Additional activities are made possible by the generosity of our visitors and funded through user fees, memberships, donor support, and the sales of our farm-fresh products. Connected tubes may be available for young riders wanting to be connected to their parents, but they are limited and not guaranteed. Snow tubing is a safe activity and almost anyone can do it. Special activities are planned throughout the day and listed on our Open Barn page above. However, service dogs are welcome. We encourage siblings and cousins to remain in separate groups if they differ in one or more years of age and we do our best to honor friend requests of campers of similar age. However, at this time, we do mainly have gravel paths with few paved paths, and/or a step to a wooden bridge path. Our animals are used to being out in all kinds of weather and have shelter if they choose. Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter. The Farm Membership supports the farm and its mission. The EMG-curated educational gardens are a highlight during events at the farm. There's nothing more relaxing, soothing and soul lifting than sitting by a warm fire in winter.
Many of our opportunities are seasonal, so please be patient while we assess our needs. The Farm is funded through the Bloomfield Hills School general fund, which is sourced by the state and provides teaching and learning services for students in the Bloomfield Hills Schools. This method allows for applicants with the highest need to be highlighted and have an increased opportunity to participate in camp programming. What may you encounter? Can I use a private space to meet others? We encourage you to visit the farm and check it out. This allows for heightened engagement and sets up the camper to enjoy the planned activities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements. Ask an Expertormigarden.msu.eduAnytime!Submit questions and up to three photos through the online form. Members of the Society are Master Gardeners certified by Michigan State University. The tube will have a pull strap for your convenience. Are you looking for a unique way to gain volunteer experience? *Bring your receipt to our Admissions desk upon arrival. Under LEARNING, view our community programs tab to see what our current offerings include. Please read the Rules, Waivers and FAQ below before purchasing tickets and attending Winter Park. Building a sense of community around learning experiences in and with the natural world and local food systems has become her life's work. Jackie has been on the team since 2003. Camp will follow the prevention and mitigation strategies outlined by Bloomfield Hills Schools, which are set by the Oakland County Health Division. In addition, ALL CAMPERS should bring a refillable water bottle, labeled with your childs first and last name. They love new members. Visit the Membership page for more information. Yes. If you are a returning volunteer who needs to re-submit their Background Check forms in June, or have been recently contacted and requested to volunteer, please provide the following information. Workdays are weather dependent and usually late October is time to close down for a winters rest. No outside food is allowed except a cake. Recreation, family, and special events are core to our mission as we build a sense of belonging and place for all who enter our gates. Do you often feel inspired to help others and give back to your community? The Pioneer Garden will grow vegetables authentic to the time of the Craig log cabin. A small group cultivates a richer experience and our camp activities are thoughtfully driven by inquiry to keep campers engaged while learning.
Please join our monthly e-newsletter to recieve updates for Camp 2023. In addition, our authentic activities and experiences require materials that at times have variable costs, including supplemental food items for Garden Kitchen. We could not hold community events without your support and it is appreciated. We do not rent skates. Here at the farm, our top priority is to support our classroom teachers, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Yes! We do not rent out helmets for either activity so feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Tickets may be purchased online* by clicking on the event below. Campers will be in small, developmentally appropriate groups, based on their age and grade level. We will try our best! With over 93 acres of forest, fields, gardens, and barns, there is always something new to explore. The meeting dates and location can sometimes change. There is a section in registration where you can write in your request. Join your friends and family to explore the barns and meet our farm animals. As an instrumentality of a governmental unit, contributions are tax-deductible. Thank you all for your interest in Camp! Basically, its a safety hazard and infringes on individuals rights to privacy. Tent rentals are for 2 hour blocks. Questions and changes to registration can be directed to Michelle Golembieski at mgolembieski@bloomfield.org, Or, call and leave a voicemail 248-341-6476. Safety is paramount which is why we have our requirements listed in our FAQ and on our waiver. The deposit cannot be transferred to another week or session of camp. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice and name for any purpose in connection with Bowers School Farm and Winter Park. Please look at our seasonal What to do. Full payment with a credit card is due at the time of registration. Bloomfield Hills Schools, providing a personal public school experience from pre-kindergarten to high school, operates the Charles L. Bowers Farm and E.L. Johnson Nature Center. This, in turn, provides campers with talented staff who are able to reach our set outcomes. Fundraising events and community outreach efforts are provided by members. Also in 2019, 1,140 pounds of produced was donated to Open Door Pantry by Beth Brown and the Saturday Plant-A-Row volunteers. Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter. Jackie graduated from Central Michigan University with a Business degree and completed a Masters degree while working full-time in the automotive industry. 
You may come across chicken experience, goat milking, baby goat visits, or a craft! Stewards Leadership Program: Sign Up Today. We have a big role in developing an understanding of agriculture, which is a task that isnt taken lightly. Enjoy the winter wonderland and grab a tube to slide down one of the coolest sledding hills in Metro-Detroit. Guests can enter the building to use the restrooms and to browse our local items for sale. Most items are made from Bowers-grown produce. We pride ourselves on being able to answer their questions, and pique their curiosity about and interest in gardening. No outside food or drinks can be brought onsite, with the exception of desserts for parties for those people renting the tent. Can I make a sibling, friend, or group request? You can spend as much time as you like during our Open Barn hours. If you've enjoyed the farm on a visit and are looking for a way to give back, or if you just want a little country in your life. Wednesday Volunteer Hours 9 a.m. to Noon.Team Leaders:Nancy Schmid, nancy.c.s. A parent or guardian must sign the tubing waiver on the kids behalf. As an instrumentality of a governmental unit, contributions are tax-deductible. Masks are required indoors while in the building or tent unless removed quickly for eating and drinking. 2:15-4:00 pm: Health & Honey: DIY Goat Milk and Honey Soap, 2:30-6:00 pm: Pollinator Bingo & Heart of the Hive. It all begins with an idea. Please visit our Host an Event page to find out more information. Parents can not assist their children in the tubing area for safety reasons. Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter. Tickets, when available, can be purchased online. With favorites such as specialty pizza, hot cocoa, popcorn and more, youre sure to find something that warms you up. Bowers School Farm reserves the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner, including but not limited to abusive or threatening behavior. $10 per person adults & children (1 yr. and under - free), $9 per person for seniors (65+), military (ID required). Local non-profit and civic organizations are invited to partner with Bowers School Farm to bring a variety of hands-on activities, displays, and presentations to Open Barn guests. In an effort to reduce the number of casual commitments and registration cancellations, we are requiring a $10 deposit to ensure that Parents/Caregivers are deliberate in their commitment to participating in the program. Visitors who do not follow applicable protocols may be asked to leave the premises. We are all about EDUCATION! 60 days or more prior to the first day of camp. The Bowers Farm Operating Procedures are evaluated annually to reflect the most current science and best management practices within veterinary and animal industries. And all the better if it lies within picturesque surroundings of the Farm. The Partner Pavilion is a great opportunity to connect with local community members in a unique, fun-filled setting. You may stay on a waitlist as long as you would like to. The Farm provides a unique and safe environment where learners can ask questions and engage in dialogue surrounding modern food production with practitioners, experts and educators. Starting part-time while staying home with her two daughters, Jackie took on progressive roles, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Teacher, Jessica has been a team member since spring of 2015. By entering an event or program at Bowers School Farm and Winter Park, visitors are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. 
We review volunteers that come from the general public for a fit with our current needs. Bowers 4-H is encompassed in the Oakland County 4-H club. 
Preservation Bloomfield supports preservation of the historical buildings on the farm including the farmhouse and cabin, along with the educational programs provided by Bloomfield Hills Schools. Wearing a helmet for both tubing and skating is recommended. Become a member: Farm Members. No. The skating rink, however, requires consistent temperatures below freezing so that may or may not be open! Bloomfield Hills Schools, providing a personal public school experience from pre-kindergarten to high school, operates the Charles L. Bowers Farm and E.L. Johnson Nature Center. Volunteers come to us through our partner groups and the general public. You may bring light snacks but encourage you to enjoy food from our Farm Kitchen. All tubers must be able to ride down the hill by themselves AND get in and out of the tube by themselves. Each visit will be different from the previous and authentic activities will be happening throughout the day! Become a member to support community and history. There are no prorated daily rates available. When you purchase a ticket online, a waiver can be signed online. Not at all! Dress in warm layers. $9 per person for seniors (65+) and active military (must show ID). Alan is the Director of the Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center, leading the expansion of the educational facility since 2016. The 2019 EMG economic contribution value to Bowers Farm was $30,517, and the 6-year (2014-2019) EMG economic contribution value to Bowers Farm was $163,758. Dress to mess! Welcome to YOUR local farm! The farm is part of the Bloomfield Hills Schools and is a partner with Michigan State University Extension, the Bloomfield Historical Society, and the Master Gardener Society of Oakland County, Inc. Yes, we have a full service kitchen with pizza, hot chocolate, donuts, smore packs, etc. We also recommend sending your child with a full change of clothes. She is driven to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction at every experiential opportunity. You may visit the animals in our barns, shop the Farm Store and eat at the Farm Kitchen. Fees only apply to tube rental, and items purchased from the farm kitchen and local items for sale in our farm store. Please note that our farm mainly has gravel paths with few paved.
Our farm animals have their natural instincts to find their own food and eat what is good for them. Yes. TUBING RENTALS ARE SOLD OUT FOR THE 2022 SEASON! Visitors accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 along with all consequences resulting from exposure or infection, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, temporary or permanent disability, death, and economic or financial loss. His work is emphasized by building strategy and leading teams to connect youths, adults, and communities to food and agriculture. Complete the Active Volunteer Submission Form HERE and upload your completed Media/Equine forms. Below are the special activities that will be happening at a specific scheduled time. Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter.
However, to ensure its availability prior to your arrival, please check our Special Activities Calendar. Our future plans include full accessibility. All information must be in black font or pen, and the format unchanged. Learning comes alive with meaning and purpose as we welcome every learner to discover and wonder in the world around them. Owned and operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools (BHS) since 1967, the Bowers School Farm has been a place for schools and our community to gather and celebrate agriculture. Follow Friends on Facebook: Friends of Bowers Farm | Facebook. No. We will update our website with a link to register as we get closer to camp. No, we do not have any. Store items include eggs, honey, jams, dry mixes, body care, candles, plush toys, logo items, and more. Friends is a 501(C)(3) non-profit to raise money to support the property and programs that go on around Bowers farm. Check out our website, and if you still have questions, please email bowersfarm@bloomfield.org. Refunds are issued to the credit card account that was used to purchase the reservation. We will be open January 7 - February 27, 2022 as follows: Thursdays 4p-9p; Fridays 4p-10p; Saturdays 12p-10p; Sundays 12p-9p.
$14.00 per person for 50 minute rental starting on each hour.
One of the newest and most exciting projects is the Childrens Discovery Garden. First conceptualized in 2019, EMGs have supported the design and development with Dr. However, our Membership system is separate from our tickets so any money spent on tickets can not be applied to a Membership. Please avoid their faces and mouths. Please date and sign the form(s). If you are under the age of 18 years old: Please have a parent/guardian complete the following one of the following forms on your behalf: the Farm Media Release & Equine Waiver Form (if volunteering at the farm), OR. Check out the satellite Farm Store for some of your favorite products such as eggs, jams, honey, and swag. As an instrumentality of a governmental unit, contributions are tax-deductible. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or guardian, or another responsible adult. A favorite wintertime tradition, gliding across the ice at an outdoor pond is one of the most nostalgic experiences we can think of. 
Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter. As an instrumentality of a governmental unit, contributions are tax-deductible. We are offering rental of the tent at Winter Park for private groups. If you accept the camp session spot, you are responsible for paying the remaining camp tuition balance, less the $10 deposit. Yes, our Farm Activity Building is located at the base of the hill with the Farm Kitchen, Barn Shop, and indoor restrooms. Waiver ONLY for Groups or Guests (if tickets already purchased), PDF to print and bring to hill at rental time. Tickets can only be used for the selected date. Send your camper in comfortable, durable clothes, ready to fully participate. The tent has a single heat source so is lightly heated, but warm clothes will still be required. Riders still must be able to get in and out of the tubes themselves. However, we do stop selling tickets a half hour before closing and you must leave the barn area at closing time. You may also buy tickets in advance of your arrival online (online tickets are only for the selected date and can not be refunded or exchanged). It is ultimately up to the parent/guardian to determine if the child can safely snow tube alone. We are here to help. Our partner groups are vital in continuing regular volunteer support and have prior relationships with the farm. If you have a ticket but did not fill out a waiver during purchase, or if a friend purchased your ticket, please fill out the below waiver. This includes the importance of animal welfare in our food system and how animal agriculture connects to our daily lives. Enjoy the warming fires located near the hill. Absolutely no alcohol is allowed - special licenses are required. Donations to the Friends of Bowers Farm go directly to support Bowers School Farm facilities and programs. You have 24 hours to respond beginning at the time we contact you, before we contact the next family. By entering Bowers Winter Park, visitors agree to comply with all policies, guidelines, and preventive measures implemented by Bowers School Farm and Bloomfield Hills Schools designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as applicable federal, state, and local government rules, regulations, and recommendations, and I acknowledge: Despite Bowers School Farms efforts to enact health and safety measures, entering Bowers School Farm still may pose a risk to my safety and presents an increased risk of exposure to and infection with COVID-19. If you've enjoyed the farm on a visit and are looking for a way to give back, or if you just want a little country in your life, this group is for you! Usually we are sold out so it is unlikely that there will be any available at the hill. Campers are grouped together based on age and developmental level. Volunteers are valuable partners at the farm. Your support is priceless as we pursue the project with our community to establish a garden providing a unique experience and exploration new on our farm. Yes. If you plan to attend, please let us confirm by sending an RSVP 24 hours in advance to admin@friendsofbowersfarm.org. This activity requires consistent below-freezing temperatures as a natural ice skating pond. Entry to Winter Park is free so join us for a fun outdoor evening, while enjoying some warm food or beverages around our warming fires! Still have questions? The waiver may be signed at the ticket booth. Submitting a request is not a guarantee that the request will be honored. Partner Pavilions take place on Saturdays April through October 10 am-4 pm. Amy joined the team in 2022 with a background working at a number of area non-profits. Winter Park, visit Winter Park; Reviving a Community Gem. Submit Background Check, Equine Waiver, and Media Release Forms, Once approved, volunteering can begin or resume, Forms need to be resubmitted and approved by July 1 every year. Special activities are planned throughout the day to enhance your farm experience. A helmet is highly recommended for safety. Volunteers fulfill their commitment to community outreach by providing hands on gardening and research-based horticultural education. We provide specialty snow tubes. Come during the evenings and watch the hill come alive with lights. If you have any questions, please contact us at bowersfarm@bloomfield.org. Changes can not be made to tickets for any reason.
Animals that are hand fed may start expecting food which could cause nipping at people which is unsafe behavior. Learn more about the Farm Kitchen & Store. The Oakland County Master Gardener Society, Inc. is the largest Master Gardener Society in the State of Michigan. Bloomfield Hills Schools, providing a personal public school experience from pre-kindergarten to high school, operates the Charles L. Bowers Farm and E.L. Johnson Nature Center. We encourage you to touch the animals on their backs to see the difference in fur, hair, and wool. Housed on 93 acres and owned by Bloomfield Hills Schools since 1967. Your tuition is fully refundable, less a $25 processing fee per camp and per child, if pertinent, provided that you submit a request to cancel a camp session(s) in writing no less than 60 days prior to the first day of the camp session(s). Along with the tent rental, you have the option to pre-purchase a block of tickets during your rental period. Grab a smore pack to roast over the fire. If you wish to be removed from a waitlist, email Michelle. Supporting and Preserving Bowers School Farm through fundraising, community outreach, and volunteerism. With the help of caring adult volunteers, 4-H clubs help young people gain the skills they need to be successful. Since then, we've grown to include many volunteers and participants through our fundraising events and community outreach efforts. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter Winter Park. With a background in Animal Science from Michigan State University, teaching about agriculture and engaging people in the process, Bowers School Farm provides a unique platform within our community to provide engagement, fun, and opportunities that are outside the box.. We do offer community classes and workshops throughout various seasons. As an instrumentality of a governmental unit, contributions are tax-deductible. Bowers Farm offers many opportunities to volunteer during our annual events and during summer camp! You must wear your Master Gardener name badge to be on the grounds of the school. Linking may not be available based on conditions. Bowers School Farm is a learning environment offering authentic experiences throughout one's time on the property. Last year we did not offer aftercare due to covid-19 and are hopeful we will be able to this year. 4-H is a learn-by-doing, fun, educational program designed to help youth in their growth and development and to compliment experiences received at home, school and other organizations. We are a working farm and companion animals pose a threat to our livestock. This project will bring on of the most unique, hands-on horticultural learning and discovery for area youth across Greater Detroit. Grab a roasting stick and make a tasty smore treat which is available for purchase from the Farm Kitchen. Bloomfield Hills Schools, providing a personal public school experience from pre-kindergarten to high school, operates the Charles L. Bowers Farm and E.L. Johnson Nature Center. Waterproof or water-resistant clothing is recommended. Our tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visitors understand that this waiver means they give up my right to bring any claims, including but not limited to claims of negligence. For safety reasons, no personal sledding or boarding equipment is allowed or permitted on our hill. Typically, people can visit most barns, animals and activities within 1-2 hours. The Farm is also home to acres of vegetable production, community gardens, and curated horticultural gardens. Interested? Stay up-to-date with the farm activities and information through our monthly newsletter. Tube rentals are separate and an extra fee. We recommend tubers wear snow pants, gloves, and goggles.
Under the guidance of our chef, our kitchen produces homemade donuts, breads, pizza, salad, seasonal items, spice mixes and more. Bowers Farm is committed to ensuring the safety of those who volunteer in our programs and events by providing a screening and selection process for volunteers. Determinations regarding masking and vaccination will be made closer to the start of camp. If you are concerned about the weather and your visit, please check the forecast. Furthermore, we need to keep our farm animals quarantined from outside diseases that can be unknowingly passed between animals. Bowers School Farm is a proud partner of Michigan State University Extension. Responses will be received by email. If you have questions about the Extension Master Gardener Program in Oakland County or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the office of MSU Extension Oakland County, For information on MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program and classes, please visit MasterGardener Volunteer Program, Contact staff at 248-858-0880 to request Master Gardener volunteer projects, Tel: 1-888-678-3464Monday Friday 9 AM noon & 1 4 PM (April-September)Monday Friday 9 a.m. noon (October-March), At the MSU Extension Oakland County office.Mondays & Tuesdays9 AM noon & 1 4 PM (April-September). Why is there a required deposit to be on a waitlist? You do not need to complete a Background Check Form. Private rentals only include use of a private tent rental for 2 hours during normal open hours. Open Barn, Farm Kitchen & Store - Saturday. Most of our farm animals are prey animals and we need them to retain their natural instincts to avoid predator animals since they mostly live in the pastures. Tickets must be purchased online before coming to Winter Park. The authenticity of a small-scale working farm connects students and the community to where their food comes from.