Dairy farmers deliver more than just delicious milk. Many of them also invite us onto their farms to experience a taste of life on a dairy farm. Clara Ayer, co-owner of Fairmont Farm in VT, has been inviting kids to summer farm camp at her farm for the last 10 years to do just that. We had a chance to talk with Clara about the importance of their community over the last 10 years and where she sees the summer farm camp going in the future.
Why did you want to start the “life on the farm” camp?
We started the ‘Life on the Farm’ camp because of our strong interest in education and our desire to engage with the local community. We wanted to create an opportunity for kids and families to learn where their food comes from in a hands-on, meaningful way. By connecting them directly with farm life, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local food systems.
How many years since your first camp session?
Our first ‘Life on the Farm’ camp session was in 2015, so this year we’re proudly celebrating 10 years since we started the program. It’s been incredible to watch the camp grow and evolve over the past decade, and we’re so grateful for the continued support from our community.
How has the program evolved/grown over the years?
The program has grown significantly since we started. We began with just 8 to 10 campers per week, and now we host up to 28 campers weekly, often with a waitlist of 15 to 20 kids. At our peak, we’ve been able to run six full weeks of camp, all of which filled up quickly. While this year we scaled back to three weeks due to our own time and capacity constraints, the demand and enthusiasm from the community remain strong. It’s been really rewarding to see how much the camp has become something families look forward to every year.
Do you have any favorite memories or funny stories?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite memory — there have been so many over the years. One that stands out was the time we went on a hike and came across some loose heifers. Without missing a beat, we turned it into a real-life lesson in herding and teamwork as we guided them back into the pasture — the kids still talk about it! But honestly, some of the most rewarding moments are quieter ones, like watching a timid camper on Monday who’s unsure around their calf, and by Friday, they’ve formed such a strong bond that they’re in tears saying goodbye. Those transformations are what make this camp so special.
Is there anything with camp you are especially excited for or looking forward to this year?
This year, I’m especially excited to see the next generation of our farm family stepping into more active roles at camp. Our fourth-generation farm kids are now old enough to be campers or even junior counselors, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them embrace the program we’ve built. Seeing them take pride in the farm, step into leadership roles, and begin to share this experience with their own friends makes it feel like the camp has truly come full circle. It’s a powerful reminder of how deeply rooted this program is in both our family and our community.
Anything else you’d like to share?
One thing we feel especially grateful for is the continued involvement of our first-generation farmers and in particular — my grandfather. It’s incredibly special to still have him actively engaged in the camp, and we’re so excited to welcome him back again this summer. Another full-circle moment is that he started his career in extension work and is a natural teacher. Having him share his knowledge and stories with the campers brings so much authenticity and depth to their experience. It’s incredibly meaningful to see the tradition of farming and education come together through him, inspiring both the kids and all of us who run the camp.
