***If you are registered for Summer 2023 you will receive an email approx. 2-3 days before your session starts with important and helpful information from our Education Director Bruce Frost. You can also click here in case you missed it.
***Weeks with openings as a of 8/1/23****
CIT - August 14, 21, 28
Creativity & Cooking in Nature - August 14
Outdoor Adventures - August 21
Summer STEAM - August 28
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Family-Level Membership+ required to register and attend. Buy your membership here today.
Connecting kids ages 3-15 to the natural world
At Friends of Holly Hill Farm, we seek to connect children to nature in a way that will stick with them for life! During our summer programs children ages 3–15 make new friends, explore, adventure, and connect with the natural landscape and all of its wonderful creatures that inhabit it!
Students experience life on a working certified organic and regenerative farm - plus explore surrounding conservation areas, meadows, woods, and Ice Pond. Children may learn to care for our beloved farm animals, observe native wildlife, participate in sustainable farming, create art inspired by nature, get out and explore, and use our unique natural learning space to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) too!
Our programs and curriculum are tailored to your child's specific age group. Finding ways to engage and excite children from ages 3-15! Our programs offer a way for children to "graduate" to the next level summer after summer and learn new things every year!
2023 Sessions
Current membership is required to register and participate in all summer programs ($75)
SUMMER HALF-DAY and FULL DAY SESSIONS + Early Drop off Available (MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED)
Early drop off 8 - 9 am
Half Day 9 am -1 pm (bring a lunch)
Full Day 9 am - 3 pm (bring a lunch)
(Ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-13, CIT ages 12-15) * see descriptions below for all programming)
Week 1: June 5 - June 9
Week 2: June 12- June 16
Week 3: June 19 - June 23 (No sessions Monday, June 19, pro-rated fee)
Week 4: June 26 - June 30
Week 5: July 3 - July 8 (No sessions Tuesday, July 4, pro-rated fee)
Week 6: July 10- July 14
Week 7: July 17 - July 21
Week 8: July 24- July 28
Week 9: July 31 - August 4
Week 10: August 7 - August 11
Week 11: August 14 - August 18
Week 12: August 21 - August 25
Week 13: August 28 - September 1
Family Membership support allows us to continue our mission of growing, teaching, harvesting, providing community programming, and conserving this precious land... today, and for years to come! In addition to private members-only access to our annual organic plant sale (one of the largest of its kind in the area), discounts on: workshops, vacation week children's programming, special events like Farm Fest - another great reason to become a family level member is early registration for our summer education programs!*
SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Submit your request here by February 4, 2023 to hear back before registration opens. Scholarships can be applied for after this date as well. We have limited funds and are only able to give up to 30% at this time. We strive our best to make them available and accessible to all.
Our Mission:
The Friends of Holly Hill Farm strives to provide healthy, organically grown food for the local community, and to foster good stewardship of the land by educating all ages about the practices of conservation and sustainable farming in a welcoming environment.
Serving our community for over 20 years!
Friends of Holly Hill Farm has been growing, teaching all ages, serving our community, and being good stewards of this land for over 20 years. In 2002, Frank and Jean White established the Friends as a 501(c) (3) non profit organization that operates Holly Hill Farm. The farm is set among historic 17th century farm buildings on beautiful conservation land in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
What you'll need to register:
NEW families: We recommend setting up your family account in our registration system here PRIOR TO registration day. And, upload your children's annual physical and immunizations form directly into their profile.
RETURNING families: We recommend checking your family account you set up in 2022 and all members who you plan to register by clicking here - PRIOR TO registration day. Add any new children to your household. If you have not uploaded a new health form in the last 6 months you may need to do so in order to register. We recommend doing this in advance to save you time on registration day.
BEFORE you register:
PRICING:
All families must be current family-level members to register and participate. To join or renew click here.
*Week of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and rates are prorated.
Save 15% when you register a sibling for the same week!
Scholarships are available.
New this year! Children will receive one complimentary sustainable FHHF t-shirt made from 50% recycled water bottles, 25% organic cotton and 25% recycled fibers!
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
Children must meet the age requirements for summer program sessions by June 5, 2023.
(i.e. must be 3, 4, or 5 years old by June 5 to join Garden Goats, or must be age 6, 7, or 8 by June 5 to join Monarchs, etc..).
Cancellations:
We require notice in writing at least 3 weeks prior to the start date of your program. A $100 cancellation fee will be deducted from your refund.*
Cancellations made less than 3 weeks from the start date of your session will not be refunded. In the unlikely event we are able to fill your spot last minute, we will refund you and deduct a $100 cancellation fee from your refund.
* *UPDATED 2/17/23: Requests to switch from one week to another or to cancel must be done within the first 72 hours after registering and before March 15,2023. After March 15, 2023 our regular cancellation policy above applies (3+ weeks $100 fee) (less than 3 weeks, no refund).
Email us here to cancel: programs@hollyhillfarm.org
New this year - more groups available in 2023!
This widely popular program is a terrific introduction to growing, working, and playing in an outdoor setting. During the week, children make frequent trips to visit the chickens, goats, donkey, and pony, getting to know the animal’s habits, what they eat, and even their individual characters. In addition, they will plant and grow various crops, some of which they will bring home in their own decorated pots, and explore the red wigglers and other creatures of compost. Finally, the children will have adventures in the natural areas outside of the growing areas, including the Ice Pond, where they will find insects, amphibians, and all sorts of other creatures that use or make the pond their home. And along this journey, there will be many crafts, games, songs, and stories.
One week session.
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
Weeks 1-13: June 5 -August 28
*Must be age 3 by June 5, 2023 and reliably potty-trained.
*The weeks of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and priced accordingly.
Questions about age requirements?
Our farm features many habitats, including growing areas, meadows, woods, marsh, and diverse flora & fauna. Children in this group will experience them all. Each day, we will work in the gardens, witnessing the plant’s cycle from seed to plant to flower to fruit while also performing chores to ensure the plants’ health and production of wonderful organic foods. We will also head out beyond the gardens with tools and strategies to explore and observe the wonders of nature, including pollinating insects, pond and marsh dwellers, life under rocks and logs, geological formations, and more. During these times, children will be able to collect simple data, record observations, make connections and predictions, create models, play games, and just have fun being immersed in the natural world.
One week sessions
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
June 5-September 1, 2023*
*Must be age 6 by June 5, 2023
Questions about age requirements?
*The weeks of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and priced accordingly.
Children will experiment with different artforms and cooking techniques while exploring the natural beauty of Holly Hill Farm. They may paint a meadow landscape with watercolors, draw the Tomato Barn with pencil or other tools, sculpt an animal out of clay, constructs leaf mandalas and stone and shell mosaics, and weave with grasses from the fields and marshes. And each day will include a new set of recipes that utilize produce they harvest from our gardens. In the end, they will create art for all senses.
One week sessions
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
Week 2: June 12 week
Week 8: July 24 week
Week 11: August 14 week
Must be age 9 by June 5, 2023 to register
Questions about age requirements?
Children will explore and create within the secret areas around the farm, including the woods, meadows, and Ice Pond. Each outing will open their eyes to new places and possibilities as they learn to navigate, observe, and create. Children will use compasses, practice basic survival skills, build shelters, create civilizations, quest, and more during these adventurous weeks.
One week sessions
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
Week 3: June 19 week*
Week 6: July 10 week
Week 12: August 21 week
Must be age 9 by June 5, 2023 in order to register.
Questions about age requirements?
*The week of June 19 is four-day week and priced accordingly.
Children will learn how to be both citizen scientists and engineers while studying aspects of nature and agriculture that can inspire and inform our decisions. This may include species studies, pondlife under a microscope, removal of invasive species, planting of natives, bio blitzes, biomimicry designs, planting techniques, water studies and solutions, boat building, experiments, and much more.
One week sessions
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
Week 1: June 5 week
Week 4: June 26 week
Week 7: July 17 week
Week 13: August 28 week
Must be age 9 by June 5, 2023 in order to register.
Questions about age requirements?
AGES 12-15
Learn about all the details and nuances of working with young kids (ages 3-8) while becoming a confident, resourceful teacher. All counselors-in-training (CITs) will work with the lead teacher to gain experience and insight to activities and ways to thoughtfully engage the younger campers in an outdoor setting. Certificates of completion will be handed out at week’s end and perhaps propel these counselors to return in a following year as a high school assistant teacher. CIT registrants must be willing to always be attentive to camper needs.
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
June 5-August 28, 2023*
*The weeks of June 19 & July 4 are four-day weeks.
Must be age 12 by June 5, 2023 in order to participate
AGES 12-15
Learn about all the details and nuances of working with young kids (ages 3-8) while becoming a confident, resourceful teacher. All counselors-in-training (CITs) will work with the lead teacher to gain experience and insight to activities and ways to thoughtfully engage the younger campers in an outdoor setting. Certificates of completion will be handed out at week’s end and perhaps propel these counselors to return in a following year as a high school assistant teacher. CIT registrants must be willing to always be attentive to camper needs.
*The weeks of June 19 & July 4 are four-day weeks and priced accordingly.
Must be age 12 by June 5, 2023 in order to participate
Half and full days.
Weeks available:
June 5-August 28, 2023*
*The weeks of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and priced accordingly.
Must be age 12 by June 5, 2023 in order to participate.
Does your child want to join us for an extra hour on the farm before sessions start for the day? Do you need have a busy morning or need to get to work?
Early drop off makes it fun for them...and easy on you!
Children will be with a teacher, they may explore some of the early morning happenings on the farm, listen to a story, create in the barn, play outdoors or enjoy the beautiful morning and socialize with us and friends!
Sign up for one morning, or all mornings of your child's session.*
Can be added at time of registration or as the dates draw closer.
$15 day.
Ages 3-15
Must be registered for a half or full day programs the same week, in order to participate.
*June 19 & July 4 are observed holidays and there will be no programs on these days.
(Click photo to register)
Children will use and learn different artforms and crafts while exploring the natural beauty of Holly Hill Farm.
Available June 7 & 22.
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will prepare and cook recipes - such as flatbreads, soups, and salsas - with fresh produce from the gardens.
Available June 8 & 21
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will learn and play many outdoor and barn games, including camouflage, fairy tag, Dragon Ball, Insect Bingo, and more.
Available June 12 & 27
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will embark on an adventurous exploration of the woods and farm using compasses and other orienteering skills.
Available June 6
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will try to find as many species of insects, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, and plants as possible in the diverse habitats surrounding the farm.
Available June 13 & 28
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will learn different primitive techniques for building shelters in the woods and then put those techniques to use as they build their own versions out of branches, vines, reeds, leaves, and more.
Available June 5 & 20
4-6 pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will help plant and care for the gardens, as well as take care of the animals.
Available June 15 & 26
4-6pm
Ages 8-12
(Click photo to register)
Children will create decorative wreaths with flowers and greens growing wild or in the gardens.
Available June 14 & 29
4-6pm
Ages 8-12
For Membership Related Questions - Click here
General Questions:
Q: How do I register?
A: New families who have not registered in 2022 or 2023 will need to set up a household account. Returning families simply login and make updates as needed and register. We always recommend setting up your account, loading all your children's health forms, etc.. in advance of registration day to help save you the time!
Q: I tried preregistering but it doesn't recognize my email?
A: If you already set up a household account on our registration site in 2022 or 2023, simply log in with the email you used. You can reset your password if needed. If you have not signed up for a program in 2022 or 2023 then set up a new account. Issues resetting your password? email us at programs@hollyhillfarm.org
Q: My child has already done a program at Holly Hill Farm a few years ago, why can't I just login ?
A: We have a new registration system and website. All families/households are required to set up an account. The good news is you'll use this for future registrations and your records can easily be updated here by you anytime! Keep your login info handy as you'll need it again.
Q: What if I don't have my child's health care letter from their provider? Or it is old? Or they haven't had a physical yet this year?
A: You must submit a letter to complete your registration online - the system will not let you skip this step. State and local health administrations require us to receive and review these letters and visits/letters must be current (less than 16 months from the start of their program). Upload the most recent copy you have when registering. Later on go back into your child's profile and scroll to the bottom to upload their new new letter (make sure to do this by May 1, 2023).
Q: I already uploaded their physician's letter on this site before. Why do I need to again?
A: Our system only keeps letters for six months. We are required to review recent letters prior to each program. As long as your letter/visit is dated less than 16 months from start of session you are registering for, it is good in our system for 6 months.
Q: I attached my child's physical/immunization letter and the window keeps popping up. It doesn't say it was uploaded.
A: Sometimes the system does that due to a technical glitch - even though the upload went through correctly. If for some reason your letter upload didn't go through it will prompt you to upload again at check out. If it does not prompt you, then you are all set. If it continues to give you issues you should make sure your file type meets the requirements it states. (JPG, PNG, DOC, DOCX and PDF files accepted)
Q: Due to documented exemptions my child only has their annual physical letter but no vaccination records. What do I do?
A: Upload a copy of the physician's recent physical letter with the child's clearance to participate in school, or sports, camps (missing the vaccination records) and a copy of the religious exemption document. If you have questions direct to programs@hollyhillfarm.org
Q: My child has allergies and/or may require medicine. Is there a form I need to complete?
A: Our Medicine Authorization Form, found on our program registration site should be completed by April 30, 2023. FHHF staff can only administer EpiPens and inhalers. We do not administer any other form of medication.
Q: Is this a drop off or can I stay with my child?
A: Summer programming is a drop-off program. However, of course, if you child needs help easing in we understand if they need a little help from you!
Q: If the program(s) I want is/are filled is there a wait list?
A: Yes, you can register for a waitlist for the week(s) you want on the registration site. We will notify interested applicants if openings become available based on the order received. We will contact you via email if a spot opens up. We will give you a set amount of time to reply before we go to the next person. Emails come from programs@hollyhillfarm.org "Friends of Holly Hill Farm Programs".
Q: What if I'm interested in scholarship opportunities, do I need to register?
A: Please complete a very brief scholarship form. We will get back to you quickly with next steps - typically within a week. If you submit your request and register for a program and are later granted scholarship funding we can refund you the difference. Or you can choose to wait to hear about funding ability prior to registering.
Q: If I want to sign my child up for the same program for a few sessions will it be exactly the same program?
A: For the weekly younger programs, they will have a familiar format every week but with different activities based on what's happening around the farm, in nature, etc. There will always be some kind of gardening and non-gardening activity.
Q: After I register, can I change my child's session?
A: You will have the ability to go in and add the new program you want to register for on our new registration site. The office will need to cancel any sessions you wish to cancel. We charge a $100 administrative fee for cancellations or switching sessions and require written notice at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the session.
Q: I need to cancel my child's registration. What do I do?
A: All cancellation requests must be received in writing at least 3 weeks prior to the start of your child's session. A $100 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund. If less than 3 weeks notice, no refunds are available. In the unlikely event we can fill your spot on short notice, we will refund you minus the $100 fee. Send an email to programs@hollyhillfarm.org
Q: I have been called off the waitlist and now I want to cancel a week I had previously booked to take this new spot instead.
A: Our cancellation policy applies and a fee of $100 will be applied or( if more than 3 weeks notice.). No refund if less than 3 weeks before session start date.
Q: I booked a week but want to swap it for another week that is available - can I do that?
A: Our cancellation policy applies to the original session you are now wishing to cancel. A fee of $100 will be applied prior to refund if you are cancelling more than 3 weeks from your program start. If you are cancelling less than 3 week from the start of the program, there is no refund.
Q: We are on the waitlist. How are we notified?
A: If a spot becomes available we will contact you by email and you will have approximately 24 hours to reply (we will call if less than 24 hours and the session starts soon). The email will state the deadline to reply. If we do not hear from you we will go to the next in line.
AGE REQUIREMENT QUESTIONS
Q: What if my child has a summer birthday after June 5, 2023 and they will meet the age requirements by the time their summer program week (later in the summer)?
A: If your child has a summer birthday and does not meet the June 5 requirement, the system will allow you to register them as long as they are:
All other special requests for joining different aged groups must be submitted for review by our Education Director, Bruce Frost. Email him at bruce@hollyhillfarm.org. If approved our office will need to register them for you.
Q: What if I prefer my child to be in a different aged program and they do not meet the age requirement? (For reasons such as a sibling is in the same group, you feel they are better suited in a different age group, they have special requirements, or they want to be with a friend)
A: We prefer to keep children in the defined age groups and grade levels. We have created programs with these age and grades groups in mind so that groups are well balance and children have peers who are very close to their age. Moving a child up or down may take a spot away from another child. However, we are happy to discuss your child's needs. We ask that you reach out to our Education Director, Bruce Frost, with any questions bruce@hollyhillfarm.org. If approved our office will need to complete your registration.
MEMBERSHIP RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: Members get early access? How does that work?
A: Current Members will receive early access to registration. One day prior to the public. Membership must be current through February 15, 2023 + to receive early access information. The deadline to renew or join be included in early registration emails is noon February 6, 2023. To renew or join click here.
Q: I'm a current member. How does early registration day for members work?
A: On member early registration day all members will receive an email with a special secret registration link Only this link will work. Make sure you have not unsubscribed to our emails. (If you unsubscribed we are not able to send emails to you). Due to the volume of emails and questions on registration day we may not be able to assist you right away.
Q: I am a member and I didn't get the special member only email about early registration?
A: Did you unsubscribe to our emails? If so you have asked to not receive our emails and we are not able to email you. Is it in your spam or junk folder? The email comes from Friends of Holly Hill Farm. We will send a test email the Friday before member registration day - if you do not receive that email please email programs@hollyhillfarm.org. Unfortunately due to the volume of calls and emails we receive on registration opening days we may not be able to assist you right away.
Q: What if I'm not a member or my membership expired? How can I be included in member early registration day?
A: New or rejoining members must do so by noon February 6, 2023 in order to receive early access communications. No exceptions. Do so here.
Q: The registration site says my membership expired. I just bought a membership here less than a year ago. Am I not a member?
A: Your membership is always good for one year from the date of purchase - wherever you originally purchased it - on our website, on our registration day, or in the mail. Our office oversees all membership gifts, enrollment and expiration dates and can assist you if needed. Membership expiration dates are not accurate on our education program registration site. Those arbitrary expiration dates were associated with the program you signed up for at the time and date stamped by the software. You should ignore that date.
Q: What if I don't remember my membership status?
Check your email for our confirmation/thank you, our printed letter we mailed to you at the time you joined, or your credit card statement. Your membership is good for one year from the date of payment, You can complete this form if you cannot find this information and our office can provide that to you. Contact us prior to February 1 to ensure we are able to get back to you in time for early registration.
Members Only Early Registration Highlights: