An Organic Day Camp for Kids at Backbone Farm
About Farm Camp
Farm Camp 2026 is a beloved organic day camp for kids, offered through a partnership with All Earth Eco Tours and the stunningly beautiful Backbone Farm. This very popular and fun program introduces children to the rustic beauty and workings of farm life while instilling a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Through hands-on activities and close interactions with nature, campers leave with lasting memories, new skills, and stories they can’t wait to share with their families. This isn’t just observation—kids get dirty, try new things, and learn to grow both plants and themselves.
What Campers Will Experience
Organic Farming & Gardening
Kids roll up their sleeves and learn what it truly means to be an organic farmer. They discover how to grow vegetables, understand sustainable farming methods, and learn about the benefits of humane livestock management. Campers help with planting, weeding, harvesting, and caring for farm animals.
Farm-to-Table Experiences
Campers learn to prepare simple, fresh food using ingredients they help grow and harvest. They gain an appreciation for where their food comes from and the care that goes into producing it sustainably. The week culminates in a special farm-to-table dinner where children lead their families on a tour of the farm.
Survival Skills
Children learn practical outdoor survival skills including fire building, shelter construction, water purification basics, wilderness navigation, and foraging safety. These skills build confidence and self-reliance while teaching respect for the natural environment.
Mycology (Mushroom Study)
Campers go on mushroom hunts and learn to identify different fungi species. They discover the fascinating role mushrooms play in forest ecosystems, decomposition, and soil health. This hands-on exploration introduces kids to the hidden world beneath their feet.
Sustainability Education
Through daily activities, children learn about composting, water conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction, and the interconnectedness of farm ecosystems. They understand how their choices impact the environment and learn practical ways to live more sustainably.
Nature Exploration & Wildlife Discovery
The adventure extends beyond the garden beds! Campers spend time playing in the creek, search for snakes and amphibians, observe insects, and explore the diverse ecosystem of the farm and surrounding wilderness.
Hay Ride Farm Tour
On the first day, campers embark on a fun hay ride tour around the entire farm! This exciting introduction allows kids to see all the different areas they’ll be exploring throughout the week, meet the farm animals, and get oriented to their new outdoor classroom. It’s the perfect way to kick off an amazing week of adventure.
“What Does My Farm Look Like?” Brainstorming Activity
Children engage in a creative brainstorming activity where they imagine and design their dream farm. What animals would they have? What crops would they grow? How would they set up their fields and gardens? This fun activity encourages creative thinking, planning skills, and helps kids understand the many decisions farmers make when designing a sustainable farm.
Art Projects & Creative Expression
Creativity is a vital part of Farm Camp! Campers participate in various art projects using natural materials from the farm. They might create nature collages, paint with plant-based dyes, make clay sculptures, or craft with wool and natural fibers. These hands-on art activities allow children to express themselves while connecting more deeply with the natural world around them. Art helps develop fine motor skills, encourages observation, and gives kids a meaningful way to process and celebrate their farm experiences.
Free Play
Unstructured play time allows children to explore, create, and imagine on their own terms. Whether building forts, playing in the creek, or inventing games, free play is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and social development.
Mindfulness & Well-Being
Each day includes yoga sessions and quiet time for journaling. We understand that downtime goes a long way in sustaining a healthy mind and body, especially for growing kids.
Why Outdoor Play & Getting Dirty Matters
At Farm Camp, we believe that the best learning happens when children are actively engaged with the natural world. Scientific research consistently demonstrates that outdoor play and hands-on experiences with nature provide profound benefits for children’s development.
Physical Health Benefits
Outdoor play promotes motor skill development, increases physical activity, builds vitamin D levels, and contributes to stronger bones and a more robust immune system. Research shows children who play outdoors burn more calories and have better cardiovascular health.
Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of ADHD while improving focus, attention, and mood. Studies indicate children who spend more time in green spaces show better emotional resilience and lower rates of depression.
Cognitive Development
Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Research demonstrates that children who spend time in nature exploration show improved learning outcomes and better academic performance.
Social Skills
Outdoor play helps children develop healthy friendships, learn cooperation, practice empathy, and build confidence. The unstructured nature of outdoor activities allows for natural social interaction and imaginative play.
The Benefits of Getting Dirty
Yes, getting dirty is actually good for kids! Recent microbiome research has revealed that exposure to soil microbes and natural environments helps build stronger, healthier immune systems. When children interact with dirt and natural environments, they’re exposed to beneficial bacteria that help their bodies learn to distinguish between harmful pathogens and harmless substances.
Studies show that children with greater exposure to natural microbes have lower rates of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The soil bacteria present in farm environments can help develop regulatory T-cells, which are essential for proper immune function and preventing inflammatory diseases.
At Farm Camp, we embrace this science-based approach. We believe that letting kids get their hands in the soil, play in the creek, and interact with farm animals isn’t just fun—it’s an investment in their lifelong health.
Research & Resources
Interested in learning more about why outdoor play, getting dirty, and trying new things is so important for children’s development? Here are evidence-based resources:
- Why Outdoor Play Matters – American Academy of Pediatrics on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of outdoor play
- The Power of Play – How fun and games help children build thriving brains, bodies, and social bonds
- Is Playing in the Dirt Good for Kids? – Scientific evidence on how soil microbes strengthen children’s immune systems
- 6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside – Research-backed reasons from Harvard Medical School
- Dirt Is Good: Why Kids Need Exposure to Germs – NPR Health on how early exposure to diverse microbes supports lifelong health
- Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature – Child Mind Institute research on nature’s role in strengthening mental well-being
About All Earth Eco Tours & Backbone Farm
With three decades of experience delivering exceptional eco-tours in the Deep Creek Lake region, All Earth Eco Tours is founded on empathy and competency. We understand that families need genuine escapes from the pressures of modern life. Each of our programs is designed to lift burdens off your shoulders, allowing you and your children to dive wholly into the experience.
Our expert guides handle all the logistics, promising you a carefree adventure where the only concern is to have fun, learn, and feel refreshed. From signature kayak tours to guided hiking and nature exploration, we specialize in blending relaxation with education in the beautiful wilderness of Garrett County.
Backbone Farm is an organic farm in Oakland, Maryland, dedicated to sustainable agriculture and education. Through our partnership, we combine decades of eco-tour expertise with authentic farming practices to create an unforgettable experience for young learners.
Registration Information
Spaces for Farm Camp 2026 are limited and this popular program fills up quickly! Give your child the gift of an authentic farm experience where they’ll get wet, get dirty, and learn to grow.
Price:Â $475 per child for the full 4-day program (July 13-16)
For registration and more information, visit www.allearthtours.com or contact All Earth Eco Tours directly at 301-746-4083
All Earth Eco Tours | Oakland, Maryland (Garrett County, near Deep Creek Lake)
Creating memories, growing minds, and nurturing a love for nature since 1995