Join HealthBarn USA's Kids Camp during the NJEA Convention for outdoor cooking, nature hikes, and farm fun. Perfect for children eager to learn about healthy eating and outdoor living!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children and adults of all fitness levels; no prior experience needed.
Wildlife
History
HealthBarn USA has operated since 2005, pioneering farm-based health education for families in New Jersey.
Conservation
The farm implements sustainable practices, including composting and organic gardening, to minimize environmental impact.
HealthBarn USA
Join HealthBarn USA's Kids Camp during the NJEA Convention for outdoor cooking, nature hikes, and farm fun. Perfect for children eager to learn about healthy eating and outdoor living!
HealthBarn USA is a Ridgewood, New Jersey–based farm and education organization that runs hands-on cooking, gardening, and youth programs focused on healthy eating, seasonal produce, and outdoor learning.
It offers a range of workshops and camps for children and families, including spring break camps, multi-week summer Seedlings camps (5- and 10-week options), age-targeted classes such as Sprouts and Seedlings, youth Master Chefs for ages 12 and up, Pollinators sessions, and specialized workshops like Fruit & Nut Tree Basics.
Programs combine organic gardening in an on-site garden, a spacious patio kitchen for outdoor cooking, and classroom instruction to teach planting, harvesting, meal preparation, and nutrition. Camp experiences list homemade meals and hands-on cooking where participants prepare seasonal dishes, practice safe knife techniques, and build kitchen confidence. The Fruit & Nut Tree Basics workshop, led by expert Peter Namuj, covers planting, care, and pruning for trees suited to USDA zones 6–7, including figs and pomegranates, and highlights the community orchard at Irene Habernickel Family Park.
HealthBarn USA structures programs by age and skill level, serving children ages 4–12 in many camps and adolescents in advanced chef tracks. Sessions emphasize experiential learning, seasonal food literacy, and outdoor safety. All program descriptions reflect scheduled offerings and curriculum themes, focusing on gardening, cooking, creativity, and healthful eating in Ridgewood and the surrounding area.
Schedule details, session dates, and registration information are published with each program listing so families can choose sessions that fit their calendars. Updated seasonally.
Location
Ridgewood, NJ
Local community programs
Programs Offered
10 experiences
Seasonal workshops and camps
Ages Served
Ages 4–12, 12+
Youth and teen tracks
Lead Instructor
Peter Namuj
Workshop leader and expert
Secure a place in spring or summer sessions — choose age-appropriate camps, master chef tracks, or specialized workshops taught in Ridgewood, NJ.
Dress in layers
Outdoor activities at HealthBarn can vary in temperature—bring layered clothing to stay comfortable.
Wear sturdy shoes
Hiking and farm chores require closed-toe shoes with good grip for safety.
Pack sun protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against sun exposure during outdoor activities.
Bring refillable water bottles
Stay hydrated throughout the day's outdoor adventures with reusable bottles.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Necessary for safety during hikes and farm chores.
spring
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against sun exposure during outdoor activities.
spring
Water bottles
Keeps everyone hydrated during outdoor play.
spring
Light layered clothing
Adjust to changing outdoor temperatures comfortably.
spring