For Farm Camp Minnesota experiences, our director works hard to make hands-on agricultural learning experiences possible for students across the state. But sometimes, it takes a spark from a community member to connect the dots between schools and Farm Camp experiences. Farm Bureau members have been great examples of how local advocates can help classrooms discover the opportunities Farm Camp has to offer.
Farm Camp in Action
Farm Camp Minnesota is designed to give students a complete learning experience through three steps:
- Lessons in the classroom. Students grades 5-12 start with standards-based lessons that connect to their existing curriculum.
- Farm and agribusiness visits. Students leave the classroom to see agriculture in action and visit a farm or agribusiness.
- Exploring careers. Students discover how agriculture connects to future career opportunities.
Cherry School: A Connection Sparked by Farm Bureau
This spring, students at Cherry School experienced Farm Camp thanks to a connection made by Heather Lindula, a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee. Heather recognized that her children’s classmates could benefit from linking their health curriculum to real-world agriculture. She helped drive that connection by reaching out, and Farm Camp provided the lessons, visits, and career exploration that brought the idea to life.
Students began with classroom lessons, then visited Takalas Farms, the largest dairy farm in St. Louis County, and The Goat Shack, a small but thriving goat operation. The experience gave students a richer perspective on health, nutrition, and agriculture while also highlighting career paths in the industry.
Why Community Advocates Matter
Minnesota Farm Bureau members as well as other advocates for agriculture play an important role in helping schools discover Farm Camp Minnesota. Their involvement helps by:
- Recognizing opportunities to connect curriculum with agriculture
- Reaching out to link schools with Farm Camp Minnesota
- Helping expand awareness so more students and teachers know what Farm Camp Minnesota is and how to get involved
These efforts extend Farm Camp’s reach, ensuring more students experience the three-step journey from classroom lessons to hands-on visits and career exploration.
Get Involved
We are grateful for Minnesota Farm Bureau members and all the advocates who help introduce new classrooms to Farm Camp Minnesota. When community members make those connections, more students benefit from the experiences our investors and staff work hard to provide.
If you know a school or teacher who might be interested in Farm Camp, encourage them to learn more at Farm Camp Minnesota and connect with us.