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A welcome from Josh & Alethea.
Orkestai Co-Founders Alethea and Josh will lead this program. Here is a short note from them:
When we founded Orkestai, we imagined a place where people of all ages could slow down, pay attention, and develop a meaningful relationship with the living world. Over the years, we’ve watched the farm become a place where curiosity grows into confidence, work becomes an expression of care, and community is built through shared responsibility.
Youth Stewardship Week is an invitation for young people to experience that for themselves.. Our hope is that each participant leaves not only with new skills, but with a deeper sense of belonging—to the land, to community, and to the unique gifts they have to offer.
Our nine-year-old daughter Sylvie, who has grown up on the farm and belongs here in a profound way, will also participate and help us guide the week.
We’re looking forward to sharing this week with your family.
– Josh , Alethea & Sylvie
A Typical Morning
Each day follows a gentle rhythm that balances meaningful work, exploration, creativity, and reflection.
9:00 AM – Arrival Circle
Begin the day with a welcome, check-in, and introduction to the day’s theme.
9:20 AM – Stewardship Practice
Garden, care for the land, compost, and participate in the seasonal work of the farm.
10:15 AM – Ecology Exploration
Observe and explore the relationships between soil, plants, insects, wildlife, and the changing seasons.
10:45 AM – Expressive Arts
Nature journaling, storytelling, music, clay, or creating with natural materials.
11:15 AM – Reflection Circle
Share appreciations, reflect on the morning’s experiences, and prepare to close the day.
11:45 AM – Community Movement Circle
Join Orkestai’s Organic Growers community for a brief movement and reflection practice that celebrates gratitude, connection, and belonging.
12:00 PM – Lunch & Dismissal
Growing Food, Growing Community
At Orkestai, we believe stewardship means caring for both the land and our neighbors. Throughout the week, participants will plant, tend, and harvest fresh produce while experiencing the rhythms of a working farm and the responsibilities that come with caring for living beings.
A Special Friday Tradition
The final day of the week coincides with our Friday Farm Stand and celebrates the full cycle of stewardship. Together, participants will harvest vegetables they’ve helped grow, pack a fresh CSA share to take home with their families, and prepare a community share for donation to NOSH Delivers, our local food pantry. By experiencing both the joy of receiving and the practice of giving, participants discover that growing food is also a way of nourishing and strengthening the wider community.
What to Bring
Refillable water bottle (ideally 1 quart)
Packed lunch (certain ingredients may be limited if there is severe allergy amongst the group)
Sunscreen (if wearing short sleeves) and a hat (highly recommended)
Any necessary medications (such as an inhaler or EpiPen), provided to staff with instructions
What to Wear
Participants should come dressed for a working farm and the weather.
Closed-toe shoes or boots (required)
Comfortable clothes that can get dirty
Layers for changing weather
Lightweight long pants are recommended for gardening activities
Lighweight long sleeves are also recommended to help protect arms while working in the garden
Arrival & Parking
Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM. Please park in the designated Orkestai Farm parking area and walk your child to the check-in location on the first day.
Detailed arrival instructions and a parking map will be emailed before the program begins.
Weather
Youth Stewardship Week is designed to embrace the outdoors. We will be outside in most weather conditions and will adjust activities as needed for rain or heat. In the event of severe weather that makes the farm unsafe, families will be notified promptly of any schedule changes.
Pick-Up
Pick-up is between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM. Children will only be released to a parent, guardian, or another individual authorized during registration unless prior arrangements have been made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this program different from a standard summer camp?
Youth Stewardship Week is designed as an immersive educational and relational experience. Participants become part of the life of a working farm through gardening, ecology, expressive arts, reflection, and community. The emphasis is on cultivating responsibility, practical skills, ecological awareness, creativity, belonging, and stewardship.
Does my child need gardening experience?
Not at all. The program is designed for curious young people who enjoy being outdoors and are willing to participate, learn, and explore. No prior gardening experience is necessary.
What should my child bring?
Please bring a refillable water bottle, a nut-free packed lunch, sunscreen, a hat, and any necessary medications (such as an inhaler or EpiPen). Participants should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes or boots.
What happens if it rains?
We embrace the outdoors and will be outside in most weather conditions. Activities will be adjusted as needed for rain or heat. In the event of severe weather that makes the farm unsafe, families will be notified promptly of any schedule changes.
Will my child be using tools or working with animals?
Yes. Participants will use age-appropriate hand tools and assist with farm stewardship activities under close supervision. While the farm does not currently have livestock, encounters with wild animals is possible. Safety instruction is provided throughout the week.
What is Growing Food, Growing Community?
At Orkestai, we believe stewardship means caring for both the land and our neighbors. Throughout the week, participants help plant, tend, and harvest fresh produce while learning the rhythms of a working farm. On Friday, they celebrate the week’s work by taking home a CSA share they’ve helped grow and preparing a community share for donation to NOSH Delivers, our local food pantry. In this way, participants experience the full cycle of stewardship—growing food, sharing its abundance, and strengthening the community.
Who leads the program?
Youth Stewardship Week is led by Orkestai Co-Founders and Co-Directors Alethea Vasilas and Joshua Marcus, who have spent more than a decade creating educational experiences that connect people with the land through expressive agriculture, creativity, and community.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure a small, high-quality experience for every participant. Because staffing and program expenses are committed in advance, tuition is non-refundable.
If your child is unable to attend due to illness or an unexpected emergency, please contact us. While refunds cannot be guaranteed, we will do our best to work with your family whenever possible.
If Orkestai must cancel the program, participants will receive a full refund.
Youth Stewardship Week is a five-day immersive experience where young people learn through meaningful participation in the life of the farm. Each day includes gardening, nature observation, expressive arts, and reflection, helping participants cultivate practical skills, responsibility, curiosity, belonging, and a deeper relationship with the living world. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay until noon.
For an immersive intimate experience, space is limited to 6 participants.
Ages 11–14 • July 20–24 • 9:00–12:-00 PM