier, they will also receive 35 hours of community service for their work.”

4. Who will lead the trip? Can you speak about their qualifications/experience?

“Since this is a coed trip, there will be both a male and a female Frost Valley trip leader. The leaders are knowledgeable in farming and sustainability. Our Frost Valley staff members have Wilderness First Responder certification, which is the premiere emergency medical training for leaders in remote areas. They also undergo a rigorous two-week training process at Frost Valley.”

5. Which farms will the campers will be visiting/working on?

“The campers will be going to Crystal Valley Farms in Halcott Center, NY, Somewhere In Time Farms in Parksville, NY, and another farm that has yet to be determined.”

6. What kind of meals will the campers have during the trip?

“In addition to lots of fresh produce, the campers will have breakfasts that include things like oatmeal, granola, and cereals. The campers will do a lot of snacking during the day to keep their energy up. They’ll have things like tortillas with soy nut butter and granola bars. Dinner will include hot meals that include pasta and other grains, vegetables, bean burritos, and soups.”

7. What other activities will the kids participate in outside of working on the farms?

“In addition to working on the farms, the campers will go on a day hike to a location the group decides on. They will also visit local farmers’ markets. Campers will participate in conversations about service leadership and how they can bring the knowledge they have gained during the trip home to their communities.”

8. Is there anything you’d like campers to know about the Catskill Farm Tour Adventure Trip?

“Getting to see from start to finish where and how our food is produced will give campers a whole new perspective on farming. It’s a great way for campers to see farming as more than just a hobby, but as a career as well.”

Go to the Catskill Farm Tour Adventure Trip page to view the trip itinerary and packing list. Call 845-985-2291 for more information or register online.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5,500-acre, year-round camp - There's something for everyone here in the Valley. From group and family retreats to overnight camps to horse camps to teambuilding, we've got you covered. School groups love taking a three-night field trip to explore the natural world and learn about the environment and their classmates. Family weekends are the perfect getaway for the young and the young at heart. Teambuilding retreats afford corporate, collegiate, religious, and other groups the opportunity to challenge themselves and effectively work toward common goals. In the summertime we're where kids and teens gain independence, explore the world, and make lifelong friends through various camps such as traditional sleepaway camp, farm camp, horse camp, adventure trips, and day camp. Call (845)985-2291 or email info@frostvalley.org to learn more today!