Colorado Ranchers and Farmers Teach the Importance of Ag to the Next Generation

In partnership with: Colorado Department of Agriculture

Meet three Colorado organizations with a common goal: introducing youth and their families to the joys of the outdoors while teaching them the importance of ecosystems that nurture all life, from seeds to steers.

Nighthawk Ranch

The first in their families to go to college, Tom and Dorothy Evans vowed if they ever had the means, they’d give back to others. That vow was upheld in 2012 with Nighthawk Ranch. 

Located west of Colorado Springs, the ranch welcomes youth ages 10 through 18 who are recovering from cancer. Small by design, the ranch only accepts six or seven kids for each of the weeklong camps. 

“We want one-on-one attention,” Tom says. “And because we are small, we can take almost anybody. We’ve had kids missing legs, missing arms and those who are terminally ill. I’ve strapped oxygen tanks onto horses for trail rides.” 

The equine program is integral to the camp. Although most have never ridden horses before, every camper rides every day. 

“Every kid gets to feed the cows, bottle feed a calf and, on Fridays, I put the kids on a cattle drive,” Tom says of campers’ experiences on the working ranch. 

Campers also build a log cabin and can sleep in it. 

“We try to give these kids a nature experience and help them understand the importance of agriculture in their lives,” Tom says. “A lot of this occurs with animal contact, but overall, we’re pushing the concept that if you never ever give up and you work hard, you can be and do anything you want.” 

See more: Cultivating the Future of Agriculture in Colorado

Guidestone Colorado 

Based in Salida, Guidestone Colorado offers experiences on local farms and ranches to help individuals develop an appreciation for where food comes from and what it takes to produce local food. 

Of their summer programs, Pioneer Camp, Ranch Camp and Kids in Ag Camp are the most popular, says Andrea Coen, the nonprofit’s executive director. 

“The camps are very hands-on, engaging and playful, so kids are learning by helping care for the horses, cows, chickens and our donkey named Delbert,” she says. “They’re spinning wool and learning how to make butter, but they’re having so much fun they don’t always realize how much they’re learning.” 

These experiences – from getting their hands in the soil to meeting ranchers raising animals – are the most impactful way for kids to learn, she adds. 

“I strongly believe that positive experiences in childhood make an impact in adulthood regarding the value, not just of a local food system, but also of open spaces and ecological systems,” Coen says. “It’s much bigger than just food with regard to taking care of the planet we live on.” 

See more: Colorado Urban Farms Focus on Education, Food Security and Production

Colorado Kids Ranch

JD Chapman’s original agritourism venture, a pumpkin patch, has grown to Colorado Kids Ranch – 40 acres of outdoor activities such as hayrides, a farm animal petting area, straw mazes, pony rides and more. 

The Monument-based ranch is a safe place where families can spend time together outdoors, Chapman says.

He also hosts Colorado Farm Camp. Kids in first through sixth grade learn how to take care of farm animals, make jelly, collect eggs, and plant squash and cabbage seeds. 

“A large number of kids don’t realize where food comes from,” Chapman says. “At Farm Camp, kids get direct exposure.” 

Opportunities abound for fall thrills that could bring in more revenue, but Chapman focuses on a safe haven for kids to immerse themselves in agriculture. 

“Sometimes income is not the most important thing,” Chapman adds. “We could be making more money, like offering horror attractions during the fall Pumpkin Patch, but that doesn’t jell with what we do. We focus on having a safe place for kids.” 

Chapman also started Johnny Pumpkinseed, a nonprofit offering free admission to the farm’s play area for foster care and special needs children and their families ensuring everyone can enjoy the wonders of agriculture. 

“We feel this population is often overlooked,” Chapman says. “If we can be part of generating moments of joy, we feel that has value.”

See more: Colorado Farmers Promote Agriculture Education Experiences