Cool Creek Camps

Cool Creek Farm Day Camps were launched in 2020 to fill a need in the community. Camps continue to fill the on-going need for children to have extended time outdoors in a natural and supportive environment with a small group of fast friends.

Technology-Free

Outdoors with Barn Shelter

Water Play

Camps on the Farm: Spring, Summer & Fall

Camps occur on a 26 acre farm in Pittsboro, NC, run by Camp Director Melissa Frey and her adult daughter Marinne.

Melissa has a degree in Family Studies (psychology and social work), has 10+ years of experience working in private and charter schools serving elementary-aged children and is a former homeschooling parent. Melissa sees herself as a facilitator.

It’s important for children to have opportunities to self-direct whether that’s building a bridge across the creek, playing an expansive game of capture the flag, navigating a conflict with a friend, or sitting still and enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm for a while.

Melissa provides structure, safety and supplies to help campers accomplish their ideas for the day. Melissa is passionate about the benefits, for all ages, of significant free-play time outside away from electronics. She is thrilled to share her farm and watch the kids find their way, get dirty, wear themselves out and feel joy in this setting. See you outside!

School Breaks the way they were Meant to Be

The Just Right Autonomy and Structure Balance

Camp days follow an easy flow that start with a morning circle and conversation and read aloud of quality children’s literature. The bulk of the day has campers choosing their own activities and using their imaginations.

Campers can snack whenever they like but lunch is eaten together, sometimes as a picnic under the Bald Cypress or giant Ash tree, and then read some more!

Seasonal free-play options throughout the day include:

To receive notifications about future camp sessions:

The Basics

‘Best camp ever,’ my son exclaimed as he burst through the door! So grateful for my kids to have this opportunity.

-Parent of a camper

Understanding Animal Language

Cool Creek Farm is home to horses, goats, sheep, chickens, a barn cat and ducks. While the horses are only able to be observed during camp, campers can get closer to the other animals, if they and the animals choose. The animals all have their way of letting us know if human attention is something they want and we learn to understand and respect their messaging. The goats are surely most likely to take in all the lovin’ campers have to offer!

The Joys of Water and Mud in Cool Creek!

Children, with adult guidance, will embrace the great outdoors, learning about the environment while engaging in child-directed play. This isn’t just any playtime; it’s a chance to forge lasting memories, build friendships, and connect with nature–whatever it is offering us at the moment.

Rolling with the Weather

Camps occur rain or shine and in all temperatures. There is barn shelter in the case of rain and warming bonfires on chillier days and of course plenty of shade and epic slip n sliding when it’s really hot! Campers learn quickly how the weather impacts them outside for extended periods and adapt well to the challenge.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

-Fred Rogers

With Special Guests...

Camp weeks are enhanced by a special visitor every Wednesday morning. A structured activity or entertainment is shared as a whole group.

Louise Kessel & Cindy Raxter

Storytellers

Copper Ken

Metal Creations

Emma Skurnick & Kathy Flood

Illustrators

Laura @ Haw River Mushrooms

Mycologist

Jimmy Magoo & Diali Sissoko

Musicians

Mia Lucero

Carver / Painter

Jan French

Fiber Works and Nature Weaving

Deena Class

Botanical Fabric Printing

Strong, Confident, and Capable Children

Cool Creek Farm Camp’s philosophy developed independently out of Melissa’s values and experiences with children and is also supported by a growing field of research demonstrating how essential free-play in nature is to all aspects of childhood development. Check-out this insightful and research-backed talk by Angela Hanscom (Author of “Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children”) who delivers a strong case for the restoration of more movement and outdoor play experiences for children.

Reach out to Camp Director Melissa Frey with questions or to schedule a pre-camp farm visit today!