We've got a great line-up of lessons scheduled for July & August, 2009. Click here for details.
“During a homeschool unit study of horses, we spent one day at week at Gilmarton Farm & loved it! Pamela & Alex Campbell worked with me, closely following our curriculum & expanding it with real-life experiences at the farm. Our time at Gilmarton farm created memories that will last a lifetime.” --Linda Brown, MD (homeschooling mother & part-time family doctor)
Lessons with Homeschoolers
Gilmerton Farm has wonderful atmosphere for learning. Pamela and Alex enjoy the animals so much and they welcome the opportunity to share that experience with students. Being a small family farm, it is particularly well-suited to provide lessons to home-schooling families in the area.
While classes are sometimes pre-scheduled with enrollment open to the home-school community, we can also accomodate individual requests for classes. Contact us with any special requests and we'll be happy to work together if we can. Below are some classes that are available on an ongoing basis.
- Introduction to Goats
- Introduction to Horses
- Orienteering
- Farmer's Breakfast
Here at Gilmerton Farm we raise two very different breeds of goat. Nubian goats are lovely large goats raised for their excellent dairy production. Pygmy goats are much smaller goats and we enjoy them primarily for their friendly dispositions. All our animals are used to people so the students can have an up-close and personal experience with them.
During class, we introduce the students to both breeds, identifying body parts and distinguishing characteristics. We have both does and bucks and talk about the differences gender make in their development. Discussion can include the breeding process itself if so desired.
The students will learn about the milking process and about making goat cheese. They may sample some of both. This leads to a discussion of "good" versus "bad" bacteria. During the dairy process, many steps are taken to ensure the milk is not contaminated with bacteria. During the cheese-making process, the introduction of the right bacteria into the milk changes it into cheese.
Nutrients of goat milk are compared to that of the cow and human milk. You may be surprised at how it stacks up!
The Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch is very strong,
He can work the whole day long.
When noontime comes, he does not dine,
Just twice a day suits hime just fine.
When he can't pull a plow while on his feet,
He pulls on his knees - that's hard to beat!
When the hard day ends, he goes back to his pen.
Glad for tomorrow when he'll work again!
- Caitlin B., age 11
Pamela and Alex have a great love for and knowledge of horses. Horse lessons on Gilmerton Farm can range from an introductory lesson to an in-depth multi-lesson experience.
Most children have heard about and seen horses used for recreational riding. They know horses are ridden by ranchers when herding cattle, etc. Horse classes on Gilmerton Farm introduce horses in a very different way. Students learn the parts of the horse. They learn about the strength of the horse and its value in pre-tractor farming. The participants meet work horses with immense strength and learn how they can be driven with reins and commands. The students may even have an opportunity to drive one themselves. They learn about carriage horses, and enjoy a carriage ride.
Participants in this class also learn what's involved in the care and keeping of a horse: feed requirements, sanitation, etc. They learn in a hands-on way, helping to groom horses, muck-out the stalls and pile up the compost.
Gilmerton Farm is also a great place to look at horses in a less scientific way. Students should take time to observe the beauty of the horse and experience its unique and majestic nature. Photography and drawing of the horses is welcomed.
Gilmerton Farm offers an introductory class in orienteering. Students will learn about compass co-ordinates and how to use a compass to travel from one place to another. Working together, students will try out their new knowledge to navigate a pre-planned route through the woods using their compasses.
New at the farm – families are invited to join us in caring for the animals and participating in farm chores, followed by a Farmer’s breakfast. Limited to 2 families per session. $50 per family, pre-registered only.
Participants will feed and water the horses, sheep, chickens, ducks and goats. Baby goats and moms will be groomed. This is a great opportunity for parents and children to work together in an outdoor farm setting. The Farmers Breakfast that follows includes organic seasonal offerings plus eggs, yogurt, and homemade sausage.
