Camp Lottery
Why do we have a camp lottery?
- A lottery eliminates the first come/first service practice, and makes the process of registration fair for all.
- The lottery helps us gauge the interest for summer camp and allows as many children on the farm during the summer for as many sessions as possible.
- Although it requires a bit of planning, it allows families to come to camp for their preferred camp weeks.
- It helps us create weekly rosters with balanced demographics - age groups, genders, etc.
- The age span for a camp session can be determined by lottery preferences. We can create rosters that accommodate a larger number of older or younger campers for specific weeks based upon lottery information.
- It is easier for siblings and friends to attend farm camp together if their preference is noted on the applications.
- We have a small administrative staff that strives to get as much as the admin. work for the summer done before the farm starts to get busy for the season.
On the lottery application you will notice a checkbox requesting camper interests. Through gathering this data, we will have a better idea of the interests of the group before they arrive on the farm. Although each camp week provides a well-rounded curriculum, this will allow us to plan weekly activities that align with any reoccurring themes of interest. We can also plan small group activities based upon interests.
For 2025 you can preorder produce grown on the farm for the week(s) your family is at Farm Camp!
Lottery Timeline
Lottery will be open from January 6 -19
Emails with registration information will be send on by January 22.
Registration must be completed by January 31.
After January 20, 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.
2025 Summer Camps
Session Dates:
June 9-13 (ages 6 1/2-12)
June 16-20 (ages 6 1/2-12)
June 23-27 (ages 6 1/2-12)
July 7-11 (ages 6 1/2-12)
July 14-18 (ages 6 1/2 -12)
July 21-25 (ages 6 1/2-12)
July 28 - August 1 (ages 5-9)
August 4-8 (ages 6 1/2-12)
August 11-15 (ages 5-12) - this week's camp is perfect for families with multi-aged children
Click here for 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 or inquire about our summer sessions for children ages 5-9. Teens ages 13+ can inquire about our Teen Program.
2025 Sliding Price Scale
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 $315($75 payable at time of registration, remainder $225 by June 1)
Nourish the Crop $335($75 payable at time of registration, remainder $250 by June 1)
Share the Harvest $355 ($75 payable at time of registration, remainder $275 by June 1)
Deposit of $75 is due at time of registration. Unless other payment arrangements are made the remaining balance is due by June 1st. Payment in full can be made at any time.
Checks can be mailed to: HCFC 2126 Risser Mill Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552
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.
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 our session 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.
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.
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.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once enrollment has been processed, cancellations must be submitted via email to info@heritagecreekfarmcamp.com. Email should include camper’s full name and date of enrolled session. Refunds for cancellation after May 1, 2024 will be given only at the discretion of administration. Refunds will reflect the amount paid less any PayPal fees withheld at time of registration.
Take the flavor of the farm to savor at home!
Seasonal Produce Box
Seasonal Produce Box - $30/week
The Seasonal Produce Box contains 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 OFFER for families attending farm camp for their enrolled week(s).
Reserve and pre-paid your box w/ camp registration.
