Are you looking to build a farm-based education program, or inspire your existing programming? At this long-running workshop, you’ll fill your toolbox with kid-tested activities as you join a community of peers from around the region. Spend time in hands-on learning while you explore Shelburne Farms’ dairy, farmyard, garden, and forest classrooms. Experience activities from Shelburne Farms’ publications Project Seasons and Cultivating Joy and Wonder as we discuss ways to engage farm visitors of all ages.

ABCs is designed for farmers, farm-based educators, and non-formal educators who are building or looking to re-inspire farm-based programming. Our program is suited for farm-based educators with any level of teaching experience, and will give you the tools to communicate with and engage groups and visitors of all ages. 

Registration opens for ABCs Fall 2023 on June 1!

• Gather tips for creating a safe learning environment.
• Network with and learn from fellow farm-based educators.
• Learn new activities and engagement strategies for school groups and visitors.

See a sample agenda from a recent ABCs. 

• Susie Marchand, Agricultural Education Coordinator, Shelburne Farms
• Vera Simon-Nobes, Farm-Based Education Network Coordinator, Shelburne Farms

Co-presented with the Farm-Based Education Network, a project of Shelburne Farms.

ABCs is typically offered twice a year, once in spring and once in fall, at Shelburne Farms. 

Registration for Fall 2023 will open June 1. Thanks to grant funding, participation is offered at no cost for 2023. In order to register, you must commit to attending the entire program.

To continue your professional development, consider joining the Farm-Based Education Network, a community of fellow farm-based educators! FBEN offers tools, support, and events for members throughout the year. FBEN is a project of Shelburne Farms.

If you're not engaged in farm-based education, consider exploring other professional learning programs.