Discover a 5-week summer camp in Ridgewood, NJ where kids cultivate gardening skills, learn about pollinators, and enjoy cooking fresh meals outdoors. Limited spots for a healthy, creative summer!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours per day, 5 days a week
Fitness Level
Suitable for children in general good health with basic mobility
Wildlife
History
Ridgewood has a rich agricultural history, with community gardens playing a key role in local food education for decades.
Conservation
HealthBarn USA emphasizes sustainable gardening practices that help protect pollinators and promote biodiversity.
HealthBarn USA
Discover a 5-week summer camp in Ridgewood, NJ where kids cultivate gardening skills, learn about pollinators, and enjoy cooking fresh meals outdoors. Limited spots for a healthy, creative summer!
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 for Outdoor Mess
Wear clothes that can get dirty and comfortable shoes suitable for gardening activities.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during active gardening and cooking sessions.
Apply Sunscreen
Protect skin with sunscreen to stay safe during long periods outside under the sun.
Allergy Awareness
Notify camp staff about any pollen or food allergies prior to attendance for a safe experience.
Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect feet during gardening and outdoor activities.
summer
Wide-Brim Hat
Provides shade and sun protection for kids outdoors.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps campers hydrated throughout the day.
Lightweight Jacket
Useful for cool mornings or occasional breezes.
spring