Tired of the Hustle and Bustle? Take a Staycation

Local Camp promotes family experience

By Eli Kaufman

Parents spend many hours with their children. Those hours usually include shuffling them to soccer practice, art classes, music lessons and other extracurricular activities. Nowadays it is difficult for an entire family to spend some quality time together. But a local camp has a solution to the ever growing problem of a lack of quality family time. The Pearlstone Center, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, is bringing back its Family Farm Camp and it is bigger and better than ever. 

The camp, which runs from August 7-11, will bring families together in a relaxing environment, giving families the ultimate staycation experience. Kids will be able to harvest produce and collect eggs to prepare a meal for all to enjoy.  Adults will engage in discussions and learning sessions on environmental topics through a Jewish lens, as well as participate in pickling, cheese-making, gardening, and soap making workshops.  All will be able to participate in swimming, musical activities, sports, yoga and more. 

The camp has doubled since last year due to its popularity. “Last year we had to cap registration at 100 participants but this year we have the capacity to double our numbers and fully expect to fill up,” reported Neely Snyder, Pearlstone Center’s director of signature programs and Family Farm Camp organizer. 

This year, the camp encourages extended families to attend as well.  Snyder says, “Cousins, grandparents and more are welcome as this is a great experience to have as a multi-generational family with shared values. While the schedule is packed, we encourage families to opt in to whichever activities they want and relax as a family as well. This way, grandparents especially, can explore, learn and play with their grandkids.” 

For more information, please contact Neely Snyder nsnyder@pearlstonecenter.org or by calling (410)-429-4400.