With sponsorships from the Warrenton Garden Club and the Piedmont Environmental Council, Ms. Farrar's camp emulates similar Audubon programs in Albemarle and Orange counties. Ms. Farrar got the idea for Fauquier's camp from Ted Scott, who created Audubon's programs for children and adults. For two weeks each June, Ms. Farrar teaches the interrelationships of pond and river life, fields and the woodland ecosystems of her 220-acre historic property. Fifteen students attend the weekday camp, which started June 19 and runs through June 30. The youngsters meet at Ms. Farrar's farm from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Campers bring their lunches.
The youngsters frequently participate for three or four summers, returning years later as junior and senior counselors. A few of the students have even gone on to careers in biology or related fields of work. While each day differs, they always have daily hikes rain or shine, with exploration time and a craft or nature-based game. They note mutations or abnormalities and inform local environmentalists of their findings. They are so observant.