The YMCA Farm, located in Fertigs, Pennsylvania, Venango County, is a project brought to you by the Scenic Rivers YMCA.

The YMCA Farm is primarily for youth, but bridges generations with volunteers and community members teaching youth about sustainable agriculture and caring for animals. It is also an educational initiative that encourages a healthy lifestyle, models socially responsible ways to positively impact today’s society and teaches environmental stewardship. Inspired by the wonders of nature and the joys of discovery, our program offers opportunities for outdoor learning. Farm Camp programs spark conversation and kindle inner growth.

YMCA Farm Camp began in 2021 as a small-scale vegetable farm that offers a variety of educational programs that help participants develop valuable life skills through cooperative work and creative play. Rooted in the simplicity of nature, Farm Camp focuses on teaching skills that nurture the seeds of social change and provide opportunities to discover the common threads of humanity. Reverence for life, care-taking of the environment, learning about sustainable agriculture , and creating a strong sense of community are fundamental elements.

The Farm Camp program is currently geared for children aged 5-12. The program offers activities that are guided by caring staff and volunteers that foster cultural and social understanding while learning on a working farm.

Hands-on activities teach a variety of socially responsible and environmentally friendly lessons, illustrating how individual actions can make a difference in our world.

Partnerships exist with Penn State Master Gardeners, the Wildflower Garden Club, and Penn State University to provide experts in agriculture.

Our Programs Promote Social awareness, a sense of community, self-sufficiency and sustainability, a healthy and simplistic lifestyle, living in harmony with nature, sound practices for the responsible use of the environment and its resources, organic gardening and conservation, sustainable food production, inner growth and reflection, leadership, healthy living, handcrafted trades and techniques from natural items, and art, music and drama.

YMCA Farm Camp is designed for children to explore, observe, and discover nature. Farming and building projects promote hands-on learning.

Children plant seeds, share the harvest, and develop an understanding of plants and animals while learning to respect and protect our natural resources. They acquire an appreciation for food origin, learn about healthy dietary habits, and are inspired as they work hand-in-hand on the land!