Kids are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get dirty as part of a brand new St. Charles Park District program. Taking place at Primrose Farm, Home School Homesteaders offers farming activities specifically for the homeschool community.
“We created this program because of the success we have had with our Homeschool Day program that takes place in the fall,” said Patricia Kennedy, agricultural program supervisor. “We thought it would be fun to offer a more hands-on, exclusive curriculum for homeschooled students who want to learn about agriculture and history.”
The program will take place over two hours over three consecutive Thursdays and will serve as an introduction to the settler way of life, which emphasizes self-reliance and ingenuity.
The program will allow children to interact with the farm’s many animals – including cows, goats and chickens – while learning how to keep the animals safe and healthy. Students will also learn how to garden and help farm staff prepare for the spring growing season. Additional practical skills will include splitting firewood and learning to prepare meals using a wood stove.
“Students will create a dish to cook in the wood stove using items that can be grown at home and using minimal store-bought produce,” Kennedy said.
The new addition to the farm, a 2,400 square foot educational center, helps make the program possible. The building, officially opened in September 2024, is equipped with extensive teaching space, including a learning laboratory, as well as offices for staff members.
“It has a wonderful test kitchen that allows us to do more food-based agricultural programs,” Kennedy said of the space, which can accommodate up to 75 people.
Home School Homesteaders is aimed at children aged 8 to 14 and will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays, January 16, 23 and 30; February 13, 20 and 27; and March 13, 20 and 27.
The cost is $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents.