Camps
At Tucson Village Farm we believe in the transformative power of experiential learning and this summer your campers can experience it all!
From farm and culinary camps to outdoor adventures, our friendly, seasoned educators will give your child an unparalleled camp experience full of fun, learning, and skills to last a lifetime.
Sprouts Camp
Ages: 5 & 6
Sprouts Camp is the perfect camp for exposing your little one to science, gardening, environmental stewardship, and healthy eating, all through fun farm activities! Campers will spend the morning hours exploring the farm and helping us with daily farm chores, like harvesting, planting, feeding the chickens, and checking on the worms. Campers will be able to relax under our swamp-cooled red ramada to prepare healthy snacks with veggies from our own gardens and for doing farm arts and crafts. This camp will take place at the original Tucson Village Farm location, aka the “Little Farm” at 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Session I: May 28 - 31 (4 days, Monday is Memorial Day holiday); Cost: $225
Session II : June 3 - 7 (5 days); Cost: $250
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Monsoon Farmers Camp
Ages: 5 – 9
Monsoon Farmers Camp is designed for your kid that loves to be on the farm and get their hands dirty! Campers will spend all morning out on the farm and learn from compost, to digging and planting how to grow veggies with the summer monsoon rains. Kids will help with chores on the farm from helping care for our worms, preparing garden beds for planting, seed saving, harvesting and enjoying some of our summer crops right from the field, and planting some of our monsoon veggies too! Campers will be able to have time keeping cool in our water play area, in between the time they spend helping out on the farm! Delicious straight from the farm snacks will be provided.
July 15 - 19
8am - 11am
Cost: $250
First Farmers Camp
Ages: 7 – 10
At First Farmers, campers will explore everything at the “Big Farm” and 4-H Culinary Education Center has to offer. This camp will take place at 2201 E. Roger Rd where we grow over an acre of veggies and have lots of room to have fun and explore! From planting, harvesting and caring for chickens to spending time in the kitchen creating simple, delicious food with fresh farm produce, campers will participate in a full farm-to-table experience. Healthy homemade snacks and lunch are included.
Session I: May 28 - May 31 (4 days; Monday is Memorial Day holiday); Cost: $275
Session II: June 3 - June 7 (5 days); Cost: $325
Session III: July 1 - July 5 (5 days, camp in session on July 4); Cost: $325
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Native Foods Culinary Camp
Ages 10 – 13
Curious about the delicious bounty right in your own neighborhood? Explore the rich garden of our Sonoran Desert and unlock the secrets of endemic foods at our farm-to-fork Native Foods Culinary Camp! Join us for exciting foraging adventures, special guest appearances, and hands-on experiences with beans, mesquite, and the traditional 'three sisters'—squash, beans, and corn. Discover how to transform common weeds into delectable dishes and delve into the culinary wonders of our desert landscape!
Session I: June 17 - 21; Cost: $350
Session II: June 24 - 28 ; Cost: $350
Time: 8am - 2pm
4-H Adventure Camp
Ages 9 – 14
Join us on our annual expedition to Prescott where we’ll explore the highlands, marvel at mother nature and ponder the ponderosa pines on Mingus Mountain. Due to incredible popularity we are offering two weekly sessions of 4-H Adventure Camp this year! We will be offering a wide variety of fun camp activities based on 3 different age levels, including hiking, fishing, lake swimming (with a slide!), games, campfires and more!
Session I: June 17 - 21
Session II: June 24 - 28
Cost: $575
Overnight camp
Culinary Medicine Summit
Ages: 12 - 15
Our Culinary Medicine summit will teach you the basics of nutrition and its impact on our quality of life. You will explore different possible careers in health, learning about why nutrition is a critical piece of our well-being. Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to acquire new skills, such as making bread from scratch, pickling, and discovering quick and nutritious meal prep tips. At the end of the summit, students will receive a "Youth Culinary Medicine" certificate, marking your achievements in the exploration of nutrition and health (a great resume builder!). We aim to inspire the next generation of health professionals and provide you with a hands-on experience in the world of culinary medicine! This camp will take place at the 4-H Healthy Living Center located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
Dates: June 10 - 14
Time: 9am - 1pm
Cost: $300
Art on the Farm Camp
Ages: 8 - 10
In Art on the Farm camp we will combine our love of food and farm with our love of art while we explore artistic expression. Create a colorful focaccia with veggies harvested straight from the garden, try your hand at watercolor in the garden, learn how to turn kitchen scraps into fabric dye, make sun prints with farm flowers, learn how to turn rocks into paint, and much, much more! Healthy snacks are included. This camp will take place at our air-conditioned Art Garage located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
Dates: June 10 - June 14
Time: 8am - 12pm
Cost: $275
Pottery Camp
Learn clay and ceramics hand building techniques while creating one of a kind sculptures. Participants will create fun and functional works that explore natural forms. Mixed medias including glaze will be used to finish the projects. We are offering two session of this camp each day. Younger kids 6-8 years old will be in the morning, older kids 9-11 will be in the afteroon. Please be sure you are signing up for the time/age group that is appropriate for your camper. This camp will take place at our air-conditioned Art Garage located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
Dates: July 8 - 12
Session I - Ages: 6 - 8, Time: 8am - 11am
Session II - Ages: 9-11, Time: 12pm - 3pm
Cost: $225
Sonoran Explorin' Camp
Ages: 10 - 13
Spend the week exploring our beautiful Sonoran landscape at our brand new day adventure camp! You'll be traversing our high ropes course, exploring desert caves, and heading up to Madera Canyon for an epic rock-climbing and overnight camping. Lunches and snacks will be provided. This camp will take place at TVF's "Big Farm" located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
Dates: July 8 - 12
Time: 8am - 3pm M-W, overnight camping Thursday 8am - Friday 3pm
Cost: $450
Culinary Science Experiment Camp
Ages: 10 - 13
Science is hidden everywhere in the TVF kitchen! We will be taking a one-week, hands-on, deep dive into the food we cook and eat, to learn about various scientific subjects such as botany, ecology, chemistry, geology, physics, archaeology, and more. We will be cooking our own delicious meals and snacks every day while we investigate questions like: Which parts of plants are we actually eating and why? How do minerals make modern-day cooking possible? What is “molecular gastronomy”? How can we see the laws of thermo-dynamics at work in the kitchen? Bring your burning questions and we will find answers together at Culinary Science Experiment Camp.
Time: 8am - 2pm
Session I: July 15 - 19; Cost: $350
Session II: July 22 - 26; Cost: $350
Outdoor Leadership: Backpacking
Ages: 13 - 17
This outdoor leadership camp starts at the 4-H Ropes Course where we will spend Monday working on communication and problem-solving skills. The afternoons will be spent creating our camping meals for the subsequent 4-day, 3-night camping/backpacking experience. Campers will need to be dropped on Tuesday morning at the trailhead and picked up on Friday afternoon. Campers will participate in thrilling, safe outdoor adventures including magical night hikes, hiking to breathtaking locations, learning to navigate with a map and compass, playing epic games and much more. Both the 4-H Ropes Course and the 4-H Healthy Living Center are located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.
Dates: June 3 - June 7
Schedule: Monday: 8am - 3pm at the 4-H Ropes Course, Tuesday: 8am-3pm at the 4-H Healthy Living Center, Wednesday: 8am departure, Friday: 4pm arrival.
Cost: $600
Outdoor Leadership: Blacksmithing
Ages: 13 - 17
We are so excited to offer Forged-in-Flagstaff Camp again! We're looking for teens who are ready to climb on our 4-H High Ropes Course, prepare and pack meals for our trip to the pine forest of Flagstaff, camp under the stars, and learn how to craft and forge their very own knife in a working blacksmith shop. On Monday we will be teambuilding on TVF's 4-H High Ropes Course and prepping our meals. On Tuesday we’ll head up to Flagstaff, learn survival skills, explore Coconino National Forest, camp under the stars, and explore the Lava River Cave outside of Flagstaff — an incredible natural wonder formed almost 1 million years ago by a volcanic eruption! We will wrap up the week by forging our own kitchen knives under the supervision of a trained blacksmith at a working smithy.
Dates: July 22 - 26 (Monday: 8am-3pm at TVF, Tuesday: 8am departure, Friday: return between 4-5pm)
Cost: $675
Military Teen Adventure Camp - Lower San Juan River Rafting Trip
Ages: 13 - 17
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Military Teen Adventure Camp - Lower San Juan River Rafting Trip! This exciting event is specially designed for military teens who crave adventure and want to make lifelong memories. Get ready to embark on a thrilling river rafting trip along the Lower San Juan River, where you'll navigate exciting rapids and soak in breathtaking scenery.
Immerse yourself in nature as you paddle through stunning canyons and enjoy the serenity of the river. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to swim, hike, and camp under the starry desert sky. This adventure promises to be an incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety and provide expert instruction, making this trip suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
One-on-one interview after ticket purchase will be scheduled for medical and safety screening. Proper verification of parental military status required.
Military Teen Adventure Camp- Diamond Down/Colorado River Rafting Trip
Ages 13 - 17
Join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure at the Military Teen Adventure Camp- Diamond Down/Colorado River Rafting Trip! Get ready to experience the thrill of rafting along the stunning Colorado River, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon.
During this action-packed camp, you'll have the opportunity to navigate through thrilling rapids, soak up the sun, and create lifelong memories with other military teens. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety while providing an exciting and educational experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter, this trip is suitable for all skill levels. You'll also have the chance to participate in team-building activities, learn valuable wilderness skills, and forge lasting friendships with fellow military teens.
One-on-one interview after ticket purchase will be scheduled for medical and safety screening. Proper verification of parental military status required.
Military Teen Adventure Camp - San Juan River Rafting Trip
Ages 13 - 18
Join us for an exciting and unforgettable adventure at the Military Teen Adventure Camp's San Juan River Rafting Trip! Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with adrenaline-pumping rapids, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories.
During this action-packed adventure, you'll navigate through the stunning San Juan River, surrounded by towering canyon walls and pristine wilderness. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety while providing expert instruction and guidance throughout the trip. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a beginner, this trip is designed to cater to all skill levels.
Not only will you have the opportunity to conquer thrilling rapids, but you'll also get to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Take in the awe-inspiring landscapes, spot wildlife along the riverbanks, and soak up the sun as you float down the river.
Opportunities for Teens + Scholarships:
Frequently Asked Questions
At Tucson Village Farm we believe in the transformative power of experiential learning and this summer your campers can experience it all! From farm and culinary camps to outdoor adventures, our friendly, seasoned educators will give your child an unparalleled camp experience full of fun, learning, and skills to last a lifetime.
Do you make any age exceptions?
No, we've designed these camps to be age-appropriate to ensure the best learning experience for all participants. While we understand individual circumstances may vary, we strive to maintain consistency and fairness in our program.
What's your refund policy?
Full refund 30 days before the camp start date; 50% refund up to 14 days before the camp start date; no refunds thereafter.
Do I need to send my camper with food?
No, we provide lunch and snacks for TVF camps. They will be well-fed!
What if my camper has a specific diet?
For specific concerns or allergies, please contact us, and we'll work together to ensure a positive camp experience. We are not able to address individual dietary preferences due to operational constraints, and we appreciate your understanding. We operate a vegetarian kitchen and do not allow meat.
Are all of the camps happening at TVF?
Most camps will get dropped off and picked up at our 'Big Farm' location: 2201 East Roger Road. Sprouts camp is the exception; they will be meeting at our 'Little Farm' location: 4210 North Campbell Avenue.
What should my kid bring to camp?
We will send a detailed email about each camp (with a packing list) a week before camp. Hold tight and trust we will get you all the information you need.
Does my kid need to be a 4-H member to participate in TVF summer camps?
Nope! We accept 4-H and non 4-H campers.
Can my camper have their phone?
Camp is a screen-free experience; please do not send your camper with a phone. If you need to reach us or your child, call Moonie at 520-626-5856. We encourage you to save this number in your phone.
Do you offer early or aftercare?
No, we do not have the staffing to provide pre or post-camp care for your child.
Click here to see our COVID policies.
If you have any questions about camps. Please email us at CES-tvfcamps@arizona.edu Put the name of the camp in the subject line so we can get your email to the right farmer.
