Outdoor Classroom's Garden and Farm to Table Philosophy
Summary
Campbell Elementary has been committed to its classroom gardens from the very beginning of the school. In 2013, the school began an informal Farm to Table pilot program. It began simply, with a PTA funding request for an induction cooking surface, so that cooking would be safe for the kindergarten students who would be using it. From that simple request, and the kindergarten's food garden steps from the door of the classroom, a full blown Farm to Table program was born. Four years later, all of Campbell's students take part in the program. Growing plants for food, cooking in the classroom, and perhaps most importantly, enjoying eating the healthy food they have grown and prepared.
Impact
The impact of the garden and farm to table program at Campbell is hard to exaggerate: it is integrated into many aspects of the students' learning and moving throughout the day.
Criteria
Promotes Sustainability
From growing plants in organic dirt, to eating the plants that are grown, to feeding scraps to the courtyard pond's turtles, the children involved in Campbell's garden and farm to table program are learning about the full life cycle of sustainability.
Behavior Modification
Children eating spinach. (What more could you ask for?)
Well Established, Gaining Participation, or Leading to New Initiatives
This program has been growing steadily for years, from a single induction cooking plate to our Big Bad Basil Expedition in 2017. See this Green Scene video from 2014 when Campbell built hugelkultur garden beds that are now prolific and stand next to the greenhouse.
Supporting Data for Quantitative Impact
100% of Campbell's students will have the opportunity to be involved with Campbell's gardens and Farm to Table program during their tenure at Campbell. Two additional schools will receive bottled basil vinaigrette as part of Campbell's sustainability community outreach. Campbell's further reaching sustainability outreach (this documentation) has been created specifically to highlight the value of involving students in organic gardening and farm to table projects as part of their school curriculum.
Documenting the Outdoor Classroom's Garden (Ongoing)
Use this #schoolgarden tip from K teacher @CampbellAPS #outdoorclassroom #theca
Use this tip from K teacher http://t.co/IDWmfBl63T
Full circle. Planting garlic from heads grown in our school garden. Making our own butter, too.
Full circle. Planting garlic from heads grown in our school garden. Making our own butter, too. http://t.co/p11AEtssYe
Staff, students, organic empowerment. ❤️ my job.
Staff, students, organic empowerment. ❤️ my job. https://t.co/NrAMlfed99
Beautiful slaw w/3rd grade 5 ingredients were grown in our garden text
Beautiful slaw w/3rd grade 5 ingredients were grown in our garden text https://t.co/i42NiJuGhO
Set up for Asian Slaw w/3rd grade using garden produce. Rave reviews!
Set up for Asian Slaw w/3rd grade using garden produce. Rave reviews! https://t.co/Xm2WaJbhSk
From garden to harvest to table by Campbell 5th grade students
From garden to harvest to table by Campbell 5th grade students https://t.co/v819iKgDsg
. 5th graders enjoyed baking pastries with plants they grew in the garden.
. 5th graders enjoyed baking pastries with plants they grew in the garden. https://t.co/U93Lwwq5pN
Beautiful view of our in the Fall
Beautiful view of our in the Fall https://t.co/NbuxjdcJEw
Y.E.S. Club @CampbellAPS helps to prepare garden beds for the winter. Great teamwork by all students! #APSYESclub
Y.E.S. Club @CampbellAPS helps to prepare garden beds for the winter. Great teamwork by all students! #APSYESclub https://t.co/FnUgShjC8B
Mapping the courtyard garden with natural materials! @FeedFamilyWell #thecampbellway #outdoorclassroom ?
Mapping the courtyard garden with natural materials! @FeedFamilyWell #thecampbellway #outdoorclassroom ? https://t.co/oWYuigPt0Q
Gorgeous edibles midwinter @CampbellAPS @APSlunchrocks #outdoorclassroom #schoolgarden #whatcoldweather?
Gorgeous edibles midwinter @CampbellAPS @APSlunchrocks #outdoorclassroom #schoolgarden #whatcoldweather? https://t.co/fauysap2hq
Simple machines in our #school garden @CampbellAPS #3rdgrade @APSscience #forceloadfulcrum
Simple machines in our #school garden @CampbellAPS #3rdgrade @APSscience #forceloadfulcrum https://t.co/UbATKgsfDd
This is what I call a team effort. @MsBergsClass working hard first thing this AM in the #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS
This is what I call a team effort. @MsBergsClass working hard first thing this AM in the #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS https://t.co/B65cY84EOl
Idea: add seed catalogs to reading choices for Ss. @CampbellAPS @bibliobunny #schoolgarden
Idea: add seed catalogs to reading choices for Ss. @CampbellAPS @bibliobunny #schoolgarden https://t.co/gSvlUR8aZO
Gr 3 asks, How do flowers attract pollinators? Can’t wait to see these gardens bloom. #TheCampbellWay @CampbellAPS
Gr 3 asks, How do flowers attract pollinators? Can’t wait to see these gardens bloom. #TheCampbellWay @CampbellAPS https://t.co/2Cv9KezVUg
Things are starting to sprout in the greenhouse @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden
Things are starting to sprout in the greenhouse @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden https://t.co/zLHO6XmyRc
Gorgeous plant labels made by 1st grade Ss @CampbellAPS for our #schoolgarden & a peek at what we’re growing
Gorgeous plant labels made by 1st grade Ss @CampbellAPS for our #schoolgarden & a peek at what we’re growing https://t.co/2ZgvuRgGoI
Gr 3 focus: composition, detail, overlapping to complete their spring “pollinator-attractor” gardens. @CampbellAPS
Gr 3 focus: composition, detail, overlapping to complete their spring “pollinator-attractor” gardens. @CampbellAPS https://t.co/kHtIBluEL4
Fourth-grade seed harvesting with Ms. Luci! Thank you!!! @CampbellAPS @APSVirginia #elschool #gardening
Fourth-grade seed harvesting with Ms. Luci! Thank you!!! @CampbellAPS @APSVirginia #elschool #gardening https://t.co/OTa2JMECnT
Amending soil, formerly a volunteer task, now part of our learning. @CampbellAPS @APS_EarlyChild #schoolgarden
Amending soil, formerly a volunteer task, now part of our learning. @CampbellAPS @APS_EarlyChild #schoolgarden https://t.co/s80bRfrOlW
Mr. Turner’s PreK turning over soil & planting lettuce seeds for @AFACtweets We love our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS
Mr. Turner’s PreK turning over soil & planting lettuce seeds for @AFACtweets We love our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS https://t.co/LxWFS9Wiyp
Cool find in my home garden leads to many observations & guesses. Check out those teeth! ? @CampbellAPS
Cool find in my home garden leads to many observations & guesses. Check out those teeth! ? @CampbellAPS https://t.co/E79dJ4pY5W
As we approach #EarthDay consider how you can conserve. PreK waters the garden w/upcycled yogurt cups @CampbellAPS
As we approach #EarthDay consider how you can conserve. PreK waters the garden w/upcycled yogurt cups @CampbellAPS https://t.co/lTfPz8rCIa
Gr 3 spring gardens are so gorgeous. #EarthDay2016 #overlapping #pollination @CampbellAPS @APSVirginia @APSArts
Gr 3 spring gardens are so gorgeous. #EarthDay2016 #overlapping #pollination @CampbellAPS @APSVirginia @APSArts https://t.co/5UoQ0Mbp9e
5th grade students prepare garden for planting! @CampbellAPS
5th grade students prepare garden for planting! @CampbellAPS https://t.co/jfNGr8ohfg
Earth Day garden planting. What’s the A & P of the garden? What fraction of the seed packet should we use?
Earth Day garden planting. What’s the A & P of the garden? What fraction of the seed packet should we use? https://t.co/wbObqNSQle
If Ss bring plants to the #schoolgarden we make room for them @CampbellAPS Plant/water/feed strawberries. #community
If Ss bring plants to the #schoolgarden we make room for them @CampbellAPS Plant/water/feed strawberries. #community https://t.co/L2xzFAaLwm
2nd grade Ss learn about fertilizing w/seaweed in our #organic #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @MissBelber Serious work.
2nd grade Ss learn about fertilizing w/seaweed in our #organic #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @MissBelber Serious work. https://t.co/7c1AAAUmAD
Ss in @MissBelber ‘s class tackle heavy garden tasks on their own @CampbellAPS #Morningmeeting @ELeducation
Ss in @MissBelber ‘s class tackle heavy garden tasks on their own @CampbellAPS #Morningmeeting @ELeducation https://t.co/ZBRrGYHCgy
No wonder the garden looks so good! @FeedFamilyWell has lots of seeds. We sorted and graphed them ???? @CampbellAPS
No wonder the garden looks so good! @FeedFamilyWell has lots of seeds. We sorted and graphed them ???? @CampbellAPS https://t.co/T2U0M7v4fO
@bibliobunny Helps to harvest salad ingredients for tonight’s PTA mtg @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden #healthycommunity
@bibliobunny Helps to harvest salad ingredients for tonight’s PTA mtg @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden #healthycommunity https://t.co/rotxT0jCIR
Picture of a #schoolgarden harvest. Served as a salad for PTA meeting @CampbellAPS
Picture of a #schoolgarden harvest. Served as a salad for PTA meeting @CampbellAPS https://t.co/7mQ0zoqFz1
@CampbellAPS we did some weeding to help beautify the outdoor garden for Saturday!
@CampbellAPS we did some weeding to help beautify the outdoor garden for Saturday! https://t.co/wEC0dqj8O2
Kindergarteners harvested mint for tomorrow’s Wetlands Festival @CampbellAPS #mintlemonade #schoolgarden #local
Kindergarteners harvested mint for tomorrow’s Wetlands Festival @CampbellAPS #mintlemonade #schoolgarden #local https://t.co/iEebRaTeDT
YESClub gives back to @CampbellAPS by devoting their time to our gardens! @OConnor4_5 @CamFitTurtles @APS_ProjectYES
YESClub gives back to @CampbellAPS by devoting their time to our gardens! @OConnor4_5 @CamFitTurtles @APS_ProjectYES https://t.co/kY6yFe7ntE
Summer rolls in the garden @CampbellAPS @APSlunchrocks #morningsnack #schoolgarden
Summer rolls in the garden @CampbellAPS @APSlunchrocks #morningsnack #schoolgarden https://t.co/6oDa2Q2CXI
Garden workday Sat. 9-12
Garden workday Sat. 9-12 https://t.co/dUbMBBcnam
Robin’s nest discovered during garden work day today @CampbellAPS #mothernatureforthewin
Robin’s nest discovered during garden work day today @CampbellAPS #mothernatureforthewin https://t.co/xcw2NlYK1s
Our #schoolgarden keeps producing. PreK kale harvest @CampbellAPS @APS_EarlyChild
Our #schoolgarden keeps producing. PreK kale harvest @CampbellAPS @APS_EarlyChild https://t.co/b14UCwcufD
The #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS doesn’t stop for #summer Look what families got to take home!
The #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS doesn’t stop for #summer Look what families got to take home! https://t.co/4aSl28tZ4t
Planting tomatoes late ensures a harvest for students @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden @APSlunchrocks
Planting tomatoes late ensures a harvest for students @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden @APSlunchrocks https://t.co/3rMmgxBth1
Late Summer planting @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden
Late Summer planting @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden https://t.co/EAMPfZMYiU
Only thing better than #schoolgardens-children in school gardens! #APSBack2School @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass
Only thing better than #schoolgardens-children in school gardens! #APSBack2School @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass https://t.co/GoKXgJj4hA
Sweet treat from the @CampbellAPS garden!! Thanks for the garden orientation, @CampbellOutside! ? #APSBack2School
Sweet treat from the @CampbellAPS garden!! Thanks for the garden orientation, @CampbellOutside! ? #APSBack2School https://t.co/a8v5BghnJk
After a great garden orientation w @CampbellOutside students picked and enjoyed a snack! ? @CampbellAPS
After a great garden orientation w @CampbellOutside students picked and enjoyed a snack! ? @CampbellAPS https://t.co/igt5qYd4ej
Outdoor classroom orientation ends with harvesting & eating watermelon from our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @davitt45
Outdoor classroom orientation ends with harvesting & eating watermelon from our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @davitt45 https://t.co/TG8ZiR405s
Snacking on watermelon from our #schoolgarden & looking for mosquito larvae in the pond! @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass
Snacking on watermelon from our #schoolgarden & looking for mosquito larvae in the pond! @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass https://t.co/c9kLlwLKCk
A garden of Hopes and Dreams for 3rd Grade! @responsiveclass @CampbellAPS
A garden of Hopes and Dreams for 3rd Grade! @responsiveclass @CampbellAPS https://t.co/WSwkbSAxVk
This cantaloupe won’t make it to full size before the cold but oh, how cute! #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS
This cantaloupe won’t make it to full size before the cold but oh, how cute! #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS https://t.co/c4DT3R0knM
The Weatherbugs getting us ready for a partly cloudy garden workday tomorrow @CampbellAPS @gust_kathy @bibliobunny
The Weatherbugs getting us ready for a partly cloudy garden workday tomorrow @CampbellAPS @gust_kathy @bibliobunny https://t.co/rZzQBjjLwQ
Lots of help today at the Garden workday!
Lots of help today at the Garden workday! https://t.co/XxcVPX22hl
2nd grade Ss harvest/study/label okra plants for science @CampbellAPS #handsonlearning #schoolgarden @APSscience
2nd grade Ss harvest/study/label okra plants for science @CampbellAPS #handsonlearning #schoolgarden @APSscience https://t.co/Eqotmr4FXf
Creating a Reading Garden is a community effort! @CampbellAPS @APSLibrarians @CampbellOutside
Creating a Reading Garden is a community effort! @CampbellAPS @APSLibrarians @CampbellOutside https://t.co/RMRjP3vb6D
Helping @bibliobunny beautify the @CampbellAPS Reading Garden!?
Helping @bibliobunny beautify the @CampbellAPS Reading Garden!? https://t.co/EjMG5A2Q6W
Ms. Judy from the Glencarlyn library garden brought some Black Swallowtail caterpillars so we can observe their lif…
Ms. Judy from the Glencarlyn library garden brought some Black Swallowtail caterpillars so we can observe their lif… https://t.co/T8hUBiMMXj
Using our senses to taste tomatoes from the garden @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside
Using our senses to taste tomatoes from the garden @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside https://t.co/hBV5KlGmHJ
We love the tomatoes from the garden @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside
We love the tomatoes from the garden @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside https://t.co/2EiHhF7mVQ
Our tomatoes keep coming! Using them today for 5 senses in K/1. @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden ?
Our tomatoes keep coming! Using them today for 5 senses in K/1. @CampbellAPS #schoolgarden ? https://t.co/OHy5Z47SGD
Getting ready for Fall by planting cover crop in our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @MrsSillKinder
Getting ready for Fall by planting cover crop in our #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS @MrsSillKinder https://t.co/79kbh3kapx
Preschoolers are gardeners and scientists. Observation skills with a magnifying glass, tweezers, a knife…
Preschoolers are gardeners and scientists. Observation skills with a magnifying glass, tweezers, a knife… https://t.co/7wQherSUDD
Seed saving today w/@MsBergsClass Okra seeds for next Summer @CampbellAPS Garden jobs belong in the hands of Ss.
Seed saving today w/@MsBergsClass Okra seeds for next Summer @CampbellAPS Garden jobs belong in the hands of Ss. https://t.co/q1iYLaFEwZ
Using map&exploration skills to learn about variety of plants in the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden!…
Using map&exploration skills to learn about variety of plants in the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden!… https://t.co/v69NQPoUAU
Putting our map skills to good use at Glencarlyn Library Community Garden! @CampbellAPS
Putting our map skills to good use at Glencarlyn Library Community Garden! @CampbellAPS https://t.co/p36FNkfRrA
Enjoying the end of summer by reading in the garden @CampbellAPS #ArlingtonReads @APSVirginia
Enjoying the end of summer by reading in the garden @CampbellAPS #ArlingtonReads @APSVirginia https://t.co/6E3qmGTn4r
Doing some work in the garden to beat the freeze! @CampbellAPS @
Doing some work in the garden to beat the freeze! @CampbellAPS @ https://t.co/w8JIi1Gnlb
Observing the garden bed in the courtyard so we can create a map of it @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside
Observing the garden bed in the courtyard so we can create a map of it @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside https://t.co/DqAR9URPts
Working together to create our garden bed map @CampbellOutside @CampbellAPS
Working together to create our garden bed map @CampbellOutside @CampbellAPS https://t.co/jYPvTJ2UCM
@MsOlsons_Class 5th graders make mild and spicy salsa from our #schoolgarden tomatoes! Fresh &healthy! @CampbellAPS
@MsOlsons_Class 5th graders make mild and spicy salsa from our #schoolgarden tomatoes! Fresh &healthy! @CampbellAPS https://t.co/2QmNVi7lnU
PreK Ss turn compost for our #schoolgarden Especially important in Winter. We can ALL do hard things! @CampbellAPS…
PreK Ss turn compost for our #schoolgarden Especially important in Winter. We can ALL do hard things! @CampbellAPS… https://t.co/rusEjnTksp
Creativity, seed catalogs, and expert advice from @CampbellOutside as Ss plan their array gardens! ❎+?=?…
Creativity, seed catalogs, and expert advice from @CampbellOutside as Ss plan their array gardens! ❎+?=?… https://t.co/aADg2xDvRx
#pho garden designed by 3rd grader using seed catalogs& #arrays @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass @CampbellCounts…
#pho garden designed by 3rd grader using seed catalogs& #arrays @CampbellAPS @MsBergsClass @CampbellCounts… https://t.co/1pW8Gc6CDa
SO much fun gardening today! Weeding the garden, moving mulch, and having a blast in the process ☀️??…
SO much fun gardening today! Weeding the garden, moving mulch, and having a blast in the process ☀️??… https://t.co/BQqfA7nVey
Younger kids even started to join in and help out with our gardening during their recess. Gotta love the Campbell c…
Younger kids even started to join in and help out with our gardening during their recess. Gotta love the Campbell c… https://t.co/TkLxpYNBmD
5th grade XART Ss sculpt tiny clay homes for our #schoolgarden! @CampbellAPS @CampbellArtAPS
5th grade XART Ss sculpt tiny clay homes for our #schoolgarden! @CampbellAPS @CampbellArtAPS https://t.co/o3U7EwNt95
Kids working in the courtyard/garden first thing this morning (and @MsBergsClass in a dress tilling compost!)…
Kids working in the courtyard/garden first thing this morning (and @MsBergsClass in a dress tilling compost!)… https://t.co/TbDp7emduj
Taking advantage of beautiful weather to care for our #schoolgarden & #schoolpond @CampbellAPS @capitalweather
Taking advantage of beautiful weather to care for our #schoolgarden & #schoolpond @CampbellAPS @capitalweather https://t.co/99tdQprMkg
Growing basil, Lima beans, and a love of gardening for our spring expedition! #EL #BBB ??❤@CampbellAPS…
Growing basil, Lima beans, and a love of gardening for our spring expedition! #EL #BBB ??❤@CampbellAPS… https://t.co/Y7c7XPRMMb
Impromptu spinach tasting in the #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS Always say yes. @APS_EarlyChild @APSlunchrocks
Impromptu spinach tasting in the #schoolgarden @CampbellAPS Always say yes. @APS_EarlyChild @APSlunchrocks https://t.co/mOrObtbEas
Helping out to get the courtyard ready for planting & discovering that our garden tools are simple machines! ?…
Helping out to get the courtyard ready for planting & discovering that our garden tools are simple machines! ?… https://t.co/KuAwCII3qc
Helping get the garden ready! @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside
Helping get the garden ready! @CampbellAPS @CampbellOutside https://t.co/GNAbZsYuVb
Kindergarten-ary, quite contrary, how do your gardens grow? With variety of shape, size, color, all in a row.…
Kindergarten-ary, quite contrary, how do your gardens grow? With variety of shape, size, color, all in a row.… https://t.co/VeLIkd23pF
Planting seeds for our 1st grade garden @CampbellAPS
Planting seeds for our 1st grade garden @CampbellAPS https://t.co/kgeuEbAQyN
@MrsSillKinder artists #discover how negative space affects positive shape while coloring their beautiful gardens.…
@MrsSillKinder artists #discover how negative space affects positive shape while coloring their beautiful gardens.… https://t.co/Bw9PUMLyIl
As some KG artists are finishing their gardens, some are adding another “layer” to the work. #pollinators #3D…
As some KG artists are finishing their gardens, some are adding another “layer” to the work. #pollinators #3D… https://t.co/o6MMfL75sy