Ages 3-5
Our younger campers will make wonderful discoveries to help them make their way in the world: how to use a compass, draw a map and follow it, assist with building a fire, climb a tree safely (and learn that 24" is the max safety height for 5 year olds to climb) and so much more. Campers will learn that eating things that grow in the forest is only safe with a knowledgeable adult (and they will get lots of chances to taste BVF's autumn berries).
Thriving in the forest and on the farm is just as important as surviving! Campers will learn how to make rain-proof caves out of fallen branches and leaves, how to cook lunch and treats over a fire safely, and how to use trail markers to hunt for treasure. Campers will learn to bake bread over a fire, churn their own butter in our miniature butter churn and play outdoor games.
Ages 6-11
Older campers attending Survive and Thrive camp will learn how to pack for a forest hike, how to make a hiking stick, how to draw a map of the hiking area and use compasses to navigate their travels. They will learn about plants that are great and not-so-great, critters to steer clear of and forest creatures that are worth stopping to observe. In groups, they will compete to construct the most rain-proof outdoor shelter, use a pulley system to lift heavy limbs, and build a makeshift bridge to cross pretend rivers. Campers will cook over their fires, play games and use trail markers to seek treasures throughout the forest.
Tree climbing will be top of list, with emphasis on how to pick a good climbing tree, how to test branches and what the maximum climbing height is for different age groups (and why).