Harvest Weekend 2012

August 31 - September 3, 2012

We're looking forward to our 2012 edition of Harvest Weekend programming, and hope you are to. Keep checking back for more information as Labor Day 2012 draws closer. In the meantime, you can get a flavor of the 2011 event from this information below.

School busses are gunning their engines, the evening air has a bit of bite to it, and if you look carefully there's a hint of color coming in the poppels...yep, fall's on its way! Come celebrate a bountiful summer and the change in season with Craftsbury's Harvest Weekend.

Harvest weekend offers participants four days of farm tours, presentations, great food, and lots of hands-on learning opportunities in a wide variety of topics from fitness to cheesemaking and food preservation! Here's just a sampling of what's in store:

• Tours and Presentations. Guests will enjoy a variety of tours and presentations both on and off campus this Labor Day weekend. Explore the farm where Sterling College instructs the next generation of agricultural leaders. View the state of the art facilities at Pete's Greens, one of the largest organic growers in New England. Slake your thirst at award-winning Hill Farmstead Brewery. Find out more about the natural and local history of the Craftsbury area. Back home at the Center, learn more about the Center's own compost facilities, wood-fired oven, solar panels and other green initiatives.
• Hands-on Activities. Try your hand at a variety of new skills: cheesemaking, cider-pressing, rustic construction, and several different ways to preserve the season's bounty - there's lots to experience!
• Local Meals. Our all you can eat dining hall is a Vermont Fresh Network Member. Fresh, local ingredients are staples of the Center's kitchen (>40% local food in July), but they'll be especially prevalent during Harvest Weekend in meals and in wine and cheese socials prior to dinner. As always, all houseguest's meals are included in the price of lodging!
• Energizing Fitness Activities. Harvest Weekenders will have daily options of a wide variety of activities to try out during their stay - with instruction or on your own. In addition, many of the tours will offer a cycling option for a natural integration of exercise with the weekend's programming.

The Harvest Weekend '11 package includes all the presentations, fitness options, instructional opportunities, meals, lodging and additional transportation to farms for the same price as a regular stay at the Center! Rates start at only $95/pp/nt (for double occupancy).

FAQs

I want to participate in the programming, but am local and don't need lodging. Can I still join in, and at what cost?
Are you a member? Members are welcome to participate in all the activities, except meals, for free. (Meals will be available for members, but will require advance reservations and purchase - check with the office for full details). For the activities, we ask that members register their interest in participating so we can be sure to accommodate everyone. Please contact the Office to let them know which activities you'd like to join.

What if I'm local, but not a member?
All you need to do is join! Annual Memberships are $25 for students & seniors, $50 for adults, and $100 for a family. Membership is free to Albany and Craftsbury residents - though we ask you to complete this paperwork. In addition to this weekend's worth of activities, membership gives the holder unlimited summer and winter trail use, access to member programming like the Hosmer Community Rowing Club, the Craftsbury member e-newsletter, and other great opportunities. Read more about membership here - hope you'll join us!

Do you have a copy of the weekend's schedule?
Check out the current plan below.

Do I need to bring anything special?
We'll be outside and on the move quite a bit. Bring comfortable clothes that allow easy freedom of movement. Biking will be an option for many of the off-campus tours, so bring a mountain, cross or hybrid bike if you have one (rentals will be available for those that didn't bring a bike). Other than that, nothing additional is needed beyond what you'd bring for an active weekend.

Come on up and join us for a weekend celebration of a summer well-spent and the colorful season to come! Call the office at 802-586-7767 to register today.

Harvest Weekend 2011 at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center