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Ever wanted to know what a farmer’s life is like? Find out at Appleton Farms for one or more of our “Farmer for a Day” drop off programs!
In the holiday week before New Years, we’ll be exploring a farmer’s life through authentic barnyard chores, fun-filled farm adventures, and traditional crafts. On one day, your child may learn about dairy farming through hands-on games and a tour of the milking barn. On another, they’ll discover the process of making clothes by collecting fibers from our Angora rabbits and creating yarn of their own. Every day, they’ll explore the forests and fields of Appleton, enjoy a craft and a story, and get their hands dirty with animal chores!
This is an educational morning drop-off program for children ages 5-11 from 9am to noon. You may select between one and five days to join “Farmer for a Day.” Program days are 12/27, 12/28, 12/29, 12/30, and 12/31.
Program themes vary by day:
Monday – Moo for Monday! Through hands-on games and dairy tool explorations, a hike to the cows, butter-churning chores, and more, your child will experience a day in the life of a dairy farmer. They’ll come home with their own butter and a cow-themed craft on top of lots of new knowledge and questions (like, can we get a Jersey cow pleaaase?)
Tuesday – Tracking Tuesday! The farm is full of life in the barn and the forests and fields, and winter is the best time for tracking wildlife! Your child will make a field journal and record their findings after they learn about prints, tracks, scat, and “chew clues” through games, crafts, and investigations under the magnifying glass. They’ll take home their field journal and their very own animal print in clay!
Wednesday – Winter crafting, winter chores! Farmers still have plenty to do in winter. We’ll read the classic story Ox-Cart Man and use it as inspiration as we create our own handicrafts. Meet our Angora rabbits Violet and Vanilla and pluck their wool to use in a felting project to take home!
Thursday – Barnyard bonanza! Help Farmer Emma take care of the chickens, rabbits, and goats during morning chores. Then, take the goats out for a hike! Your child will learn all about animal needs and adaptations for winter. They’ll take home an awesome crafted refrigerator magnet of one animal they choose to learn more about.
Friday – Gardens (and goats) galore! Our second day of in-depth barnyard chores will spend extra time in the garden, where we’ll plant December carrots and look for signs of life in the cold. Your child will explore the life cycle of a seed, make seed art, and take home a planting kit for your early spring windowsill!
Children should be prepared to spend days mostly outdoors and should pack a snack and water bottle. Caregivers will be contacted after registration with more detailed program information and to complete required drop-off programming paperwork. Covid-19 health safety protocols include mask wearing when indoors, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and social distancing. Groups will include up to 10 students each day. For more information contact Emma at ehughen@thetrustees.org.
