In the magical land of Michigan, surrounded by the Great Lakes, there exists a breed of industrious youngsters known as the "Farm Kids." Led by their sprightly mascot, Captain Cornstalk, a charismatic scarecrow with a golden hat and a pumpkin for a heart, these kids aren't your ordinary bunch. Now, don't let Captain Cornstalk's straw hair and button eyes fool you; he's got a brain full of wheat wisdom and a humor as sweet as apple cider. Michigan may be famous for its cherries, apples, and Motown music, but the real stars are these Farm Kids. They wake up at the crow of the rooster, tie their boot laces tight, and march to the beat of the morning sun. It's not just work for them; these kids make farming feel like a grand adventure. They chase after the mischievous pigs who love to play hide and seek, and have wheelbarrow races in the pumpkin patch. They have epic corn husking competitions, the laughter echoing across the farm, loud enough to scare away the crows. The Farm Kids, under the guidance of Captain Cornstalk, learn that a hard day's work can be fun. They discover the magic in watching a tiny seed grow into a towering sunflower, and the joy in picking a perfectly ripe apple straight off the tree. These Michigan youngsters not only help fill the table with the juiciest fruits and the crunchiest vegetables, but also fill the air with giggles and guffaws. Their merriment wraps around the state of Michigan like a warm, cozy quilt.
Read morebest farming programs in Milford, MI
What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Take the family to the Kensington Metropark Farm Center and experience rural life at its best! Here you'll have the chance to meet animals that inhabit the farm, including chickens, goats, sheep, cattle, and draft horses. Get a glimpse into the past at the 150-year old restored barn, which won the Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) 2012 Barn of the Year Award. Explore the poultry house, barn exhibit room, and kids’ area. Take a stroll to the riverside and you'll find a “green” building made of only natural materials, a stone labyrinth, a grass maze, and an early skills area with a blacksmith shop and brick oven. You'll also have the chance to explore an herb garden, field crops, and old-fashioned farm equipment. Special programs are held throughout the year, so make sure to check the calendar for a chance to learn more about the animals, historic techniques, and other farm-related topics.