Greenagers at Many Forks Farm is a summer program partnership with Farmer Molly Comstock and North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) for North Adams middle and high school youth. Youth work together in teams to harvest vegetables, cook daily meals for their peers, and build farm structures with guidance from Greenagers and NAPS staff, Comstock, and returning high school mentors.
“It promotes a sense of community where the kids learn to work together. It is a very special place.” ~Caregiver of 6th grade student
We support youth in developing positive connections with peers, teamwork, a sense of pride in what they can accomplish, and a strong work ethic. Youth learn a variety of hands-on skills and then choose one intensive project to complete in groups in the second half of the program. Families come for a day to hear youth speak about what they have learned. The presentations tie into school-year curriculum, focusing on communication skills.
The day begins and ends with a full-group circle co-led by staff and youth to wake up and stretch, set intentions for the day, build community values, and communicate with each other.
Typical daily schedule:
Morning Circle
Crews: Cooking, building and farming/harvesting
Snack/recess
Deeper learning about animals
Exploration of the outdoors
Lunch/recess
Group project work
Choice activities: arts/recreation, and team games
Closing Circle
Youth work in groups to complete projects and present to families all they have learned:
Week 1: Youth circle through all crews
Week 2: Youth choose project for sustained work
Week 3: Youth work in groups to complete projects and present to families what they have learned
All families/caregivers send their youth to the program at no cost. NAPS believes that the hands-on learning offerings will foster student engagement in learning throughout the year. Our partnership with youth and their families supports the development of social-emotional skills and extends into leadership opportunities for students who return over multiple summers.
In the summer 2024 program, 27% of students were returning from the previous summer. Fifteen students were enrolled through the Drury High School Credit Recovery Program, and the remaining 29 students through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers summer programming. Student projects included preparing a perennial garden, taking down a greenhouse, and studying the water quality of the Hoosic River.
Summer 2025 program:
- Hours: 8:45-2:30
- 5:1 student-to-staff ratio
- 25 middle school students for 3-week session
- 25 high school students for 3-week session
- Program outcomes of peer interactions, engagement in learning, and critical thinking measured with Survey of After-School Youth Outcomes
- Transportation, lunches, and supplies provided through NAPS 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant; other funding through private donations, Berkshire area grants, and local business support.
“I love that my son was involved in this, he learned so many things and made forever friends during his time there. I plan to sign up next year as well.” ~Caregiver of 6th grade student
Questions? Please contact Sue Wells at sue@greenagers.org. To make a gift online, please go to the donate page and select Summer Program at Many Forks Farm. Checks can be made out to Greenagers and sent to P.O. Box 157, South Egremont, MA 01258. Please indicate Many Forks Farm on the memo line of the check.