Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center

Heritage Creek Farm & Education CenterHeritage Creek Farm & Education CenterHeritage Creek Farm & Education CenterHeritage 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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Teen Program

In today’s technology-driven world, teens who regularly spend time in nature can feel like an endangered species. Our Teen Leadership Program offers a unique summer experience that connects adolescents to the land while equipping them with essential life skills for the future.

For some youth, the program is a long-awaited rite of passage and the next phase of their learning at Farm Camp. For others, it’s a newly discovered opportunity for a memorable, hands-on summer. Teens receive mentorship, develop leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict mediation skills, and explore agriculture and land management through real-world experiences.


Teens also assist with camp activities for younger campers and participate in projects designed specifically for their age group. These experiences build confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of stewardship for the land while fostering meaningful connections within a supportive community.


Teens may join for a single week, or throughout the summer. Program fees are set for the first several weeks, with a sliding scale for additional weeks to ensure the program remains accessible to all and financially viable. Families are encouraged to contact us if financial concerns are a barrier for participation.


Heritage Creek Farm has become a place where teens find purpose, build lasting friendships, and grow into thoughtful, capable leaders. Participants leave with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience to succeed in school, community, and future careers—while enjoying a summer full of growth, connection, and adventure.

Grow skills. Make friends. Dig into something real!

Join the team of teens growing change this summer

On the farm, teens will be exposed to a wide variety of experiences and have the opportunity to expand their horizons, learn new skills, meet new friends, and share their talents.  Through mentorship with our farm educators and farmers, teens will learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, animal care, traditional arts, and develop valuable life skills.


Applications for 2026 will be accepted starting January 24, 2026.  


Application/Registration Process:  

1. Fill out the Application 

2. Submit your Recommendation Letter 

3. Schedule a Tour if you are unfamiliar with our program.  

4. Link to complete the Registration will be emailed to you. Select your level of involvement and sessions of participation.  


Recommendation Letter

A letter of recommendation must be submitted with each teen application. This letter should be written by a community member who knows the applicant well but is not related to the teen.

The recommendation letter should include:

Characteristics that make the applicant a strong candidate for our teen program

Examples of leadership activities the applicant has participated in within the community


Farm Tour Requirement

Any teen new to Heritage Creek Farm Camp must schedule a farm tour and meet with a staff member before their application will be reviewed.


STEM & Farm Projects

In addition to assisting with daily farm activities, teens and older campers will engage in a variety of project-based learning opportunities. 


Code of Conduct 

To maintain a safe, positive, and peaceful camp environment, all participants are expected to:

  • Follow the daily camp schedule and safety rules set by staff. 
  • Bring only items listed on the packing list, unless otherwise requested. 
  • Wear clothing that is both farm-appropriate and reflects the mission of the farm. No accessories such as ears, tails, dangling earrings, or similar items. 
  • Respect staff, campers, and teen leaders. 
  • Communicate using kind and respectful language. 
  • Work together to peacefully resolve conflicts. 
  • Violence, profanity, disrespectfulness, or any unsafe behavior is not tolerated. 
  • No tobacco, smoking, drug paraphernalia, or weapons are allowed on camp property. 
  • Adhere to a tech-free environment while at camp. 
  • Act as positive role models for younger campers. 
  • Stay with assigned staff until dismissed for meals or free time.


Guiding Principles  

At Heritage Creek Farm Camp, we encourage all participants to:

  • Respect staff, fellow campers, the environment, and facilities. 
  • Treat others as you would like to be treated. 
  • Be enthusiastic and inspire others with a positive attitude. 
  • Lead by example: cooperate with group leaders and encourage peers with kindness. 
  • Participate actively and value the ideas, beliefs, and rights of others. 
  • Show kindness and courtesy and take responsibility for your actions. 
  • Be honest, building trust in all relationships and interactions. 
  • Model the steps for conflict resolution. 
  • Stay open-minded to new ideas and experiences. 
  • Have fun and make great memories! 

Summer Teen Program Ages 13+

2026 Participation Costs:   

There are 9 weeks of camp during 2026. 

1 week - $135 

2 weeks - $270 

3 weeks - $375 

4-9 weeks Sliding Scale (Family chooses fee) - $500, $600, $700, or $800  

Families are encouraged to contact us if financial concerns are a barrier for participation. 

Applications for 2026 Teen Program will be accepted starting January 26. 

Teen Application

Dates of Participation

June 8-12

June 15-19

June 22-26

NO CAMP June 30-July 4

July 6-10 - Camp for ages 5-12

July 13-17

July 20-24

July 27-July 31-Camp for ages 5-9 *

August 3-7

August 10-14 - Camp for ages 5-12 


Camp operates from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm 

Teens can arrive as early as 7:30 am 

and stay until as late as 5:30 pm 

* Pick up by 4 pm the week of July 27 - July 31


Teen social events are offered periodically throughout the season and teens are invited to participate in Seasonal Farm Camp Days and dates when the farm is open to the public for Community Farm Days for no additional charge. 

See calendar for dates. 

important documents

Emergency & Participation Waiver (pdf)Download
Packing List (pdf)Download
Teen Program Overview (pdf)Download
Autonomous Play and Steps for Conflict Resolution (pdf)Download

Hands-on Farm Activities

Greenhouse

learning about seeding, germination and propagation 

Production Garden

learning how to transplant, direct seed, set up irrigation and harvest different crops 

Market & CSA

learning about the business side of farming

Animal Care

learning about and how to care for farm animals 

Environmental

working on environmental projects on the farm and learning about sustainable growing methods

Earth stewards

caretaking the land 

Team work

Through mentorship with our staff, teens work and play hand-in-hand on the land with their teen peers and campers 

Life Skills

A variety of life skills can be learned while on the farm including STEM. 

Foundation for Future Endeavors

Skillsets such as teamwork, adaptability, leadership, decision-making, self-motivation, perseverance, and responsibility can be learned while at Farm Camp.  

Textiles & Fiber Arts

Learning to use the variety of mediums in our fiber arts program including re-purposed items.   

Arts and Crafts

Farm and nature based arts and crafts

Make New Friends

Long lasting friendships are cultivated on the farm.  

Teens in action

    Heritage Creek Farm & education center

    2126 Rissermill Road, Mount Joy

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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 21.