Parents and guardians have much to consider when choosing camps each summer, so what makes Trustees Summer Camps stand out among the crowd? We chatted with Kristen Schaeffer Johansen—whose family has attended Appleton Farm Camp in Ipswich—about her campers’ experiences and why others might consider registering this year…

Why did you decide to send your campers to Appleton Farms?

My daughter had expressed an interest in trying a different type of summer camp after attending the camp run by our town’s Recreation Department. She had enjoyed the “Farmer for a Day” activity she attended at Appleton Farms during a school vacation. She loves animals and nature, so the focus of the Appleton Farms camp was perfect for her. Her two younger brothers joined her at the camp when they finished preschool after seeing how much fun she had there.

As a parent, what do you think distinguishes a Trustees camp from other summer day camps?

The experience, activities, and education that the camp offers on a working farm are what make Appleton Farms Camp truly unique. My children love to interact with the animals, learn about operating a farm, tend the gardens, and hike the property. They prefer this over the sports and games focus offered by other summer camps. My children also feel like every day is different and unpredictable, and this is really exciting to them!

What’s something your campers learned while at camp?

Each of my three children highlighted a different experience at Appleton Farms! My daughter loved learning how to interact with the animals, contribute to the work on the farm, and how to survive in nature. My older son liked learning about and growing different kinds of plants. My younger son enjoyed visiting the First Pillar and learning about the history of the property.

Can you share one standout experience your campers had at camp?

My daughter loves to see new calves join the farm almost every summer, and she was particularly thrilled to witness one of the cows give birth this summer. That is an experience my kids could not get anywhere else! My older son loved building forts with his camp group when they went on hikes to the First Pillar. My younger son said seeing all the counselors, especially those who return each year, is his favorite experience at camp. They nurture his emerging creativity and leadership by organizing and acting in plays he writes about his favorite topics for all of the campers!

Who do you think should consider attending a Trustees Summer Camp?

My children say that other kids who are adventurous and animal lovers would enjoy the experience at Appleton Farms camp. As a mom of three children who have different qualities and interests, I think any child with any interests would enjoy a week at Appleton Farms Camp.

If your family is returning to a Trustees Camp, what will be bringing you back?

My children have attended Appleton Farms camp every year for the past five years. Each year they ask to return, and spend most of the summer there, because they truly enjoy the experience, the animals, the farm, and the property. But it is the camp leadership (Mike and Izzie) and staff (Abby R, Oona, Kat, Grant, and Meghan, to name a few) that really bring this experience to life and make my children feel unique and special while they are at camp – whether it’s letting my 12-year-old try out some Counselor-In-Training responsibilities, making my 8-year-old the hike leader, or organizing plays with my 6-year-old. When my kids are getting ready for their first day of camp, it’s their favorite staff members and counselors that they are most excited to see again!