BY IRENE LABOMBARDE

Twenty-four Bedford boys and girls learned firsthand how to care for young kids, cows and horses at The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill summer camp.

During Animal Science/Veterinary Training camp the week of June 25, children aged 6 and 12 learned exciting facts about animals as well as the basics of how to take an animal’s temperature, check its heart rate, feel a pulse and bandage a wound, said Camp Director Ian Murray. Campers also go on nature walks, play games and do arts and crafts, and at the end of the day, everyone helps with chores.

Claire Doyle, 10, said she was enjoying her week at camp.

“I got to play with a lot of the animals and I learned things about them that I did not know,” she said.

“I learned how to clean around the farm,” Doyle added.  “I didn’t know there were so many chores to do.”

Several other children also said they were surprised by the amount of chores, but everyone seemed to agree that it was fun.

Barbara Duckworth, 12, said she liked petting the chickens the best, and the nature walks. 

Her sister Taylor, 10, agreed.

“I like just coming here, meeting people, making new friends, and making friends with the animals,” said Taylor. “It’s very nice.”

Other programs offered this summer include Kids Cooking, Junior Farmers Week and Eco Adventures on the Farm, and run through Aug. 17.

Lin L’Heureux, executive director, said said the farm’s summer programs are already full, but prospective campers can get on a waiting list.

L’Heureux said the farm recently acquired a horse for riding lessons. Among the other new animals is Joppa Hill Apollo, a horse born last September, and a baby bull born on June 2. The farm is also  selling raw milk.

Call the farm at 472-4724 or visit www.theeducationalfarm.org for more information about programs and events.