Hameau Farm Camp
Since 1996, Hameau has been a place of discovery, fun and friendships for girls ages 7-14.
About Us
We are a farm camp for girls ages 8-14. Farm camp? Yes, farm camp!
We have found that girls and animals mix fabulously. Spending summers on the farm gives young women countless opportunities to learn, play, and get messy; all while building confidence and a tremendous sense of self. The classic camp experience (friends, songs and bonfires) combined with animals and farm work, makes for a fabulous summer and memories to last a lifetime.
To empower young women, increase confidence and celebrate uniqueness through hard work and fun.
Our Mission:
Dates for 2024
Sleepaway camp on the farm consists of three two-week sessions. Some campers stay for all 3 sessions, others opt to stay for one or two.
Session 1
June 30-July 12
*One Week Option: June 30-July 5
Few spaces remaining!
Session 3
July 28-August 9
Session 2
July 14-26
*One Week Option: July 28-August 2
*One-Weeker Sessions: Try farm camp for a week with the option to extend! For first-time campers age 7-9 only, limited spaces available during Sessions 1 & 3 only.
Activities on the farm
Fun on the farm can include arts & crafts, tennis, improv, field games, pasture research, stream stomp, hip hop dance, and possibly even painting cows...
Off-farm excursions include bowling, roller skating, swimming, an afternoon canoe trip, and weekly visits to the Amish market.
Day in the Life
Join us for a typical day on the farm.
Gallery
Get an in-depth look at life on the farm through photos.
Music Videos
In 2013, one of our farm girls had a crazy idea: “let’s make a music video!” That summer, we produced “Farm Camp is Crazy,” and a tradition was born. Since then, we have made seven music videos, each written, sung, directed, and filmed by the campers and staff of Hameau Farm camp.
“Hameau Summer” (2023)
“Farm Camp is Crazy” (2013)
“Bust A Moo” (2014)
See more music videos on our Youtube Channel
What Parents Are Saying
"[Our daughter] clearly loved Hameau and grew so much, and [my husband] and I are very grateful...and very emotional about it. You have created a magical community there for animals and humans alike; the beauty, fun, and transformative experiences you offer just blew us away. Hameau is quite positively the best thing I ever found on Google!!"
— First-time camper mom, 2023
"Thank you again for such an amazing camp experience for our daughter. In just the 2 short weeks she attended your camp, she grew emotionally at least 2 years it seems!! Her entire being was balanced. It is hard to describe the change we saw from the child we know from the least 9 years and dropped off at your camp to the child we picked up from camp. At pick up we were able to see how calm and at ease she was with the farm and the animals and other girls. When asked what her favorite thing about camp was, she said she said “EVERYTHING was great! I loved EVERYTHING at camp, even the food!” She also informed us that not only will she return next summer but she will attend 2 sessions!!"
— First-time camper mom, 2023
Farm Show
During each session each camper chooses an animal and prepares for a 4H-style farm show, which takes place on the last day of camp. Parents watch as their daughter shows the cow, goat, sheep or pig that she has been working with during her two weeks on the farm. Bring your camera!
Meet the Director
Audrey Gay Rodgers, "Gay," was born and raised in The Big Valley, where her family carries on a nine generation tradition in agriculture and local business. Gay combines her eclectic resume (teacher, choir instructor, political science major) with 30 years of camp experience to create a unique summer program. Her joyous spirit and earthly good sense are magnets to youngsters who learn from her and emulate her positive attitude. She is a natural leader of young people.
“Gay molds many young girls like me, awkward and scared, into beautiful, strong, and independent women, just like her.”
Staff
Our hand-picked “cow-nselors” are 21+ and come from a broad range of experiences. With a 4:1 camper-staff ratio, each young farmer gets individual attention. Many of our cownselors are alumnae who return to help other youngsters make farm memories of their own.
We’re always looking for strong leaders to join our summer staff, if you are interested or know a conscientious and inspiring young woman, please make an introduction!
Alumnae
A glimps into some of our former campers and staff members, and what they’re up to now.
COMING SOON!
If you are a Hameau Alumnae, please get in touch!
