We have completed our second year of our CIT (Counselor-in-Training) and FIT (Farmer-in-Training) programs. Instead of a summer-long program, it is year-round! This is one of the BEST decisions I have ever made. This program has become a cornerstone of The Maker Farm’s programming and has welcomed dozens of teens and preteens to the Farm. We begin September 1 and run though the end of Summer Camp 2025. This year, there are even MORE opportunities to join us on the Farm for unplugged opportunities with beloved horses, snuggly animals, pitchforks, paintbrushes and glue guns!

Our Counselor-in-Training program is for our students who are entering Grade 7 for the 2025-2026 schoolyear and is for students through Grade 10 (to age 16). Although our animals and barn chores are a big part of our CITs’ responsibilities, their primary focus is on our summer campers and children in our year-round programming at the Farm. CITS are asked to help with classes, workshops and camps and assist lead instructors. Over the years, our CITS have become the heart of camp for our little ones. They lead fun games and activities (CIT BINGO!), offer friendship to new campers, assist lead instuctors with projects, help with our farm animals and so much more.

Our Farmer-in-Training program is for our students who are entering Grade 7 for the 2025-2026 schoolyear and is for students through Grade 10 (to age 16). Our FITS are responsible primarily for animal care and garden projects. FITS spend a lot of time in the barn! Mornings are filled with feeding animals and mucking stalls. Afternoons are filled with assisting camps with animal time- and taking breaks in the shade holding bunnies! FITS also assist with horse turn-out. FITS are encouraged to join in on camp and programming activities and build friendships with our CITS.

There will also be scheduled horse-riding events for our CITS and FITS throughout the year for beginners through seasoned riders!

OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ON THE FARM!

Our CIT and FIT programs are now year-round which means that there are a lot of opportunities to be on the Farm, build skills, make new friends and spend time with our plethora of animals. Here are dates and times for joining us on the Farm. None of these are mandatory except for our CIT/FIT Training Day. Also, our program is flexible! Kids are welcome to come for partial days and partial camp weeks.

Mondays-Fridays Afterschool starting September 2 from 4-6pm (assist with barn chores, horse turn-in and Pony Love classes!)

Saturday Mornings from 8am-noon (assist with barn chores, horse turn-out, and Saturday programming such as Pony Love!)

Sunday Mornings from 8am-11am (assist with morning barn chores and horse turn-out)

October 6 Fall Flannels Party for CITS and FITS 6-8pm

October 14 Workshop Day 9am-3pm

November 5, 11 and 27 Day off School Workshop Days 9am-3pm

November 29 and 30 Workshop Days 9am-3pm

December 22 Holiday Party and Yankee Swap at the Farm for CITS and FITS! 5-8pm

December 23, 26, 27 and 30 Holiday Workshops from 9am-noon

February 17-28 (February Vacation MA and NH) 9am-3pm Workshops/Horse Camp

April 22-May 2 (April Vacation MA and NH) 9am-3pm Workshops/Horse Camp

June 23 from 9am-3pm MANDATORY TRAINING

Summer Camp 2025 June17-August 29

TBA: Spring ShedFest and Paddock CleanUp! and Fall and Spring Horse Clinics for practicing leading, riding and more . . . we are excited to welcome additional horse staff to the Farm and are working on the new schedule!