Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center

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Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center

Heritage Creek Farm & Education CenterHeritage Creek Farm & Education CenterHeritage Creek Farm & Education Center

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • Spring & Fall Programs
  • Little Seeds Camp
  • Farm & Forest Camp
  • Summer Teen Program
  • Visit the Farm
  • Farm-to-School
  • Adult Programs
  • Lettuce Be Your Farmer
  • Public Events
  • Parties & Evening Farm
  • Farm2Farm Telephone Story
  • Children's Books
  • Taproot Scholarship
  • Environmental Literacy
  • Calendar
  • Farm Store
  • Recipes
  • Pumpkin Derby Car - STEM
  • 'Twas the Night Event
  • HC Legacy Foundation

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Farm & Forest Camps Full Week with Extended Care Option

Lottery Applications will be accepted from January 5-18. 

See dates below for age group for each week. 


Looking for a camp for children ages 5-9?  

See our Little Seeds Program.  

Lottery Application

Camp Lottery

Why do we have a Lottery for Farm Camp?

Our lottery-based registration system replaces a first-come, first-served model to ensure a fair process for all families.

The lottery helps us:

  • Gauge overall interest in summer camp 
  • Allow as many children as possible to attend camp across multiple sessions 
  • Give families a better chance of securing their preferred camp weeks
     

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 strive to complete as much administrative planning for summer camp 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:

  • Plan weekly activities around common themes 
  • Create small-group activities based on shared interests 

This ensures a more engaging and personalized camp experience for each weekly group.  

Lottery Timeline

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.  

Lottery Application

2026 lottery information

2025 Lottery Application Overview (pdf)Download

2026 Summer Camps

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 broader age span, as well as for working families with younger campers who need a five-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 get ready for dismissal 

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.

Camp Lottery Application

2026 Sliding Price Scale

We ask each family to consider paying at the highest level possible, as this helps us continue offering Farm Camp on a sliding price scale. This approach promotes equity and access by allowing families with varying financial circumstances to participate, supports community inclusion and diversity, and helps ensure fair wages for staff and high-quality programming. Families who need financial assistance are encouraged to contact us for more information; all inquiries are handled with care and confidentiality.  For those families needing financial assistance, please contact us for more information. 

   

Plant the Seed $330 ($100 non-refundable deposit payable at time of registration, remainder $230 due by May 15).  3% extra fee if remaining balance is paid via PayPal. 

Nourish the Crop $350 ($100 non-refundable deposit payable at time of registration, remainder $250 due by May 15) 3% extra fee if remaining balance is paid via PayPal. 

Share the Harvest $375 ($100 non-refundable deposit payable at time of registration, remainder $275 due by May 15) 3% extra fee if remaining balance is paid via PayPal.


Deposit of $100 (non-refundable) is due at time of registration.  

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.   

After registration is completed and deposit paid the camper will receive a payment summary via email with instructions for submitting remaining balance.  


Remaining Balance can be made via checks 

Mailed to: HCFC 2126 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552 

or families can pay via PayPal with an added 3% surcharge.  


Cancellation and Refund Policy  

  • Cancellations received after May 26, 2025 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and any refunds are granted at the discretion of Farm Camp administration.
  • No credits or refunds will be issued for unused or unattended camp days due to illness, dismissal for behavior, or vacation.
  • Cancellations due to injury or illness may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any refund issued for medical reasons is at the discretion of Farm Camp administration.
  • All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to info@heritagecreekfarmcamp.com and must include the camper’s full name and the date(s) of the enrolled session.

Camp Lottery Application

Camp Hours & Extended Care

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.  

Contact us with questions about Farm Camp

Camp Themes

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.   

Snacks, Lunch and Water

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. 

Camper Safety Protocol

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. 

Taproot Scholarship

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. 

Coming to Farm Camp? Here's what ya need to know!

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Emergency Form and Participation Waiver must be on file for each camper and returned on or before the first day of program participation. 


Forms are good for all programs in 2025.

Packing List, and GPS Address

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Please leave toys and tech at home. They will not be missed at Farm Camp. You will find the Packing List below. 


 GPS Address: 

2126 Risser Mill Rd. 

Mount Joy, PA 17552


Please park by our greenhouse. See map of farm below. 

Daily Schedule

Emergency Form & Participation Waiver

Daily Schedule

Camp 8:30 am - 3:30 pm


Extended Care

7:30 - 8:30 am 

3:30- 5:30 pm 

Additional cost 


The flow of our day includes 3 daily activities and lots of unstructured time in nature. 

Important camp Documents

HCFC Parking Map (jpg)Download
Emergency & Participation Waiver (pdf)Download
Packing List (pdf)Download
HCFC Facility Map (jpeg)Download
Autonomous Play and Steps for Conflict Resolution (pdf)Download

Agriculture as the Heart of Summer Learning

Our Summer Farm Camp brings Full Circle Learning to life through hands-on, multidisciplinary experiences rooted in the natural world. Agriculture serves as both the setting and the seed—helping children and teens grow into thoughtful individuals, environmental stewards, and compassionate community members. Each day at camp nurtures curiosity, builds character, and strengthens every camper’s sense of purpose and belonging, all while keeping activities age-appropriate, engaging, joyful, and fun.

The Farm as a Living Classroom Drives the Activities

Our curriculum and activities flow directly from the land itself. Campers explore gardens, greenhouses, forests, creeks, and barnyards—experiencing the farm as an ever-changing classroom. Activities follow the natural rhythms of the growing season, offering real-time learning about ecosystems, food systems, and the connections between people, land, and community.

Agricultural Arts & STEELS-Based Learning

Through our Agricultural Arts Programs, campers engage in STEELS-based activities—(Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment Literacy, and Sustainability). Campers gain practical experience in plant science, animal care, regenerative agriculture, and environmental and land stewardship. Older campers also develop mechanical and problem-solving skills essential to farm life. Farm-to-table activities bring the full food cycle to life—from seed to harvest to nourishment—helping campers understand where food comes from and why nutritious food matters.


Creativity and Culture on the Farm

Creative exploration is woven throughout camp life. Campers engage in textiles, traditional crafts, plant and animal fibers, visual arts, music, storytelling, and open-ended projects in our Creative Arts and Makers Space. Older campers dive deeper into topics such as food justice, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, and career pathways connected to agriculture and sustainability.

The Power of Play and Exploration

 In addition to guided activities, our Summer Farm Camp values unstructured, self-directed play. With ample time to explore, invent, and collaborate, campers develop imagination, problem-solving skills, and empathy. When children have the freedom to choose how they play, they learn to trust their ideas, make decisions, work through challenges, and build confidence in their abilities. Navigating play on their own also strengthens social skills and resilience. Our farm provides the perfect landscape for outdoor adventures fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a growing sense of independence. 

Cultivating Knowledge, Character, and Changemakers

At Farm Camp, youth grow in knowledge, skill, character, creativity, and stewardship. Guided by the land, enriched by hands-on agricultural experiences, and balanced by play, campers gain confidence and insight to become compassionate changemakers. They leave camp knowing they are part of a larger story—one rooted in sustainability and care for the earth and each other.

Pathways to Future Careers and Community Leadership

Our agriculture education model also introduces campers to pathways in farming, sustainability, land stewardship, and food systems. Early, hands-on exposure builds confidence, sparks interest, and helps young people envision themselves as future stewards, innovators, and community leaders—on the farm and beyond.

Savor the flavors of Farm Camp at your Table!

  While we won’t be offering pre-ordered seasonal food boxes in 2026, we invite you to visit our Friday Farmers Market to take home fresh, seasonal produce. Every purchase supports the farm’s agricultural education programs, helping us teach children and families about sustainable farming, food systems, and hands-on learning. By engaging with the farm and its fresh foods, campers also learn to make healthy, informed food choices that last a lifetime. Enjoy the flavors of the farm on your table while supporting the next generation of farmers and environmentally contentious consumers! 

    About Farm Camp

    AG & EDUCATION

    AG & EDUCATION

    AG & EDUCATION

    Ag and education go hand in hand at our farm. We produce chemical-free produce for our community and provide opportunities to learn about and become involved in life on the farm. Through hands-on activities, campers learn about food origin, sustainable agriculture and land stewardship.  

    ANIMALS & ART

    AG & EDUCATION

    AG & EDUCATION

    At Farm Camp, we encourage a love for animals, domestic and wild. Campers learn about the animals living on the farm and help with animal- related chores. 

    Creative projects including those using fibers produced on our farm are an integral part of our wholesome farm-based curriculum.  

    NATURE & FUN

    AG & EDUCATION

    NATURE & FUN

    Nature is our outdoor classroom. Throughout the farm we have learning stations that encourage campers to explore the outdoor world, learn about animal and plant science, and develop new skills.  The daily rhythm of farm camp allows lots of time for free play and fun-filled activities!  

    Heritage Creek Farm & education center

    2126 Rissermill Road, Mount Joy

    Copyright © 2021 Heritage Creek Farm Camp - All Rights Reserved.

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    Spring & Summer Programs

    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.