Farm Education Opportunities
For All Ages
Education and building community are main priorities for us at Gateway Farm. We provide a variety of events and workshops in collaboration with our partners, Garden Juju Collective and Plymouth Orchards.
Camp
Gateway
Where adventure meets education in Plymouth, Michigan!
Join us for a week of exploration and discovery as we delve into the wonders of sustainable farming on our organic farm. Designed for children ages 9-13, our camp offers a unique opportunity for young minds to connect with nature, learn valuable life skills, and make lasting memories.
From Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 12:00pm, campers will embark on a journey of creativity and learning. Guided by experienced instructors, they'll use the fruits, flowers, and natural elements harvested from our farm to create delicious dishes and beautiful crafts. Through hands-on activities, they'll gain an understanding of permaculture principles and the importance of sustainable farming practices.
But our camp is more than just a culinary and artistic adventure. Campers will also dive into the rich history of our land, exploring the stories of the people who have called it home throughout the ages. They'll develop friendships with fellow campers who share their curiosity and love for the outdoors.
Up-Skilling
Opportunities
We will be offering a wide range of learning opportunities every Thursday evening on the farm.
Plant Walks
Plant walks are more specific and focused than educational tours. Each plant walk is led by an experienced teacher/grower and centers on a different topic. Topics include: Medicinal Herbs, Native Plants, Perennial Foods, Foraging, and more.
Hands-On Workshops
Workshops are designed to be deep dives into all things food and farm. Each workshop hones in on one topic, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for doing it all again in your own business, home, garden or kitchen. Join an expert and get your hands dirty here at Gateway.
Story Time
Come join us on the farm as we read a new farm, food, or nature-themed story! We’ll explore what makes farms and food so special to our local environment and community. After a group story time with activities, we’ll take a walk through the farm and apply what we’ve learned.
Fireside Chats
Join a local expert by the fire pit for an intimate conversation about what they’ve dedicated their career to. Soak up some knowledge and ask experts your burning questions about ecology, food production, the future of food, social/environmental justice, and more, all while cozy by the campfire. More details coming soon.
Educational
Tours
Join us on an educational walking tour of our diversified food production farm. Folks will explore the sights, smells, sounds, textures and tastes of our farm through an interactive tour.
We will share insights into our organic vegetable production, perennial food systems, native plant sanctuary, permaculture design, and the history of our unique farm. In this tour we take a deep dive into Gateway Farm's approach to a sustainable and resilient food system, and share the reason why we chose this approach.
At the end of the tour each participant will have the opportunity to taste the flavors of our farm through complimentary iced herbal tea and botanical cookies, as well as access to organic produce, farm swag and other offerings from local growers and makers sold at our on-site farm stand.
Private tours
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Join us for a 75-minute private tour of our diversified food production farm, during which your group will explore the sights, smells, sounds, textures and tastes of Gateway Farm. We will share insights into our organic vegetable production, perennial food systems, native plant sanctuary, permaculture design, and the history of our unique farm. You will learn about Gateway Farm's approach to a sustainable and resilient food system.
• $10-20 per adult
• $50 minimum
• 75 minutes
Come ready to listen and explore, with closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate attire.
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This hands-on educational tour is geared towards curious kids aged 6-17 and their parent or caregiver. Together, we’ll explore our farm and answer questions like: What really happens on a farm? What is permaculture? Where does our food come from, and why does it matter? We’ll walk the farm together, play games to learn about food and ecology, and maybe even get to dig in to soil. Guardian attendance is mandatory.
• Can be customized for students aged from Kindergarten to High School
• $7-15 per student (under aged 5 is free)
• $50 minimum for a 45 minute tour
Ecopsychology Convergence
Join Dr Charlie Brennan, Bridget O'Brien, Garden Juju Collective, Gateway Farm & guest speakers for our inaugural Ecopsychology Convergence! We are often asked, "Is there actually such a thing as 'Ecopsychology'?'' And the only possible answer is, "How could there not be!" Our ecopsychological feelings, identities, relationships with forests, rivers, seas, gardens, farms, towns, all beings and even highways – everything – are fundamental. And yet, in this human-centered world this is often overlooked or denied.
We will be hearing from speakers & panelists, participating in workshops, world cafe style conversations & emergent discussions. Ecopsychology is bound with sense of place, place literature, ecology, Indigenous & Cultural studies, from literature & beautiful ideas to how we practically live our everyday lives.
Join us for this most fundamental and exciting event. Expect be challenged, reassured, stimulated, re-enchanted and more.
Please arrive by 8:30am for refreshments and registration.
There will be a catered luncheon.
Attendees are invited to linger after the Convergence for appetizers and a fireside chat.
Youth Education Fund
Gateway Farm is raising money so that we can offer educational opportunities and support to the youth in our community. In these times of uncertainty, in this often challenging world, Gateway Farm acknowledges that life can be very difficult for young people.
One of the roles of Gateway Farm is to offer a sense of sanctuary. It is a place where farm life, regenerative works and the natural world can be connected with, giving a break from everyday routines. Farms and gardens such as Gateway Farm can instill skills, purpose, and vocation that can carry people through their whole lifetime.
This year we began offering a range of children's educational tours, adult tours, workshops, and children's story times - to community groups, homeschool groups, farmers, conservationists, and the community as a whole. Gateway Farm has 'opened its gates' to be more community connected and inclusive.
This idea for the Youth Education Fund came from a generous farm patron who loves what we are doing and wanted to support more youth community members to experience the farm and all the benefits it has to offer.
We look forward to growing with the community for many more years to come and thank you all for your support.
