Launching July 2020: Larchwood Farm Children’s Nature Camp
Larchwood Farm
So it all began because I wanted to buy a farm! Growing up in Norfolk county with acres of tobacco as my playground, I’ve always been drawn to wide open spaces. My husband, growing up in Newfoundland, luckily also felt the same way.
In August 2016, after searching for several years, we ascended the curvy driveway of Larchwood Farm and knew instantly that this was the one. It had everything that we wanted and so much more.
Larchwood Farm is aptly named after the beautiful Larchwood trees, also known locally as Tamarack or Juniper, which are found throughout the property. The Larchwood is particularly unique in that it is a deciduous conifer. Its short, needle-like, blue-green leaves turn bright yellow and then drop in the Fall. The Victorian Farmhouse was built between 1900-1905 and there is also a newer drive shed (that I like to call “the barn”) and an old outhouse (no longer in service!).
Larchwood Farm is 101 acres of boreal forest, hardwood forest, wetlands and fields. 50 acres of hay is grown and harvested annually by a neighbouring farmer as a source of food for his cattle. Apple trees are speckled throughout the property and we grow quite an extensive vegetable and flower garden each year. The farm is a medley of rolling hills and lovely maintained trails and paths. We continue to nurture and develop the trail system as we explore our property.
We are also lucky enough to have fresh water on the property. Traverston Creek runs through the property and is home to plenty of Brook Trout. There is also a spring fed pond which is home to Chubb fish, Bass and Trout. A few friendly water snakes, frogs, and muskrat have also been spotted in our pond. It’s a great place to cool off in the summer, explore the shoreline and get close with the fish. They are known to nibble toes and are surprisingly easy to catch, and of course later release. We treat all our farm creatures with respect.
My goal has always been to share Larchwood Farm especially for those that may not have the opportunity to experience such a natural environment. The next step is to merge my love of Occupational Therapy with the love of the farm. Development of our unique therapeutic nature camp will begin in April 2020 in collaboration with the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario, Faculties of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science.
Nestled in Grey County on 101 acres, Larchwood Farm Children’s Camp will connect kids to nature with a therapeutic sense, guided by Occupational Therapy frameworks and theories. Our camp team will include Occupational Therapy Students, Registered Occupational Therapists and Summer Student support staff.
Camp Goals
01 : Improve fine motor, gross motor, coordination and balance skills while exploring nature.
02 : Develop cognitive functions including problem solving, planning and organization.
03 : Regulate senses and emotions through participation in group activity and play.
04 : Larchwood Farm Nature Camp will run in weekly blocks. Each session will be 5 days long.
