Kids attend weeklong agriculture camp at a local farm

WILLARD, NC (WWAY) — Students from five southeastern North Carolina counties are spending this week learning how to grow their own food, cook with fresh ingredients, and enjoy the outdoors.

The Agriculture Camp is taking place at Tate Farm by the Pond, located off N.C. Highway 11 in Willard. It is a partnership between Tate Farm and Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The camp serves students in grades 3 through 8. Youth from Pender, New Hanover, Duplin, Bladen and Columbus counties attend the program.

Campers take part in hands-on activities that include gardening, cooking, fishing, and kayaking. Breakfast and lunch are provided daily, made with produce grown on the farm.

Campers Dmayah Fowler and Kendall Carr said they are enjoying their time at the farm.

“it’s fun and all and the food is real good,” Fowler said.
“We learned how to like squash tomatoes and potatoes and we’ve just been exploring the farm,” Carr said.

Some campers tried fishing and kayaking for the first time.

“it was my first time fishing…” one camper said.
“when we went kayaking because it kind of felt like we were on the beach,” another camper added.

Lisa Robinson, executive director of Mt. Calvary, said the kids are learning new skills and making memories.

“but just hearing the kids talk about I’ve never been fishing before and just seeing the excitement on their faces when they caught their first fish…” Robinson said.

She also said the camp gives kids a break from screens.

“our kids they leave their phones behind and there out enjoying just running and being free and just having a good time while learning some essential skills all at the same time,” she said.

Many campers return each year to reconnect with friends.

“it’s been really fun and I just like this camp. It’s kind of nice to meet new people,” one camper said.