Bishop Diego High School’s freshman class spent a recent morning connecting with nature, and each other, at Fairview Gardens Farm. Hosted by the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, the 73 members of the Class of 2025 enjoyed a non-digital experience filled with authentic and purposeful farm-based activities.
(Jennifer Winnewisser)
Over the course of the morning, students attending the Freshmen on the Farm experience cycled through five rotations. Activities included planting bulbs; rock painting; harvesting tangerines, lemons and mint; gathering flowers and creating bouquets; mulching the citrus orchard; spinning wool; exploring the greenhouse; and planting seeds.
Time was built in for journaling, reflecting and connecting. The day ended with a farm-to-table feast.
“I loved getting to take a break from classrooms and from technology, and I had so much fun spending time with my friends and with nature. It is not often that we do that nowadays, so it really opened doors for me and my classmates to explore,” said Bishop Diego freshman Tara Gregson.
Freshmen on the Farm is an idea developed by Bishop Diego parent Courtney Andelman, and the Center for Urban Agriculture’s executive director Chris Melançon.
“Courtney came to us with an idea to have the farm serve as a catalyst for helping Bishop’s students recover from the adverse social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Melançon said. “Our team of nature-based educators assembled a program that not only helped participants understand how healthy food is grown, but also the importance of small-scale agriculture in building community.”
Combining the four farm pillars of curiosity, connection, community and stewardship with Bishop’s core values of respect, perseverance and compassion, the day offered students time to step away from their daily routines and come together through service, joy, relaxation and purpose.
“We are deeply grateful that these two organizations so genuinely care to invest in all these children for the betterment of a brighter future for Santa Barbara and beyond,” Andelman said.
For more about Bishop Diego High School, visit www.bishopdiego.org. For more about the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, visit www.fairviewgardens.org.