Programming
ABCs of Farm-Based Education
Designed for farmers, farm-based educators, and non-formal educators, the ABCs of Farm-Based Education Workshop is hosted by Shelburne Farms and FBEN each March and October. This program is for anyone building a farm-based education program or inspiring an existing program. At this 2 1/2 day workshop, you’ll fill your toolbox with activities from Shelburne Farms’ publications, Project Seasons and Cultivating Joy and Wonder. Each day will bring you to new places: the dairy, farmyard, garden, and forest classrooms at Shelburne Farms, or other farm-based learning environments when the workshop is hosted in partnership with other sites. Through hands-on learning, peer discussions, group meals and shared craft time, participants gather ideas for engaging school groups and visitors of all ages, tips for creating a safe learning environment, and support for facing challenges common in farm-based education
Immersion Programs
Immersions invite a small group into a 2-day experience with peer farm-based educators as they shadow, reflect on, and give feedback on the host site's programming, while gathering ideas and inspiration for their own farms. Teams from the same organization/farm are encouraged to apply. Past immersions have taken place at The Farm School in Athol, MA, Cedar Circle Farm in East Thetford, VT, and Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture and Environment.
Learning Journeys
FBEN Learning Journeys convene those working in food and farm education for a series of farm tours. Tour leaders go beyond “what” each site offers to focus on their strengths, struggles, and unique attributes. Participants may come to one or all parts of the journey, bringing their questions and ideas to each visit. Past itinraries have included: Coastal Maine (September 2023), Western Massachusetts (September 2022), Greater New York City (September 2018), Southern Vermont (March 2018), Western Massachusetts (September 2017), New Jersey (September 2016), New York State (September 2015).
Leadership Retreats
Leadership Retreats can take many shapes, including 2-day facilitated workshops that rely on peer expertise and some guest presenters to support our learning together. Program goals include, but aren't limited to: building leadership capacity for managers, directors, owners, board members; sharing strategies for successful operation of farm-based ed programming; fostering relationships among peer leaders; providing a restorative experience that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.
Past Retreats took place in January, 2018 at Shelburne Farms and in July, 2019 at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming. There are currently no Leadership Retreats scheduled, but please reach out if you're interested in setting one up!
Virtual Workshops
Virtual offerings on topics suggested by members are always welcome! These range from 12-hour anti-racism trainings with Service to Justice, to 60 minute Community Check-Ins to the summer camp learning community that runs each spring. View current program offerings.
Conferences
FBEN conferences build our collective understanding of what it means to be a farm-based educator and practical tools and insight from peers. Conferences are hosted in partnership with local educational farms and a geographically diverse planning committee. The location and dates have not be set for the next conference.
