Our lottery-based registration system replaces a first-come, first-served model to ensure a fair process for all families.
The lottery helps us:
Using lottery information, we create weekly rosters with balanced demographics, including age groups and genders. Lottery preferences also help determine the age span for each session, allowing us to accommodate a larger number of younger or older campers during certain weeks. Noting preferences on applications makes it easier for siblings and friends to attend camp together.
As a small staff, we complete as much administrative planning as possible before the farm becomes busy for the season, allowing us to focus fully on campers during the summer.
On the Camp Registration form, families are asked to share camper interests. This helps us understand the group before they arrive on the farm. While every camp week offers a well-rounded curriculum, knowing camper interests allows us to:
This ensures a more engaging and personalized camp experience for each weekly group.
Lottery will be open from January 5-18.
Emails with registration information will be send on by January 21.
We kindly request that you complete the registration by January 31.
After January 21, families wishing to attend Farm Camp should fill out the lottery application with preferred dates, and we will email you with availability for your age group.
Session Dates:
June 8-12 (ages 6 1/2-12)
June 15-19 (ages 6 1/2-12)
June 22-26 (ages 6 1/2-12)
July 6-10 (ages 5-12)
July 13-17 (ages 6 1/2 -12)
July 20-24 (ages 6 1/2-12)
July 27-31 (ages 5-9) see Little Seeds Camp
August 3-7 (ages 6 1/2-12)
August 10-14 (ages 5-12)
July 6–10 and August 10–14 sessions are designed for families with multi-aged children. These weeks offer a wider age range, including younger campers ages 5–6½. They are ideal for families with children across a larger age span, as well as for working families with younger campers who need a 5-day program with an extended care option.
During structured activities, campers are grouped by age. At other times—such as free play and afternoon snack —campers of all ages may be together. Younger children enrolled in these sessions should be comfortable interacting with older campers and have the stamina for a full day of outdoor fun.
Click here for Little Seeds Camp for children ages 5-9
General Farm Camp Daily Schedule
7:30 – 8:30 Before Care (Additional Fee)
8:30-9:00 Arrival/Free Play @ Upper Farm
9:00 am Head to the lower farm & Chicken Parade
9:30 - 10:30 Activity 1
10:30 – 11:30 Snack/Free Play @ Lower Farm
11:30 – 12:30 Activity 2
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch @ Lower Farm
1:00 – 2:00 Free Play @ Lower Farm
2:00 – 3:00 Activity 3 – Choice
3:00 – 3:15 Cleanup and head back to the Upper Farm
3:30 Dismissal @ Upper Farm
3:30 – 5:30 Aftercare (Additional Fee)
Families with younger children are invited to join us for Family Farm, Seasonal Family Events or see Little Seeds Camp for children ages 5-9. Teens ages 13+ can inquire about our Teen Program.
We ask that each family pay at the highest level as possible. For those families needing financial assistance, please contact us for more details.
Plant the Seed $ ($ payable at time of registration, remainder $ by May 15)
Nourish the Crop $ ($ payable at time of registration, remainder $ by May 15)
Share the Harvest $ ($ payable at time of registration, remainder $ by May 15)
Deposit of $100 is due at time of registration. $50 of the deposit is non-refundable.
Unless other payment arrangements are made, the remaining balance is due by May 15. Payment in full can be made at any time before May 15.
Checks can be mailed to: HCFC 2126 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Refunds for cancellations after May 15, 2025, will only be given at the discretion of our administration.
Cancellation request that is submitted 14 or more days before that week of camp will receive a full refund to credit card or credit to account.
Any cancellation or transfer that is submitted less than 14 days before that week of camp is not refundable. There will be no credits or refunds approved for unused/unattended camp days due to illness, dismissal due to behavior, or vacation. *A transfer is when you want to switch out of one camp enrollment and into another camp enrollment. All transfers are subject to the above cancellation policy and are based on availability. Medical Reason for Cancellation Cancellations due to injury or illness may be reviewed on a case by case basis and will require a doctor’s note.
Cancellations must be submitted via email to info@heritagecreekfarmcamp.com.
Email should include camper’s name and date of the enrolled session.
The refund will be the amount paid less any Pal fees withheld.
Camp operates from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Before Care 7:30 - 8:30 am Cost per week $25
Aftercare 3:30 - 5:30 pm Cost per week $50
Extended care consists of supervised free play and unstructured activities.
Weekly extended care should be reserved prior to the first day of the session.
Although we do not have any pre-announced session themes, our farm-based curriculum engages campers in educational and fun-filled ways. We have years of farm-based curriculum developed and camp activities will be geared toward the seasonal ebb and flow of the work on the farm.
Our work and play on the farm provides meaningful and memorable experiences while teaching a variety of valuable life skills. Learning stations located throughout the facility offer many opportunities for campers to learn, grow and have lots of outdoor fun while on the farm!
In addition to farm and environmental based activities, unstructured activities are an important part of our Farm Camp day. Unstructured free play is often undervalued in our current culture. Studies and direct experience tell us that imaginative capacities and empathic intelligence are best developed during self-directed play. Our daily rhythm includes ample, unstructured time for free play, and our farm facility provides the environment for imaginative outdoor adventures.
Campers pack their own food (lunch and 2 snacks) for the day. Refrigeration space will be provided for lunch boxes. More information will be provided with camper enrollment packet.
Our programming is primarily offered outdoors or in "open-air buildings". We have inside spaces to use for inclement weather.
Campers will be encouraged to wash their hands often and stay hydrated while on the farm. Handwashing and water refill areas are available throughout the farm.
Keeping campers and staff safe and healthy is a team effort. Please do not send your children to camp if they have a fever, have been sick, or have been around someone who has been sick or tested positive for covid.
Although our scholarship funds are limited, we will make an effort to make camp possible for families that have been selected via lottery for camp enrollment. Families can also inquiry about payment options.
Our farm relies upon community contributions, in part, to help make our scholarship program possible. We are not a non-profit organization so we cannot provided tax deductible receipts for contributions, but please know your contribution will help make farm camp possible for children that may otherwise been unable due to financial constraints.
Please contact us if you are interested in contributing to our Taproot Scholarship Fund.
Seasonal Produce - $30/week
This is a “farmer’s choice” harvest of farm-fresh produce that includes a variety of 6-7 items. Items will vary, but a sample box includes potatoes, carrots, string beans, peppers, slicing tomatoes, summer squash, cucumber, garlic or onion.
This is a SPECIAL FOOD SUBSCRIPTION for families attending farm camp for their enrolled week(s).
Reserve and pre-paid your farm-fresh food at time on your reservation form.
To reserve/receive information about field trips, submit the Inquiry Form. Spring Programs include: homeschool enrichment program, and Oak & Acorns Parent/Child Program. Summer Camp Lottery will open on January 5 and be open until January 18. Emails to complete camp registrations will be sent by January 20.