Children experience hands-on farming at Gråsten Agricultural School’s popular summer camp in Denmark

At Gråsten Agricultural School’s Farmer Camp, early mornings are the norm, even during summer break. The day’s duties begin with feeding young calves, with approximately 20 children gathering around the two-week-old animals, curiously observing the feeding process. The calves, still learning to use their feeding buckets, receive assistance from the kids attending the camp.

Among those feeding the calves is 11-year-old Thomas Hansen from Felsted, who aspires to be a farmer in the future. However, he admits adjusting to the early wake-ups can be tough. “It was a bit hard because some were not quiet yesterday, and there were a few snorers,” he says.

During the three-day summer camp, children benefit from a hands-on experience, helping care for calves, newly hatched chicks, collecting eggs, cleaning stalls, and even driving tractors, explains Morten Paasch Hansen, the camp coordinator. “It’s fun and a great learning experience about farming,” shares 13-year-old Signe Andersen.

The camp aims to provide children with an authentic agricultural experience while also introducing them to the communal lifestyle at a boarding school. Participants will engage in various activities, such as toasting marshmallows, playing lasertag, and swimming in a makeshift pool made of straw bales and tarps.

The popularity of the Farmer Camp has led to full bookings and waiting lists in recent years at Gråsten and other agricultural schools in Denmark. The organizers hope to ignite a lasting interest in farming among participants, with many expressing intentions to return as full-time students. This initiative also acts as an effective recruitment strategy for the school, highlighting the connection between early engagement and future career paths in agriculture. This year’s camp accommodates 60 attendees, with a cost of 1,150 Danish kroner for meals, accommodation, and all activities.