Kids can become farmers and ranchers through CALF
Camp CALF campers took Cowboy the pony for a walk after they fed and groomed him.
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Brooke Fox
If your kids are interested in raising their own chickens, goats, sheep or other livestock, but don’t have the space or facilities, consider contacting the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF).
Located at the historic 133-acre Lowell Ranch on Plum Creek, CALF offers its facilities free of charge to active 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) members interested in raising a market livestock project.
Participants must be members of 4-H or FFA, purchase their own animal, and provide for its daily care and feeding. CALF, along with Douglas County’s 4-H and FFA, has programs that will provide kids with experience, guidance, and leadership.
Gardeners, 4-H’ers, and FFA members can participate in CALF’s gardening programs, including Where Food Comes FromTM School Garden (garden used for educational programs), Edible Landscape Demonstration Garden, Pumpkin Patch, Research Orchard, Bea Lowell’s Heirloom Garden, and a large produce garden.
“CALF Kids” programs were the vision of John and Bea Lowell, the ranch’s original owners. The Lowell’s were passionate about getting youth and others in the Douglas County community involved in agriculture and the rural lifestyle. CALF is a non-profit foundation, committed to continuing the Lowell’s legacy by running the CALF Kids program and other educational activities at the ranch. Brooke Fox, CALF’s President and CEO, said “This is a perfect opportunity for families with young children who are interested in teaching them about responsibility and caring for animals. Families will learn how to care for a variety of livestock, including ‘Cowboy’ our miniature pony.”
CALF also offers adult volunteer opportunities that include working with kids, planting and caring for gardens, working with livestock, and helping with several special events. For more information about volunteering, call CALF Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Hayes at 303-663-8024.
CALF Kids programs are for kids ranging from kindergarten thru sixth grade, and run April through June and in the fall. CALF is located at 2330 I-25, three miles south of Castle Rock on the east frontage road of I-25.
For more information about CALF, visit www.TheCALF.org or call 303-688-1026.
Kids at last year’s Camp CALF asked junior camp counselor, Tate Fox, to do a “silly thing,” resulting in Tate kissing Oreo the Goat.
