Camp Marshall is excited to announce a new project to supplement our food service and enrich our programming. Plans are already underway to put in a vegetable garden on a plot adjacent to the site manager’s house. We hope, in time, that the garden will prove fruitful both in terms of output and as a learning experience for our campers and other visitors. Camp Marshall is also dedicated to moving the camp towards a more healthful and sustainable future. Similar to other farm to table programs and food education initiatives cropping up around the country, our new garden is a major component of our activities in a greener direction.

Growing some of our own food seems like a straight forward proposition, but there are many challenges that are sure to arise. Some we have already anticipated. We have given careful consideration to such concerns as site placement and deer protection; we have ordered seed and are preparing to start some early plants in our small green house; we are looking into soil testing and amendment. There are of course many more things to consider, including some we may have not even thought of yet. We welcome the suggestions and advice of master gardeners in the Camp Marshall community.

Of course, our primary goal for the new program is to engage our campers in the garden while fostering a deeper sense of respect for the miracle and gift of (plant) life. We are already brainstorming ideas for what this involvement may look like. Depending on the season, activities may include harvesting, maintenance, decorative projects, and educational garden walks. Everyone can play a part, especially when it comes time to enjoy the fruits of our labor in the kitchen. We look forward to seeing you in our garden site on your next trip to camp.

future garden site