Guest Author: Sarah Young, Director of Elementary and Middle School
The Upper Elementary trip to Red Gate Farm is a memorable experience and rite of passage for ASM students. This year was no different. Immersed in a setting vastly different from their everyday environment, students spent the week working collaboratively, solving problems, and developing a stronger sense of independence and responsibility. From caring for farm animals to preparing meals and mending fences, each hands-on task taught them the importance of individual contributions to sustaining both the farm and the natural world.
Each day began with essential morning chores—filling water bowls, replenishing hay, and tending to the animals—which instilled a strong sense of structure, responsibility, and teamwork. The bonds formed through these shared routines continued over communal meals, where students expressed appreciation for one another and strengthened their sense of community. Throughout the week, they cared for oxen, chickens, and sheep, building empathy and meaningful connections with the animals. Additional activities included tapping trees for syrup, exploring local ecosystems on hikes, and preparing the garden for future harvests of tomatoes and eggplants.
Evenings were filled with relaxing and joyful activities that fostered camaraderie—crafting with wool, playing games, making music, and gathering around the campfire to share stories and roast marshmallows. Students took pride in preparing meals using vegetables they had harvested themselves, learning valuable culinary skills and practicing teamwork in the kitchen. Shared mealtimes, marked by songs and family-style dining, reinforced values of patience, gratitude, and respect. This immersive trip offered students a powerful blend of experiential learning, community building, and personal growth in a beautiful, hands-on setting.
“I knew that our food came from animals and plants but when I came to the farm I realized how much more there is to our food. The people at the farm or any farm in general make a great impact on the things we eat and drink.” – Krithi Dendi
“I really enjoyed how peaceful it was on the farm. The animals are so calm and cute. I made some new friends with a ram named Dilly, a sheep named 90, an ox named Thor, and a goat named Gromit.” – Alex Verdolino
