Summer Camp on the Farm

Farm Camp is run from our 1-acre school farm in the Mission Terrace neighborhood. We provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature while directly participating in the daily rhythms of farm life. Our day camp is designed to inspire a connection with and love of the natural world, and also a chance to get hands dirty in fun and educational ways. Activities include animal care for our chickens and rabbits, planting, weeding, watering, mulching, harvesting, compost care, crafts and free play. Children will bring a snack and lunch and come prepared to get dirty!

UPDATE: February, 2021

Summer Farm Camp
​We will offer Summer Farm Camp this summer, 2021! However, we do not know the exact format or capacity yet. Given the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, and the evolution of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) guidelines, it is hard to say exactly how many spots will be available and how long sessions will be.

Last year's guidance allowed a maximum of 12 children in a stable cohort with 3-week sessions. We expect the 2021 requirements to be similar, but we will not have certainty until the SFDPH publishes updated guidance. For now, we are planning to enroll with 12 spots in stable cohorts of 3-week sessions, with two teachers, and will adjust, if necessary, once more information is posted.

Based on these guidelines, we are again offering one session per child, for 6-10 year olds:
     - Session 1 - June 14 - July 2nd, 9:00am - 3:00pm
     - Session 2 - July 6 - 24, 9:00am - 3:00pm
     - Session 3 - July 26 - August 13, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Cost: $1,400 for a three week session + $25 administrative fee
           Camp fees must be paid in full before the first day of camp.

All Farm Camp programming and policies will be in compliance with current SF Interim Guidance for Out of School Time Programs.
  • Adherence to guidance includes following distance, disinfecting and cleaning guidelines as published by the CDC, SF Health Department and other agencies; requirement that all children wear a mask or face covering approved by the CDC; requirement that parents/guardians follow distance and wear face coverings at drop off and pick-up.
 
The safety guidelines will continue to shape our policies around pickup and drop-off, meals, distancing, hand washing and more.  Last summer we got creative and churned up new ideas to joyously interact as a group on our beautiful farm.  There will be plenty of work to do to care for the plants and animals and we will continue to offer farm-based crafts, plenty of free play, stories, songs, and cooperative games.  Our stump circle is 6 feet apart and each child will have a designated stump and surrounding stump area where they will eat, work on projects, read, rest, and call home base!
Currently enrolled Golden Bridges families are given registration priority.
General public registration opened March 8, 2021.
Cancel before May 1st for a full refund (minus $50 admin fee)
Cancel May 1st - 4 weeks prior to the first day of camp for a 50% refund
Cancellations within 4 weeks of the start of camp will not be refunded
​​
Please contact us if you have any questions.
"There is a lot of focus in education on school gardens, healthy eating, and environmental stewardship, but Golden Bridges offers this experience as the foundation for all areas of learning. It is how my kids study math, tell stories, master language and experiment in a hands-on way."
​—GBS Parent

Mel Buslach

​Camp Director and Farmer, They/Them

Born and raised in Seattle, Mel studied publishing arts and photography in college. They left Seattle and eventually put down roots in California after three years of traveling the globe. They first landed on a farm in Northern California and it was there that Mel's passion for working with plants and farm life deepened. After 3 years on the farm they moved to Oakland and began teaching elementary, middle, and high school gardening classes, as well as climate change education in several SFUSD schools. They made the move to Golden Bridges in spring of 2019 and couldn’t be happier.  They also teach life sciences and environmental justice to the middle schoolers at Golden Bridges. When they aren’t getting their hands in the dirt, Mel enjoys playing music in a band and eating delicious vegan food.

Farm Camp Staff

Adele Ball

Camp Counsellor,
They/She

Adele is a Virginia-born designer and educator who has taught art, design, and creative problem-solving over the past 12 year to students of all ages. Their work prioritizes social justice, trust, collaboration, community stewardship. Since completing an MFA '16 in Visual Communication at VCU in Richmond, VA, Adele led high school and undergraduate students in learning about design and social justice while also running a queer art space and publishing project called Corner Office. 

Lourdes Benavente

Anna Follett

Camp Counsellor, 
She/Her

Lourdes grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She studied theatre at Middle Tennessee State University and received her BS in 2011. She has been a California resident since 2012. Lourdes is currently enrolled in an American Sign Language interpreter preparation program at Ohlone College. Last summer she travelled back to Tennesse to volunteer at Chattanooga Girls Rock Camp where she was blown away by the camps amazing positive and supportive energy. The kids and counselors love of learning and sharing was an inspiration.  When Lourdes is not working or in school, she enjoys playing music, surfing, learning new skills, and going on all kinds of adventures with her dog. ​

​Camp Counsellor, 
She/Her

Anna was born and raised in Los Angeles. She later moved to San Francisco where she attended City College of San Francisco before transferring to San Francisco State University where she received her B.A. in Anthropology. After graduating, she is back at City College of San Francisco as a student of early childhood education. With a passion for nature and caring for others, Anna is excited to join Golden Bridges School's incredible community of educators, students, and families.