From the get go, it was clear to see that Amstutz Family Farm is set up like a giant, prepared environment. Everything has a place, every tool has a task. There are grace and courtesy expectations, agreements for shared spaces, and lots of time for exploration. The bonds created this week will continue to benefit our classrooms well through the year, if not beyond. It definitely feels like we are leaving camp more like a family than two classrooms of teachers and students. – Ms. Kate, Upper El Directress, MCMS
Children were not bombarded with do’s and don’ts. The way Ed presented what is expected of the children was through interactive conversation, games and hands-on activities.- Momma B, Montessori School of Long Grove
Jenna said, “I would gladly give up technology if I could live someplace like the farm”. Mission accomplished!– Ms. Patty, Head of School
Every activity on the farm was collaborative, from fixing a pig trough to varnishing benches. Through hands-on activities, they were introduced to a wide range of content we’ll continue to explore in the classroom. All of the experiences they’ve had throughout our week at the farm have led to a greater sense of confidence in your child, which we believe is extremely valuable to their education and their sense of self- Ms. Martha, Upper El Directress, MCMS
I was lucky to have a 24 hour overnight visit to camp so that I could get a glimpse of a full day on the farm. I was absolutely blown away. It truly is the magic of a Montessori classroom on a farm. What was the most striking to me was the level of joy, contentment, and calm among the campers, who are so actively engaged in every aspect of running a farm– from feeding animals to tending to the garden to preparing meals. Like our classrooms, there is so much built-in choice and independence, so unlike the usual camp format of being herded around from one adult created and directed activity to the next. There really is something special happening at this place, that is so in-line with what we do. The students from FBS absolutely loved it and talk about it constantly! – Ms. Regina, Upper Elementary Directress at Forest Bluff Montessori School
For me personally, the week on the farm was one of the most valuable experiences that I’ve had as a teacher. I feel as though I have a much greater understanding and appreciation of all that they experience in a day, and I feel like I know the children in a different way. -Ms. Emily, Lower El Directress at West Suburban Montessori School