Summer Programs 2024

About Summer Programs

The community voted us Best of the South Shore 2023 for our Summer Programming!

Connecting kids ages 3-14 to the natural world

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, cook, build and invent, and get out to explore our unique natural learning environment!

Our programs and curriculum are tailored to your child's specific age group, finding ways to engage and excite children from ages 3-14! Our programs offer a way for children to "graduate" to the next level summer after summer and learn new things every year!

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.

Hours and Weeks Offered

SUMMER HALF-DAY and FULL DAY SESSIONS + Early Drop off Available

Early drop off 8 - 9 am
Half Day 9 am -1 pm (bring a lunch)
Full Day 9 am - 3 pm (bring a lunch)

(Check the schedule offered by your child's age group. Some programs start end of June.)

Week 1: June 3 - June 7
Week 2: June 10- June 14
Week 3: June 17 - June 21 (No sessions Wed, June 19, pro-rated fee)
Week 4: June 24 - June 28
Week 5: July 1 - July 5 (No sessions Thurs. July 4 pro-rated fee)
Week 6: July 8 - July 12
Week 7: July 15 - July 19
Week 8: July 22- July 26
Week 9: July 29 - August 2
Week 10: August 5 - August 9
Week 11: August 12 - August 16
Week 12: August 19 - August 23
Week 13: August 26 - August 30

Current membership is required to register and participate in all summer programs ($75). Join or renew here today! Do so before January 26, 2024 to receive early registration details. Members will receive a special email on member registration day with instructions. Please make sure you have not unsubscribed to our emails.

See information about registration, tiered pricing, scholarships and cancellations below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration and Tiered Pricing

Tiered Pricing Available Summer 2024!

We strive to make educational programming accessible to all ages. Tiered pricing allows families to choose the price that is right for their family, while also becoming more aware of the costs associated with putting on educational programs for each child. This program is voluntary and families are free to choose the tier that best suits their financial situation.

If your family is able to choose a higher tier, it allows more children to access programming. Your support allows Friends of Holly Hill Farm to better utilize the charitable contributions we need to operate our non profit organization and continue with our mission of growing food for our community, educating all ages, and caring for this precious land.

What are the tiers?

Tier A: Cost to run program + contribution to support tiered pricing

Tier B: Cost to run program

Tier C: Reduced price

If your family is unable to meet Tier C pricing, they can apply for additional scholarship funding through the Frank H. White Scholarship Fund.

Prices

All families must be current family-level members to register and participate. ($75)

Membership must be current to register and through the duration of your child's program.

All programs (except Counselor-in-Training)

Half Day 9 am-1 pm*:
Tier-A $402, Tier-B $350, Tier-C $298

Full Day 9 am-3 pm*:
Tier-A $545, Tier-B $475, Tier-C $398*

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING*:

Half Day: Tier-A $108, Tier-B $95, Tier-C $82*
Full Day: Tier-A $194, Tier B-$170, Tier-C $146

Early Drop off 8 am -9 am**:

Per Day cost: Tier A- $21, Tier-B $18, Tier-C $15

Children will receive one complimentary sustainable FHHF t-shirt made from 50% recycled water bottles, 25% organic cotton and 25% recycled fibers!

Frank H. White Scholarship

To submit your scholarship request, complete the form here by January 26, 2024 to receive a reply to your request in time for summer program registration. Requests can be submitted after this date as well in order to be considered. Requests are reviewed in the order received. Please be aware that we have limited funds and may only be able to give up to 20% in funding (in addition to the Tier-C reduced cost).

*Week of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and rates are prorated.

**Early drop off is available to families who have children registered for programming on that day.

Important Information

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the high demand of some programming, items can only remain in your cart for 15 minutes.

We recommend making your selections ahead of registration day and be mindful of the time as you shop online.

We recommend registering your younger child first, completing registration and then registering your other child(ren).

Member Early Registration Day: Feb. 7 at 10 am. Members who have a membership expiration date of Feb. 15 or later, and who joined/renewed prior to Jan. 29 will receive an email on this morning with a special link to register. If you renewed after January 29 or if you unsubscribed to our emails you will not receive this email.

General Public Registration: Feb. 8 at noon. You will access the registration here.

Registration Day Check List:

Current Membership ($75)
Annual physical and immunization forms (JPG, PNG, DOC, DOCX and PDF files accepted) - even if you have in the past you may need to upload a more current one to complete registration.
Emergency and pick up contact info
Complete Required Medical Form with 5 short questions
Complete Waiver/Disclaimer Form
Complete "t-shirt size" form
Credit card

Save time and do this BEFORE registration day:

1. Join or renew your membership ahead of time. Remember membership must be good the day you register trough the duration of your child's program.

2. New families should set up their household account, add their child(ren), and upload their physical and immunizations, complete required forms ahead of time (Waiver & Disclaimer, Medical Form). Forms are accessible on the registration site under "forms"

3. Returning families should log on, verify your child's information and upload new physician's letters/immunizations, complete the required forms ahead of time (Medical, Waivers & Disclaimers) as they may have expired.

4. On registration, due to high demand for some of our programming, you will only have 15 minutes to check out once an item is added to your cart.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

Children must meet the age requirements for summer program sessions by the start date of their session.

(i.e. must be 3, 4, or 5 years old by start date to join Garden Goats, or must be age 6, 7, or 8 by start date to join Monarchs, etc..).

If you have more questions, or if your child is on the cusp of two age groups, please read below for helpful information.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

All cancellations must be made in writing.

Three (3) weeks or more prior to the program start date, in writing, program fee refund minus a $100 administrative fee.

If a cancellation is requested in writing less than three (3) weeks prior to the program start date, no refund can be made. If in the unlikely event we are able to fill your spot on short notice, we will refund camp fees, minus a $100 administrative fee.

Please note: When a family requests to switch a child from one session week to another, they are asking to cancel one session and sign up for another. That request is subject to our cancellation policy above.*

*Exception: requests to swap the same child into a different week’s session made within 72 hours of original registration and by March 15, 2024 can be granted with a fee of $50. Requests to switch after this date are subject to our full cancellation policy as stated above.

Email us here to cancel: programs@hollyhillfarm.org

In the event that Friends of Holly Hill Farm cancels or adjusts the program hours due to severe weather or circumstances beyond our control, we will notify families as soon as possible via email and text alerts. We will also try to post changes to our website as well. We encourage families to check their inboxes in the morning before heading to the farm. If two or more days are canceled due to weather in a one week session, families will have the opportunity to have the additional days refunded, or the family can donate the amount to our nonprofit organization.

Ages 3-5

Garden Goats

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 3 - August 30*

*Must be age 3 by their session start date and reliably potty-trained.

* June 19 and July 4 we will be closed in observance of the holidays. These 4 day weeks will be priced accordingly.

Questions about age requirements?

Ages 6-8

Monarchs

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 3 - August 30, 2023*

*Must be age 6-8 the session start date

Questions about age requirements?

* June 19 and July 4 we will be closed in observance of the holidays. These 4 day weeks will be priced accordingly.

Ages 9-12

NEW! Farm Builders & Inventors

Children will learn how to build simple structures around the farm or to bring home. They will also be challenged to create fun and useful inventions that may meet needs on the farm or that stir their imaginations. Inventions and structures can range from water catchment systems or fences to floating a gnome on the Ice Pond or wild chain reactions.

One week sessions

Half and full days.

Weeks available:

Week 9: July 29 week

Must be age 9-14 by session start date.

Questions about age requirements?

Creativity & Cooking with Nature

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, construct 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 5: July 1 week*

Week 7: July 15 week

*July 4 we will be closed in observance of the holiday. This 4 day week will be priced accordingly.

Must be age 9-14 by session start date.

Questions about age requirements?

Outdoor Adventure

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 6: July 8 week

Week 8: July 22 week

Must be age 9-14 by sessions start date.

Questions about age requirements?

Ages 12-15

Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

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 3 -August 30, 2024*

*The weeks of June 19 and July 4 are four-day weeks and priced accordingly.

Must be age 12 by session start date.

Early drop off

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!

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.

Frequently asked questions - General

FOR MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS CLICK HERE

General Questions:

Q: How do I register?

A: New families who have not registered in 2022-2023 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, checking your account and your children's info, 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 launched a new registration system and website in 2022. 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, 2024).

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, 2024. 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: This year we are offering Tiered-Pricing. Tier-C is a reduced cost of participation. If your family is requesting additional support, complete the form here by January 26, 2024 to receive a reply to your request in time for summer program registration. Requests can be submitted after this date as well in order to be considered. Requests are reviewed in the order received. Please be aware that we have limited funds and may only be able to give up to 20% in funding (in addition to the Tier-C reduced cost).

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 require written notice at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the session. Switching sessions is the same as cancelling and our cancellation policy applies. If you wish to switch from full day to half day or vice-versa, our office can assist you (there is no fee to switch in this way) . For our cancellation and switch policy click here.

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. *Exception: requests to swap the same child into a different week’s session made within 72 hours of original registration and by March 15, 2024 can be granted with a fee of $50. Requests to switch after this date are subject to our full cancellation policy as stated above.

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 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.

Frequently asked questions - Membership

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, 2024 + to receive early access information. Membership must be current through the duration of your child's program. The deadline to renew or join be included in early registration emails is noon January 26, 2024. 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 January 26, 2024 in order to receive early access communications. No exceptions. Do so here.

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:

Members registering on early registration day will need to check their email the day of registration for instructions and links to registration.
Make sure you have not unsubscribed to our emails. If you have you will not receive.
Your membership must be active through February 15, 2024+ in order to receive this email.
Deadline to renew is noon January 26, 2024 to be included in communications.

Join or renew now

Cancellation Information

Cancellation Policy

Weather or Special Cancellations Made by Friends of Holly Hill Farm

All cancellations must be made in writing.

Three (3) weeks or more prior to the program start date, in writing, program fee refund minus a $100 administrative fee.

Families will be required to read and accept our cancellation policy upon registration on our registration site.

Email us here to cancel: programs@hollyhillfarm.org

Weather or Special Cancellations Made by Friends of Holly Hill Farm

We encourage families to check their inboxes in the morning before heading to the farm.

If two or more days are canceled due to weather in a one week session, families will have the opportunity to have the additional days refunded, or the family can donate the amount to our nonprofit organization.

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio

Registered families: Click here or check your email the week prior to start for important informatio