I (Julie) am originally from northern California where I enjoyed beautiful weather, fresh food, and outdoor recreation. Fresh food is so important to my family and friends that in California many grow fruit and vegetable plants instead of yards and buy coops that fit only two chickens because that's all there is space for. So for us to have 10 acres and numerous animals all to ourselves - well, it
still amazes me! We bought this farm to raise fresh food, give the kids many wonderful things to do outside, a chance for meaningful work, and an opportunity to make money and learn responsibility. I love to get my hands and feet in the dirt and grow things. When we moved in the spring of 2015 we planted everything edible and beautiful we could think of! We created large gatherings that included family, friends, and my international students at Millikin. We were enjoying the farm to its fullest! But, still....I would look out the kitchen window and imagine many kids running around freely enjoying all the farm has to offer. It seemed too much for just one family. So seeds of possibilities began germinating. From the kitchen window was born the idea for farm camps and the many events that have followed. Farm camps are a way for me to combine my passion for teaching, my love of kids and the outdoors, and my determination to see more and more kids away from their devices and out playing and socializing and doing meaningful work. On Serenity Fields Farm everyone can unplug and reconnect with themselves and others (including animals, fresh food, and beautiful plants). Plan on seeing more and more events on the farm as we count our blessings every day and we don't take any of those days for granted. Best wishes,
The Lauper Family (Julie, Cassandra, Sage, Azrielle, and Jasper)
