Tacoma Summer Camp at Zestful Gardens
At Zestful Gardens our sustainable agricultural practices minimize our impact on earth and maintain delicious flavor and nutrients in our food. We practice organic farming and emphasize the holistic development and interrelationships of the soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. Farming 35 acres in the Puyallup Valley, mother and daughter (and sometimes granddaughters), Valerie and Holly, tend organic vegetables, small fruits and herbs, rotating cover crops, livestock, orchard and woodland.
Farm Camp Details
A Summer of Connection & Discovery This summer, Zestful Gardens offers four weeks of good-old fun in the dirt! We facilitate a deep connection to self, others, and our local Puyallup Valley farmland through play-based education. Each day offers an invitation to join the rhythm of the land with hands-on farm activities led by experienced teachers with a passion for nature.
Hands-On Fun Includes:
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Animal Care: Feeding our farm friends (animals vary each year!).
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The Harvest: Weeding the garden, gathering eggs, and harvesting fresh bounty.
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Farm-to-Face: Tasting the organic fruits and vegetables we’ve grown together.
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Play: Daily free-play and "good-old fun in the dirt."
Lunches / Snack
Fueling Our Farm Adventures As we return to hosting Farm Camp this year, we are transitioning to a "Pack Your Own Lunch" model. While we can't provide a full catered meal/snack this year, the magic of the harvest remains! Campers will still have daily opportunities to pick and sample organic fruits and vegetables directly from the garden.
What to Expect:
Fresh Sampling: Daily garden chores include harvesting and tasting our seasonal organic produce.
Pack with Care: Because we host children with a wide range of dietary considerations and allergens, please help us remain a Nut-Free environment.
Energy Needs: Between mud play and farm chores, kids burn a lot of energy! Please pack a substantial lunch and snack to keep them fueled until our 2:00 PM pickup.
Aftercare- We will not be offering aftercare Summer 2026.
Farm Camp Rules
Please help us reinforce these rules by reviewing at home. This will greatly help your child's fun and safety on the farm!
1. Stay inside the white fence with a teacher at all times.
2. Farm tools and equipment are for the farmers only.
3. Some fences are electric, please take care.
4. Show kindness towards the animals, please do not scare them by running, shouting, throwing things at animals or nests etc.
5. Three kids in trees at a time. Only climb limbs bigger than wrists.
6. Please do not pick Blueberries surrounding the Farm Camp Yard. When they are ripe, there will be an opportunity.
7. Wash hands often. Especially when returning from the farm walks.
8. One child on tire swing at a time. Bandana tied on rope means that the swing is closed.
9. Device free bodies. Leave at home or away in backpacks.
What to Bring to Camp
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A healthy, hearty lunch. Light garden delights will be sampled.
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Sunscreen (applied)
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Sunhat
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Change of clothes
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Water bottle
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Sturdy footwear - Sandals are not suitable farm footwear
Cancellation Policy
Our camp has a Strict No-Refund Policy within 14 days of the start date because our small size means every spot is vital to our operations. However, we highly recommend selecting Purchase Protection at checkout. This third-party service covers you for 100% of your costs if an emergency arises at the last minute, providing you with peace of mind that we cannot offer through standard registration.
Location
Camp is held at Zestful Gardens Organic Farm in the Puyallup Valley (River Road & 50th). Directions will be sent to you upon registration.
Zestful Gardens is not open to the public.