Delaware County, Ohio offers many different vacation destinations and unique experiences for thousands of individuals every year. Located in west-central Ohio just north of Columbus, it has many interesting tourist spots ranging from horse racing to camping. One of the most interesting locations is the Stratford Ecological Center, a non-profit organic farm offering various educational opportunities and exhibitions.

Farm School

The Stratford Ecological Center offers a 1-day farm school day for children ages 6 to 17 from 9 am to 3 pm throughout the year for $65. Children will learn how to take care of farm animals, cultivate a garden, and explore various ecosystems common to the state of Ohio. The science philosophy taught at the farm school program, as well as the other programs offered, will parallel the grade-level Ohio Academic Standards for Science. A health assessment and pick-up authorization form must be filled out, along with a general health form, and appropriate attire must be worn as delineated on the Stratford Ecological Center’s website.

Field Trips

Field trips are also offered, with a maximum group size of 65 students at a cost is $4 per student per hour. As a general rule, younger students will learn basic facts about plants and animals and different aspects of exploring wooded and forested regions. Older students will learn detailed facts and philosophies about food chains, nature cycles, and biodiversity. Input from the school teacher before the field trip is encouraged so the Stratford Ecological Center can tailor a presentation to meet the needs of a specific class or school. They also will send a representative from the center to the school before the field trip to educate and inform the students about what they will learn so they will be better prepared to profit from the experience.

Farm Camp

The Stratford Ecological Center also offers many 5-day farm camps for both children and parents. There are 4 different camps available, a 3-5-year-old camp, a 6-8-year-old camp, a 9-12-year-old camp, and a junior counselor leadership camp for teenagers. Junior counselors will train with staff members for 3 days before assisting with the 6-8-year-old camp group, providing a valuable link for the young children to the older staff members. Junior counselors with at least 2 years of experience as a counselor have the opportunity to assist with the 9-12-year-old camp group. Fees for the camps range from $145 to $320, and are generally more expensive for the older age groups.

https://stratfordecologicalcenter.org/

Be sure to visit Alum Creek State Park for more family friendly activities

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