Scouts Rule! Our traditional educational programs have been slightly modified to meet the needs of scouts so they may fulfill the requirements of different patches. Participants will get a full ‘farmy’ experience no matter which patch program is chosen. We look forward to working with your scout troop.
We welcome independent troop visits as well and Soule Homestead is often a destination for Scouts to do volunteer work or Silver or Gold 508.947.6744 or email our educator Melanie at educator@soulehomestead.org. If you are interested in different programming, reach out and we will see how we can accommodate your troop. We are happy to help develop programs to meet your patch goals and needs.
We offer Soule Homestead Patches for $3 each.
Soule patches cannot be applied towards the minimum amount to run a program.
- 90 Minute Program: $9/child
- $40 deposit to hold the date of any program
- $125 Minimum for any 90 minute program. $175 Minimum for any 2 hour program.
At this time we can not accommodate groups over 50 children. For groups over 50 children we are happy to schedule your group to visit the farm multiple days. This helps groups move through the program stations successfully and ensures all participants receive quality programming.
There is no fee for parents, teachers or chaperones.
CANCELLATION and RESCHEDULING POLICY: You may cancel your program with no additional fee provided you call us within regular business hours of Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm and give us at least a 48 hour notice. Fees may apply to cancellations made less than 48 hours before the program. Rescheduling may be possible, but is based on availability. Programs run even in inclement weather. Soule Homestead reserves the right to cancel any programming due to severe weather conditions and/or public health and safety concerns.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
MEET THE ANIMALS:
Get to know our farm animals, and learn how they help farmers work, provide food, create fiber, and more. Each child can will make a wool craft to take home as they discover how wool journeys from sheep to sweater.
GET TO THE ROOT OF IT:
Learn to identify different parts of a plant, understand what plants need to grow, and the important role they play in our lives. Seasonal activities may include composting, work in our organic gardens, and/or sowing seeds in a planter to take home.
SIMPLE MACHINES:
See how simple machines make hard tasks easier all over the farm. Students will use wedges, levers, wheels, screws, incline planes and pulleys, and learn how farms functioned before the industrial age. A great hands-on way to learn the science and power of simple machines!
COMPOSTING AND RECYCLING:
Students will learn how Mother Nature is the original recycler and become familiar with properties that make healthy living soil. We will get our hands dirty while discovering the creatures that call the compost pile their home, have fun learning how to build your own compost pile and get the chance to see composting in action as we dig in the garden.
PROGRAM ADD-ONS: We typically do not recommend more than one program add-on (in addition to a 90 minute program) for grades 1st and younger.
MINI-MEET THE ANIMALS TOUR: This 30 minute program costs $4 per child. We will walk you around the farm and introduce you to the different farm animals we have here, explaining breeds and letting you get up close and personal with the animals (as they allow it.)
NATURE HIKE: (SEASONAL) This is a 30 min program and is $4 per child. Soule Homestead is home to more than just farm animals, it’s an important habitat for many species of wild animals and plants. Join our staff for a seasonally specific hike that will highlight both plants and animals that call Soule home!
WETLANDS FARM ROAD WALK: (SEASONAL) This is a 30 minute program and is $4 per child. Walk along the farm road and explore the wetlands we have on the farm. We will observe birds, reptiles, and talk about how the wetlands at the farm serves the farmers AND the wild animals in the area.
COMPOSTING: (SEASONAL) This is a 30 minute program and is $4 per child. Where does soil come from? Learn how Mother Nature is the original recycler, and discover the life in the soil. What many folks consider waste, gardeners and farmers turn into “black gold”. Find out how, and why! This lesson involves getting up-close and personal with the beauty of compost!
FIBERS: This is an hour long add-on program and costs $5 per child. Students learn all about wool, from sheep to sweater. They card and spin the farm’s wool, making a wool craft to take home.
BUTTER-MAKING: This is an hour long add-on program and costs $6 per child for groups up to 30 children. Soule was once a thriving dairy farm! Students learn first-hand how butter is made, with hands on experience demonstrating the states of matter. We’ll enjoy the finished product on fresh-popped organic popcorn.