With a motto of "lettuce learn outside," Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center combines hands-on fun with agricultural lessons at a family-owned and family-operated farm in Mount Joy.

"We live in a fast-paced age of technology where a lifestyle rooted in the simplicity of farm life is like finding a pearl in an oyster," said Cindi Hughes, owner and director of education at Heritage Creek. "Children are growing up without experiencing the wonders of nature. The art of growing our own food is becoming a lost tradition, in need of revitalization."

To help people understand their connection to the land, Heritage Creek offers a variety of programs, including summer farm camp for children ages 5 to 12, a summer teen leadership program, a homeschool enrichment program and after-school clubs, field trips and private group tours held year-round and a Community Supported Agriculture program.

"Through teaching a broad approach to farming, we hope people will see food production through a new set of eyes and understand the way food is grown has a direct correlation to food quality and nutritional value," Cindi shared. "Our intention is to sow the seeds of a new generation of farmers and consumers that value the way food is grown. ... The fruits of our labors are evident in the bountiful harvest that creates a strong sense of community. Our successes are measured in teachable moments that connect people to the earth and to the origin of their food."

Although Heritage Creek is a first-generation farm, Cindi comes from a long line of ancestors who valued the importance of growing and preserving their own food. Her husband, Ed, has a background in the automotive and farm equipment industries and teaches STEM-focused programs on the farm.

Cindi noted that the farm-to-school movement has increased in popularity in the past decade. Heritage Creek partnered with the PA Farm to School Network, a nonprofit organization working to connect children to local agriculture, to host the network's Summer Institute earlier this summer at the farm. Administrators and educators from schools throughout the state attended to be immersed in and inspired by farm-based education.

"Everyone should have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from," said Lauren Rosse, program manager of the Farm to School Network. "People of all ages often feel disconnected from their food sources and with more information, they are more equipped to make choices that benefit them, the planet and the farmers who work so hard to produce the food they eat. Teaching kids about agriculture helps them build healthy habits and form connections to farming that will last into adulthood."

Heritage Creek's curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including land stewardship, STEM, environmental literacy, fiber arts, kitchen arts and cooperative work.

"I hope to get kids thinking outside of the box, to reimagine the way we can grow food," said Aidan Fife, farmer and farm educator at Heritage Creek. "During my activities, our young farmers get their hands in the dirt and can experientially see the value in planting diverse crops, integrating trees on the landscape and incorporating the farm into a larger ecosystem."

The goals of Heritage Creek include sparking an interest in agriculture, encouraging students to ask questions about their role in the environment and getting kids outdoors.

"Children need to spend more quality time outside in nature," said Ed. "If they go home from Farm Camp tired, dirty and knowing how carrots and potatoes grow, we are successful! Bonus points come from knowing they can grow their own food if they choose to."

For more information on Heritage Creek Farm & Education Center, visit https://heritagecreekfarmcamp.com.