The FARM Institute, located on the historic 162-acre Katama Farm in Edgartown is both a working farm and a farm-based educational hub on Martha’s Vineyard. Cows and sheep from partner farmers can be seen grazing in the fields while goats, chickens, and roaming ducks enliven the barnyard. Our signature teaching kitchen completes the cycle of farm-to-table from our expansive Friendship Garden. Our program is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration. In addition to week-long camp sessions for ages 4-13, we offer a CIT program and one- and two-day summer experiences.

Registration Opens for Everyone on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 12PM EST.

Become a Family Member to save $80 off each week of camp for each of your campers.

Camp Details

Every day campers enjoy farm-based activities that align with our environmental education mission, including:

• Performing essential farm chores like feeding, watering, and moving livestock through our pastures
• Planting, watering, and weeding veggies, flowers, and herbs in the Friendship Garden
• Cooking and tasting delicious seasonal foods in our teaching kitchen, using ingredients campers help to grow
• Farm-themed arts & crafts and science experiments
• Games, songs, and free play in the great outdoors!

Summer Camp at The FARM Institute is designed for campers aged 4–13 who love the outdoors, caring for farm animals, getting their hands dirty, connecting to the land, being independent learners, using their imagination, and tapping into their resilience no matter the weather. A team of talented, compassionate, and energetic educators support campers in their quest to connect to the natural world and find their place within it.

Our Wee Farmers program for ages 2–4 and Farmer for a Day for ages 6+ or family groups offer shorter farm-based experiences.

• If you have any inquiries about whether your camper will thrive at The FARM Institute Summer Camp, please contact the camp office.

2025 Camp Schedule

FULL DAY for Ages 5–14 and CITs
HALF-DAY for Age 4
CIT PROGRAM for Ages 15—17

Week 1: June 23–27
Week 2: June 30–July 3 (Four-day week, pro-rated tuition)
Week 3:  July 7–11
Week 4: July 14–18
Week 5: July 21–25
Week 6: July 28–August 1
Week 7: August 4–8
Week 8: August 11–15
Week 9: August 18–22

2025 Camp Pricing

WEE FARMERS for Ages 2–4 & Caregiver
2-Day Sessions: Tuesday & Thursday or Wednesday & Friday, 9:30–11AM
Trustees Member: $85
Nonmember: $110

Half-Day Camp for Age 4
Monday–Friday from 9AM–12PM
Trustees Member Camper: $450/week
Nonmember Camper: $530/week

Full-Day for Ages 5–13
Monday–Friday from 9AM–3PM
Trustees Member Camper: $575/week
Nonmember Camper: $655/week

Junior CIT for Age 14
Monday–Friday from 9AM–4PM
Trustees Member: $240/week
Nonmember: $290/week

FARMER FOR A DAY for Family Groups of all ages or Drop-off for Ages 6+
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1–3PM
To register for single or multiple sessions of Farmer for a Day, visit The Trustees Things to Do in late spring

Registration Information

Create or access your CampBrain account to register your camper. Here are some CampBrain Tips for navigating common sticking points during the process.

Payment & Financial Assistance
Payment is due in full by credit card at time of registration to confirm your spot.

If you would like to arrange a payment plan or another form of payment, please contact the camp office to discuss options as early as possible.

The Trustees is committed to keeping The FARM Institute accessible to students in our local community. Full-time Martha’s Vineyard families receive a 25% reduced tuition rate. Campers must attend school on the island year-round. Contact the camp office before proceeding to registration.

Island families may apply for Financial Assistance beyond the discount. Obtain Financial Assistance information online or contact the camp office. Although spots are being held for eligible campers, we suggest you apply as early as possible.

Member Tuition Rate
Summer Camp at The FARM Institute is a program of The Trustees, a member-supported, nonprofit organization that protects and cares for 27,000 acres across Massachusetts. Trustees Family Members receive the $80 discounted tuition rate for each camper for each week of camp –plus free or discounted admission at 120+ special places, program discounts, and special event pre-sales all year round.

If you purchase or renew your Trustees membership as you register for camp, you will automatically be eligible for the Member tuition rate. Note: Memberships must be valid through August 2025.

Wait Lists
If any of your desired camp weeks are full, you will have the option to join the wait list as you register. Your credit card will not be charged for waitlisted sessions until you accept a spot that becomes available.

What You Need to Register
Please have the following ready to proceed to registration:

• Annual physical and immunization forms
• Emergency and pick up contact info
• Camper insurance policy and doctor contact
• Credit card
• Your Membership number and expiration date, if you are currently a Member through August 2025 and do not plan to renew during registration (search here to find your Member number and expiration).

Buddy Requests
We pride ourselves in turning strangers into friends. For campers in the same age cohort, we do our best to honor buddy requests. However, due to licensing requirements and other logistics, requests cannot be guaranteed. All parties must initiate a buddy request when registering.

Refund, Cancellation, and Session Change Policy
Due to the high demand for camp and the complexities of registration administration, please select your camp weeks carefully. Refunds are not given for camper dismissal, failure to attend, absence, or sick days. Pro-rated refunds will be offered if camp is not able to open due to extreme weather.

• Prior to May 1, we are able to refund tuition less $150 per camper per week.
• After May 1, we are not able to issue any tuition refunds for cancelled sessions even if spots are refilled.
• Session change requests will be fulfilled if space allows. There is a $50 per camper per week session change fee.
• Note: Memberships are valid upon purchase and are not refundable at any time.

Licensure
Summer Camp at The FARM Institute complies with all regulations required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and is licensed by the Edgartown Board of Health. Parents have the right to request and review the following policies: background check, health care, discipline policies and grievance procedures.