Farm Camp

Here at Granor, we grow a lot of vegetables and we want our campers to dig into this colorful and fascinating world through hands-on, engaging experiences. Campers will learn where vegetables come from and how they grow by planting seeds, caring for garden beds and harvesting produce. Our vegetable inspired arts and crafts will inspire campers to see the beauty in the food we eat and grow. In the kitchen, campers will prepare fresh and simple recipes; camp favorites for this week include, beet brownies, sauerkraut and ramen jars. Campers come together this week to build curiosity, confidence and a respect for the food we eat.

Our week spent in the flower garden showcases the beauty of the farm. Campers will learn how flowers grow and why they matter by planting seeds, observing pollinators and caring for garden beds. Creative activities will include making floral art, pressing flowers, and experimenting with natural dyes. Our kitchen projects feature edible flowers and tea making. Through gardening and farm experiences, children will build an understanding of seasons, ecosystems and the role flowers play in supporting the natural world, all while nurturing creativity, curiosity and wonder.

Back by popular demand, our herb-themed camp invites campers to explore the world of plants through hands-on creativity, curiosity and connection to the land. Campers will learn about the herbs grown here at Granor and explore them through harvesting, smelling, tasting and creating herb themed arts and crafts. We will cook with fresh herbs and discover how even the simplest of recipes become more alive and interesting with the addition of herbs. This immersive theme encourages sensory exploration, practical life skills and appreciation for nature while sparking imagination and joy.

Fruit week is a playful, hands-on exploration of the plants that give us nature’s sweetest foods. Throughout the week, campers will discover how fruits grow on trees, vines and bushes, learn about seeds, flowers and pollination. Creative experiences will include fruit-inspired art and sensory experiences - favorites include: fruit stamps and painting with fruit juices! Campers will prepare delicious recipes using fruit as a base, smoothies, berry salad dressings and fruit tarts are always a hit. If we are lucky, our raspberries will be in season and we can feast on those all week.

This sustainability-themed week encourages campers to think creatively about how we use materials and care for our land by focusing on reducing waste and repurposing everyday items. Campers will explore what it means to reuse and repurpose through hands-on projects that turn found and discarded materials into art and useful creations. Cooking activities will highlight mindful choices, minimizing food waste and teach children the importance of preservation. Through gardening experiences, campers will learn about composting and responsible stewardship helps to support healthy ecosystems. This week is always full of fun, creative energy and community. 

Laura is a Michigan native who spent her childhood in the woods of Leelanau County. She currently lives in the south suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Pat and three children. Laura is a Montessori trained teacher and spent the last dozen years teaching in the classroom. She is also an avid gardener and loves to cook the fruits and veggies that come straight from her backyard. Laura always looks forward to spending her summers with Granor Farm Camp and especially loves watching campers dig into their crafts and gardens.

Abby is an elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home-mom. She lives in Stevensville, MI with her husband, Tucker, and two children, Theo and Luna. She aspires to live on a big piece of land so she can have the garden of her dreams, some chickens, and maybe even a cow or two. Abby feels most at home when she can spend time in the outdoors - one of the reasons she loves being at Farm Camp in the summers!