Summer 2021, Kids’ Outdoor Classes at the Farm

SUMMER 2021
Farm Fun In the Sun

Kids’ Outdoor Classes at the Farm

Registration is OPEN!

We are thrilled to invite children back to the Farm again this summer! We missed teaching kids and seeing their bright, inquisitive little faces last year! 

This summer, we are offering the opportunity for small group classes with exceptionally high quality education led by experienced teachers. The classes are a shorter time span (two hours) than what we have offered in the past but they will be full of the same great instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and old-fashioned fun that we pride ourselves on. 

If you are looking for:

• An outdoor activity in either the morning or afternoon, 

• A place to learn about the interconnectedness of the natural world, 

• A fun and joyful experience where kids can learn new skills, play games, and make friends...

then we hope you will join us. It’s going to be a great summer here at the Farm!

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Sign up for a unique experience at the Farm this summer in our nature-based, small group classes. This hands-on program is held outside in our Learning Garden and surrounding area where kids explore topics including farming, plants, food, chickens, insects, and sustainability. Each week has a different farm-based theme so children will have an interesting experience whether they are here for one week or for many. Classes are small and each class is led by two experienced educators. 

There are two sessions of drop-off classes based on age over seven weeks in July and August. Sign up by the week for the morning session, 9:30–11:30 am for ages 5–8 or the afternoon session, 1:30–3:30 pm for ages 8–13. Classes cost $200 per weekly session per week. Classes are held outside, rain or shine. (We have tent canopies!). Kids should come prepared to get dirty, have fun outside, and learn something new! Pre-registration is required.

Financial assistance

The purpose of NCF’s Scholarship Program for Children’s Summer Programs 2021 is to make these educational opportunities accessible regardless of ability to pay. NCF strives to cover a portion of a program fee based on need and availability of funds. NCF may request supporting documentation. Families may apply for financial assistance for more than one family member. To make opportunities available for as many families as possible, financial assistance can be applied to a maximum of two weeks of summer children’s programs per child. Application and supporting documents will be kept confidential. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, register for sessions using the coupon code: HOLD1 to hold your spot. You must then complete this scholarship application and submit it within 24 hours or you will lose your held spot(s). Once we have reviewed your application, you will be contacted by a staff member with your scholarship determination and information on how to complete your registration.

Waitlist

If a session is already full and you would like to be on our waitlist, please email, education@newtoncommunityfarm.org the sessions you'd like to register your child in. If a spot becomes available a staff member will contact you with information on how to register and a deadline to do so if you are still interested. We will work through the waitlist in the order in which we received requests. 

Covid Protocols

Newton Community Farm follows MA and City of Newton protocols to keep our staff, students, volunteers, and the community as safe as possible. Parents must:

• Check their child for Covid-19 symptoms before they come to the Farm and keep their child home if they have symptoms or illness or if they are required to quarantine due to symptoms, illness, exposure to an individual who has tested positive Covid-19.

• Abide by the state travel restrictions in place during the time that their child is enrolled in programs at the Farm.

• Attest that their child will wear a mask while at the Farm. Please send in a mask with your child each day.

As these protocols are constantly evolving, we will update our requirements as needed as we get closer to the start of the classes. 

Safety

Newton Community Farm is a working farm and a busy place with equipment, animals, and honey bees onsite. Please note that this is an outdoor program. Pickup and Drop off will be outside at the picnic tables, near the chicken coop. For safety, we ask that you do not enter the buildings on the Farm. Program participants are only allowed in the buildings with the permission of staff. Parents will be required to sign their child in and out of the classes each day. For your child to have a great time, we ask that your child wear comfortable play clothes and closed-toe shoes, dress appropriately for the weather (jacket if it’s chilly, raincoat if it is rainy, etc.), bring a water bottle with their name on it for socially-distanced water breaks, and wear sunscreen and/or bug spray applied at home. We advise that you do a tick check after time on the farm. Please don’t forget to send your child in with a mask on and be sure to wear a mask when coming for pick up or drop off.

Parking

Classes take place at Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459. There is street parking available on Winchester Street (near the red farm stand). Walk down the lane, past the chickens and you'll see us in the Learning Garden! If the weather is bad, we will meet in the big red barn. Please do NOT park in the farm driveway as we have farm vehicles coming and going.

Refund Policy

Cancellations made up to three weeks in advance of your registered start date will receive a full refund, less a $25 administration fee; less than three weeks but more than two weeks in advance will receive a 50% refund, less a $25 administration fee. Cancellations made within two weeks of the start date are non-refundable. Newton Community Farm reserves the right to cancel and/or reschedule a program if necessary. 

Questions

Have questions about classes, registering, or anything else? Call or email us: (617) 916-9655 or education@newtoncommunityfarm.org