From Classroom to Countryside: A Day of Discovery
For the students of Fairmont Christian School, May 7 was no ordinary school day. They spent the day immersed in real world agriculture experiences at three southern Minnesota farms: Sleepy Bison Acres, Linden Livestock, and Alternative Roots Farm.
With support from the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and a Transportation Grant, the Farm Camp Minnesota program helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real life. This experience gave 36 students in kindergarten through sixth grade the chance to see, touch, and taste agriculture in action.
Planting the Seeds: Lessons Before the Farm
In the weeks leading up to Farm Camp, teachers laid the foundation with agriculture-focused lessons that introduced key concepts in fun and interactive ways. Students made origami flowers while learning about pollination in Flower Power, explored how everyday items are connected to farms with A Search for the Source, and created webs to visualize how much of daily life connects to agriculture using My Farm Web.
These lessons helped students make meaningful connections once they arrived at the farms, giving context to everything they saw and experienced.
A Three-Farm Tour Full of Surprises
Each stop offered something unique. At Sleepy Bison Acres, students learned about the history and behaviors of American bison. Many were surprised by how calm the animals were until they learned how fast they can run and that they’re strong enough to break fences. A lunch of bison hot dogs made the visit even more memorable.
At Linden Livestock, students got an up-close look at pigs and goats. They were thrilled to hold the goats and even more excited to toss apples to the pigs.
Finally, at Alternative Roots Farm, they explored a working apple orchard and learned about growing and harvesting plants. Students loved the smell of apple blossoms and the hands-on exploration of plant life.
Brooke from Alternative Roots Farm added,
“Having students out to the farm is so rewarding. The mix of age groups adds to the experience. Kiddos loved throwing apples to the pigs and smelling apple blossoms.”
Big Takeaways for Young Learners
After the trip, 100 percent of students said they could name three ways agriculture impacts their lives, compared to just 60 percent before. Even more impressive was the jump in career awareness. None of the students could name five agricultural careers before Farm Camp, but afterward, 75 percent could confidently list them.
Students said they could now explain how plants grow and are harvested, describe what baby bison look like, and retell the history of bison. These aren’t just facts from a textbook. They’re things students saw, smelled, touched, and remembered.
Reflections from the Day
Educator Linette shared,
“We had a wonderful day. All three farms provided unique experiences learning about different aspects of agriculture. Thank you for making all the arrangements for our school to participate in this learning experience.”
A Real Life Lesson That Lasts
Farm Camp Minnesota gave Fairmont Christian School students a chance to connect classroom concepts with living examples. By engaging all their senses and interacting with farmers and animals, these young learners walked away with a stronger understanding of how agriculture shapes their everyday lives.
With a mix of hands-on education, local partnerships, and enthusiastic participation, this Farm Camp showed how valuable real world agriculture experiences for students can be, especially when they’re built on curiosity, community, and a whole lot of fun.