What the students are saying:
“I became closer to a lot of people…I was able to take my mind off of some things and focus on more important things…Everyone was so sweet and caring and lovely…I am so calm and happy here. Honestly, it is great for me.” 10th grader
“I’m really sad to be leaving Earth Mountain and such an amazing experience behind…I learned that one person/family can make a huge difference in the ways that we impact the world. I learned that I, myself can live more simply at home…I felt as though I was part of a real system of living and that by being a part of this community, I made a difference. I already miss this place.” 9th grader
“The past four days at Earth Mountain Farm will be an experience I will always remember…I had never stayed on a farm for more than a few hours and it was a lot different than I had imagined, but that turned out to be a good thing. I really enjoyed the freedom of choice…which allowed me to do things I wanted to do as well as exploring new things and concepts.” 8th grader
“My biggest take is how we can literally create the world we want to live in, it takes time and effort but totally possible” 7th grader
” I ‘ve learned a lot this week about contrasting things: labor but also calm. From the composting toilet project, I learned work skills and working on a project with other people. and it felt like true impactful and hard work I was doing. On the other hand, when we sat in the garden one day and you talked about not stressing in school and lying in the Earth, I understood more the value of happiness over achievement and simply living with the Earth which I find powerful” Elana 10th grader
As it pertains to The Living classroom Project- Trinidad High School
” I think this project has shown us all that we are capable of doing things people find impossible. We took a rock filled area where nothing grew and transformed it into a beautiful landscape able to grow food and support many types of life.” Tabitha 12th grader
What the teachers are saying:
“Since 2012 opening of Mt. Carmel Health Wellness and Community Center education has been one of the tenets of the vision and mission of Mt. Carmel, the summer camp included approximately 40 middle school students, the weeklong curriculum covered, arts, culture, history, music, to mention a few topics, it culminated in a field trip to earth mountain organic farm, Joni and her staff provided very practical, real-world agricultural education for any aspiring farmers, as well as sufficient knowledge to survive off the grid in the high Colorado country. The students that participated learned how to start up an organic composting site, how to assess what legumes, vegetables and/or fruits are prime for region Learn to Farm program is a full-time, Joni graciously opened her knowledge of residential immersion in the work of sustainable farm life. Students harvested vegetables from an active green house, to later process them into a savory lunch – students made pizzas using farm grown toping as well learning how to bake them in an old fashioned horno. Joni shared with the group that every day and in every way our student farmers learn to farm by farming, supported by formal coursework, in-field mentoring from her staff and instruction by regional experts.”
“The students had an opportunity to meet an intern from the East Coast who shared his vision for becoming an organic farmer, he shared with the students the vast knowledge gained at earth mountain farms, students learned the value field work as our primary mode of instruction from Joni and her personnel. Students had a small discussion-based instruction on water conservation measures and how to balance life with long hours in the greenhouses, fields, forests and barns. I strongly recommend the training to companies and individuals as it is a well-rounded learning experience.”
Sincerely,
Felix M. Lopez, M.Ed.
Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness, & Community Center
Chief Operating Officer
“Thanks so much for such an amazing experience at your farm! Both the teachers and kids are reminiscing about all of the rich and fun moments that we packed into such a short time.” Casey, teacher at the Logan School
“That place warmed my heart again after a long time I didn’t feel too much. We’ve learned about Permaculture, got closer to the animals on the farm. compost, special plants and how all those things connected to each other. I have been here one week, and I will never forget this farm and family. I feel the family excepted me as I am and I am grateful on that. I am leaving with a big smile and happiness inside, my heart warm, thank you. Ron, Counselor age 20
” The trip to Earth Mtn . was very eye opening. It is great to find a place to get in touch with nature. I respect a self-sufficient farm and the hard working people who live there. I hope I can volunteer here in the future,” Daniel, Couselor, age 23