Path of the Natural Mentor

KAYLA SINOTTE

Ridge to Reef

Path of the Natural Mentor

The Sustainable Farm Institute hold several different programs throughout the year. While I am taking the Ridge to Reef (R2R) Permaculture program, there is also a kids summer camp. For six weeks, we will have a different group of children each week staying on the farm with us. Ranging from all ages, they participate in activities on the property. The R2R programs model is learn it, do it, teach it. So we are learning from professionals and experienced workers, then we actually go outside and get dirty doing everything we are learning about, and finally we are working with the children to teach and pass on our knowledge to the next generation.

The first group arrives

Putting the Kids to Work

While the group of children stay on the farm, they are learning a more simplistic lifestyle. By participating in the daily activities, they gain a better understanding of where their food and energy comes from. Throughout the week we work with the kids outside known as ’Dirt Time’, we teach them everything from composting to edible landscapes. As part of the permaculture Ridge to Reef program, we are here to mentor the children and help give them guidance. It is a very fun and entertaining experience working with the summer camp.