Academic Summer Camp

Apple Ridge Farm Academic Summer Camp 2023 starts Tuesday, June 20! Classes on history, aquatic ecology and mindfulness stimulate young minds while activities such as High Ropes, hiking and swimming provide physical exercise. We can’t wait to meet all of this year’s campers.
 
The first session starts on June 20 and ends on July 14. The second session starts on July 17 and ends on August 28. Both run Monday – Friday and provide the following:
 
  • Neighborhood pick-up and drop-off
  • Lunch
  • Educational classes and experiences
Thank you to everyone who applied! While all spots are currently filled, we still encourage those who are interested in attending summer camp this year to apply as we do have a waiting list. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on all of our programs.
 

Apple Ridge Farm is also working directly with other local youth-serving organizations to bring their youth to Apple Ridge for individual camp weeks from July 17 through July 28. Some organizations include Boys & Girls Club of SWVA, The West End Center for Youth, Youth HQ at Goodwill, and the YMCA. If you work at a youth-serving organization and want to partner with us this summer, please contact our Executive Director, Josh Thoemke, at josh@appleridge.org to find out how to get your organization involved.

Get Outside 

The Get Outside program provides outdoor adventure activities that promote wellness and team-building skills! Activities include the 60 ft climbing wall and observation tower, High and Low ropes courses such as the Zipline and Leap of Faith, hiking trails, games on the multi-purpose field, and various team-building activities like the Elephant Skis and All Aboard!

Local nonprofit youth-serving organizations may contact Josh Thoemke, Executive Director (josh@appleridge.org) to schedule a date for their group/students. This program is FREE OF CHARGE to local nonprofit youth-serving organizations. 

Example Itinerary:

9:00 a.m. – Arrival and Orientation, pre-event survey
9:15 a.m. – Teambuilding (Group 1), Climbing Tower & Observation Deck (Group 2)
10:15 a.m. – Hike (Groups 1 & 2)
11:00 a.m. – Climbing Tower & Observation Deck (Group 1), Teambuilding (Group 2)
12:30 p.m. – Debrief & post-event survey

Environmental Education

The Environmental Education Program affords children the opportunity to learn about biology, ecology, and conservation through field identification of terrestrial and aquatic species inhabiting the Apple Ridge ecosystem, and hands-on learning about life cycles, adaptation, and conservation of each species.  Our Environmental Education programs focus on developing a direct appreciation and understanding of our natural world while correlating with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs). In addition to its inclusion in Academic Summer Camp, our Environmental Education program is marketed to school systems and organizations throughout the Roanoke Valley and five surrounding counties.  

Schedule a field trip

 

A+ STEM

A+STEM Academy is an after school program that allows students to apply knowledge gained from school in a context that is STEM focused which promotes a deeper learning and reinforcement of the skills in a fun and creative way while supporting the growth and development of the whole child.

Apple Ridge Farm currently works with the 21st Century Program at Hurt Park Elementary School and Garden City Elementary School to grow and nurture their school garden. During these learning sessions, students learn about gardening, the food system, and have an opportunity to taste what they grow! 

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