Kids will love getting their hands dirty planting, harvesting, and cooking healthy meals in the scenic outdoors of HealthBarn USA. This immersive program combines outdoor adventure with vital life skills. Keep reading to find out how your children can grow confidence and healthy habits through this engaging farm-to-table experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 weeks
Fitness Level
Suitable for children of all fitness levels
Wildlife
History
HealthBarn started as a small community project in 2002, emphasizing garden-based nutrition education for youth.
Conservation
The program promotes composting and organic gardening to reduce environmental impact and teach sustainability principles.
HealthBarn USA
Kids will love getting their hands dirty planting, harvesting, and cooking healthy meals in the scenic outdoors of HealthBarn USA. This immersive program combines outdoor adventure with vital life skills. Keep reading to find out how your children can grow confidence and healthy habits through this engaging farm-to-table experience.
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.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Kids should dress in layers and sturdy shoes suitable for gardening and outdoor activities.
Bring sun protection
Apply sunscreen and bring hats or sunglasses to stay protected during outdoor work.
Stay hydrated
Keep water bottles handy to prevent dehydration during active outdoor sessions.
Pre-book early
Spaces fill quickly for this popular program, so reserve early to secure a spot.
Sturdy gardening gloves
Protect children’s hands while planting and harvesting in the garden.
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Comfortable outdoor clothing
Clothing suitable for outdoor working and changing weather conditions.
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Sun protection gear
Hats, sunglasses, or sunscreen to guard against sun exposure.
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Reusable water bottle
Help kids stay hydrated during outdoor activities.