The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization founded by Liz Neumark, aims to teach children how to cook nutritious meals. However, this summer, the Sylvia Center is expanding its mission to adults with its first-ever adult farm camp. The event, taking place on August 7 and 8, is a pilot project that brings together like-minded individuals who share the organization’s passion for gardening, cooking, and community building.
Pre-pandemic, the Sylvia Center had hosted a farm camp for children each year, which was a huge success. Parents were eager to experience the fun for themselves, and it was this interest that led to the idea of hosting an adult farm camp. “That was the nudge for the idea, and it was just this year that we were able to gather a few adults who had an interest in it to give us some more information about, ‘hey, what kind of experience are you looking for?’” says Julia Cerny, the garden manager of the Sylvia Center.
The adult farm camp is designed to cater to the interests of the participants. The event starts with a tasting tour of the farm’s produce, which includes over 150 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. The group then takes on a garden project together, such as setting up a bed of soil. The camp teaches core gardening skills to participants, and once the produce is harvested, they cook a lunch with trained culinary professionals.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the farm’s produce, learn about its benefits, and incorporate it into their own cooking. The cooking lessons are tailored to each participant’s skill level, ensuring that everyone can learn and enjoy the experience. The goal is to teach new culinary skills that people can take with them once the camp ends.
The Sylvia Center’s mission is to teach children how to cook nutritious meals, but the adult farm camp brings that mission to adults. The organization believes that gardening and cooking are essential for maintaining good health and well-being. By teaching adults how to garden and cook, the Sylvia Center aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and build a sense of community around food and wellness.
“As adults, it can be difficult to make time for play and meeting new people and learning new things,” says Cerny. “Our main mission is to cultivate community around gardening, preparing fresh food into healthy meals that we share together, and leaving in some time to relax and chat, and some time for silliness too.”
The adult farm camp is a unique opportunity for adults to connect with nature, learn new skills, and build a sense of community. By participating in the camp, adults can experience the benefits of gardening and cooking firsthand and take home a new appreciation for the importance of fresh, locally sourced produce.
| Benefits of the Adult Farm Camp |
|---|
| Teaches core gardening skills |
| Provides opportunities to engage with fresh, locally sourced produce |
| Offers cooking lessons tailored to each participant’s skill level |
| Builds a sense of community around food and wellness |
| Allows participants to take home produce and cook with it in their own kitchens |
Meet Julia Cerny, the Garden Manager
Julia Cerny has been the garden manager of the Sylvia Center for several years. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the garden, including planting, harvesting, and maintaining the various crops. Cerny is passionate about gardening and believes that it is an essential skill for maintaining good health and well-being.
Cerny is running the adult farm camp this year and is excited to share her knowledge and passion for gardening with the participants. “It’s really fulfilling to be able to follow your food from seed to harvest, and to craft it into food that you eat,” she says. “Gardening helps us connect to our own wellness in a really active way. You’re playing a direct role in your own physical health.”
The Sylvia Center’s Mission
The Sylvia Center’s mission is to teach children how to cook nutritious meals. However, the adult farm camp brings that mission to adults. The organization believes that gardening and cooking are essential for maintaining good health and well-being.
The Sylvia Center’s mission is to promote a healthier lifestyle and build a sense of community around food and wellness. By teaching adults how to garden and cook, the Sylvia Center aims to empower them with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
What to Expect
The adult farm camp will take place on August 7 and 8, from 9am-1pm. The event starts with a tasting tour of the farm’s produce, followed by a garden project and cooking lessons. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the farm’s produce, learn about its benefits, and incorporate it into their own cooking.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to relax and socialize with other attendees. The event is designed to be a fun and engaging experience, with a focus on building community and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Get Involved
Interested in attending the adult farm camp? Contact the Sylvia Center to learn more and reserve your spot. The event is limited to 20 participants, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and build a sense of community.
By participating in the adult farm camp, adults can experience the benefits of gardening and cooking firsthand and take home a new appreciation for the importance of fresh, locally sourced produce.
