Education and Internships
How do farming and education fit together?
RFA works continuously to establish meaningful and enriching educational programs and workshops that bring hundreds of students of all ages to the outdoor classroom of the farm. Many students who arrive at the farm are seeing where food comes from and how it is grown for the first time in their lives. Professors from Art to Math, Environmental Studies and Life Sciences to Sustainability and Business all find ways to connect some aspect of agriculture or sustainable farming to the material they are teaching. Most students come away with a new perspective on the politics of food and its direct impact on our nation, as well as the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
Opportunities for Learning
Rockland Farm Alliance offers opportunities to experience agriculture and the farm to suit almost everyone, including: Field Trips, Farm Tours, Internships, Research Projects and Volunteering. Whether you're 8 or 80, there is certain to be something for you.
RFA has an established relationship with Cornell Cooperative Extension for all types of academic endeavors. Professors from all disciplines are encouraged to bring their classes to the farm. We provide guided tours, as well as help you to understand the connection between your particular area of study, sustainable agriculture, and farming and community.
Education Programs at Cropsey Community Farm
Classroom to Farm Trips
There are many opportunities at Cropsey Community Farm to enhance your curriculum towards meeting NYS standards. A class visit to the farm is a hands-on experience to introduce the fundamentals of agriculture and the importance of knowing where our food comes from. Students are engaged in the full spectrum of local farming operations appropriate to the season. The three seasons that this program operates include Spring (April through May), Summer (June through July), and Fall (September through October).
We are happy to work with you to plan a visit to meet your students’ needs. To schedule a field trip to Cropsey Community Farm, please contact Jessica Kesselman at jessica@rocklandfarm.org or call 845.634.3167.
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Students receive a guided tour of the farm and then work in the field alongside the Farm Team on a seasonally appropriate farm project. This may include but is not limited to seeding, weeding, harvesting, caring for plants in the greenhouse and in the field, and composting. School visits occur weekday mornings from 9:30am until noon. Classes are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy a picnic at the farm before returning to school.
Middle School and High School
Farm tours and projects can be designed to focus on a particular aspect of your curriculum. Topics include sustainable farming practices and food production, the importance of local food systems, agricultural history of Rockland, and plant science. Students receive a farm tour and then work alongside the Farm Team on seasonally-appropriate projects to enhance your subject curriculum. Farm visits start at 9:30am. Classes are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy a picnic at the farm before returning to school.
Other Programs
Community Service
Students interested in receiving community service hours or academic credit hours from their school in exchange for their time at the farm may do so at the discretion of their school. Rockland Farm Alliance is an approved charity organization for community service hours.
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Internships
Rockland Farm Alliance welcomes students from area colleges and high schools as interns at Cropsey Community Farm. Interns must be enrolled in a course offering school credit in exchange for their time at the farm.
Homeschooling Programs
Rockland Farm Alliance welcomes homeschooling groups. We are happy to work with you to plan a visit to meet your students’ needs.
Scout Trips
Rockland Farm Alliance welcomes Scouts to Cropsey Community Farm! Troops may arrange visits during the three seasons that the farm is in operation: Spring (April through May), Summer (June through July), and Fall (September through October).
Volunteering
If none of our education programs fit what you are looking for, there are many volunteering opportunities with RFA, both on the farm and off. If you have time in your schedule to devote to a local organization that is bringing real and lasting change to our community, then please visit our Volunteer page, and come get your hands dirty!
For more information about any of these programs or to schedule a trip to visit the farm, please contact Jessica Kesselman at jessica@rocklandfarm.org or call 845-634-3167.