The bees weren't the only ones busy at The Community Farm this summer! Campers by the dozens rode on hayrides, mountain biked, hiked, and rode camp buses to visit the Farm during the ten weeks of summer camp. For many, it was their first time on a farm: the first time they had seen a cow up close or held a chicken; the first time they had milked a goat or patted a pig; the first time they had harvested a tomato or raspberry and eaten it fresh from the garden. For others, going to the Farm was the part of camp at Chestnut Ridge that they couldn't wait to do again. They remembered the fun and fresh foods from years past and wanted an encore!

The baby goats, Patches and Buddy, born at the end of June were a big hit, as was Charlie the pet Pot-bellied pig, who dines on camper leftovers, and the flock of 12 laying hens. The expanded Community Garden was a popular spot to find something good to eat, (or just some good, old-fashioned fun catching June bugs). Cucumbers, beans, peppers, tomatoes, and melons were picked, washed, tasted and shared at the picnic tables right outside the garden, giving campers a healthy, delicious snack and a sense of community too.

Campers weren't the only humans at the Farm this summer though. Membership in the Community Garden has grown to 12 families. Garden members came through the heat of the summer (and this was a HOT one!) to help with planting, harvesting, weeding, and watering, and to share in the goodness and bounty of the garden. Camp summer staff got in on the act too, working at the Farm on Tuesday nights building new beds in the hoop house, make huge bins full of compost, and digging potatoes. The Community Farm is also a work site for Volunteers for Youth, a group that works with teenage offenders who need to do community service. Each week 2-4 teenagers who have been in trouble with the law come to the Farm to dig, weed, mow grass, make compost, and, hopefully, to experience a better way of living in community.

As cooler, more comfortable weather comes, thoughts at The Community Farm turn from tomatoes and cucumbers to sweet potatoes and spinach. Fall brings a renewed sense of excitement for being outside in the garden. The new shed is coming along nicely (it has walls and a roof now!), and the new hoop house is being prepared for fall and winter crops and seed starting. Goodness is growing all around. Come be part of it!

You're invited to join us! This year The Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge will begin accepting a limited number of memberships to the Community Garden. Our hope is to build a committed group of folks who seek to grow good food and good relationships in the garden.

Membership is $10 per family per year and a commitment to work in the garden at least 2 hours per month. When members come to work, they will take home a share of that day's harvest for their table. Anyone is welcome to join - no green thumb required. Tools, materials, and instructions will be provided.

Community Garden work times will be Tuesdays 3-5 PM (Feb-May and Sept-Nov) or 6:30-8:30 PM (June-Aug), Thursdays 9AM-noon, and Saturdays 9AM -noon.

Our first official work time for 2010 will be Saturday, Feb 27 from 9AM - noon. To become a member, print this brochure and fill out the membership form or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Completed membership forms can be brought to the community garden or to the office at Camp Chestnut Ridge.

Volunteers are always welcome at The Community Farm. You do not have to be a community garden member in order to volunteer.

We look forward to growing good things in the garden with you!

The Community Farm is already home to many beautiful trees that provide shade on hot summer days, food and shelter for animals and birds, and leaves to nourish the forest soil. This spring we will be planting more trees - fruit trees! It is our hope that they will grow and prosper, providing food for this community, and eventually, a sheltering environment for our free range chickens too.

The basis for our orchard is currently "heeled in" in a temporary home until it is time for spring planting. There are two cherry trees (Stella and Bing); three apple varieties (Empire, Honey Crisp, and Liberty); two plum trees (Laroda and Burgundy); two peach trees (Loring and O-Henry); and an apricot tree (Haricot). The Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge is already home to two Granny Smith apple trees and to an Asian Pear tree and a Bosc Pear tree. Fruit galore!

Please join us on February 27 from 9 am - noon to plant the orchard and to begin planting in the community garden as well. All are welcome - tools provided.

If you've read our mission statement, you know we have large shoes to fill. As part of our striving to practice and embody "responsible care for the earth," we're constantly reviewing which foods we serve, where they come from and how we can do better.

Last September, we commited to purchasing food free of trans-fats, MSG, artificial colors and flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. We are increasing our use of organic and fair-trade products such as coffee, tea, and bananas. In addition, we are purposefully supporting local farms for products such as vegetables, fruits, milk, whole grains, and meat.

We are proud to be serving real food and supporting local sustainable farms. In so doing we are supporting local farmers and companies with values that are in accord with our own. These farmers and companies care enough to use the best ingredients for our health, the health of communities, and the health of God's very good Earth. Our kitchen staff takes these raw ingredients and whips up a dazzling array of made from scratch meals for all of our guests to enjoy.

Come, taste and see what's cooking in the kitchen at Chestnut Ridge.

Do you know what Colcannon is? The folks who attended the Feasting with God: a Peace with Justice Retreat at Camp Chestnut Ridge on September 26 and 27 do. They even know how to make it!

• Tuesday evenings 5 PM -7 PM (Bring a picnic dinner if you'd like!)
• Thursday mornings 9 -11 AM
• Saturday mornings 9 AM - noon

We've had a great summer at The Farm, and now we're looking forward to a bountiful fall. Our hope is for an abundance of great food from the garden and also bushels of new friendships and fellowship! Please come and join us! All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.