Youth Farm Safety Camps

The first of four youth farm safety mini-camps, offered through University of Vermont (UVM) Extension in late spring and summer, is scheduled for April 13 and 14 at Spring Brook Farm in Reading.

The overnight camps for kids, 12 to 15 years old, will provide a fun, informal environment for learning about farm safety through hands-on, skill-building activities. Qualified instructors will show campers how to stay safe around tractors and machinery, all-terrain vehicles and chainsaws. Campers will also learn about safe animal handling and what to do and who to call in case of a farm emergency. Fun activities, such as movies, group games and other evening entertainment, round out the schedule.

Registration is $25 and scholarships are available. All meals will be provided although participants must bring their own sleeping bag or bedding.

For more information or to register, contact UVM Extension Youth Farm Safety Coordinator Kristen Mullins at (802) 656-2034 or toll-free at (800) 571-0668 or by e-mail at kristen.mullins@uvm.edu. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program please contact Mullins by March 23. Requests for financial assistance must be received by March 30.

A downloadable registration form may be found at http://www.uvm.edu/extension/4-Hevents. Click on "Youth Farm Safety Mini-Camp--Reading, Vt."

Additional mini-camps are planned for Derby (May 12-13); Burlington (June 27-29) and Randolph Center (Aug. 3-4).  Call for details.