For those looking to spend family time away from cellphones and other distractions, the Cornell Cooperative Extension has a suggestion with its Farm Campout the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 14, with a rain date of Sept. 21.
The annual event is an adventure under the stars at the century-old Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank during the hours of 3:30 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday.
“It's a special night. Our staff only stays overnight for this specific campout so it's just once a year,” Operations Coordinator Kaylyn Reynolds told South Shore Press.
Those who sign up can choose their campsite from a map, she said, and then look forward to events like wagon rides and a corn maze until dark and a family movie in the main field. “Then of course they can visit with all the animals on the farm as well,” Reynolds said. The website also mentions a bonfire and pumpkin picking.
Typically, the working farm, Reynolds said, is open every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except major holidays, and offers a children’s play area, animal feedings, and wagon rides—as well as seasonal events like pumpkin picking. But the campout is a chance to say goodnight to the animals and more fully experience the county farm and its almost 300 acres run by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.
With several crops ripe for harvest, from sunflowers to pumpkins, Reynolds said, “This is a really pretty time to visit the farm because everything is kind of bursting with fall colors.” She also noted that this is a way to unplug from the internet that has become “kind of a tradition” for many families that return year after year.
The cost is $150 to rent one of 50 campsites for a maximum of six people, the website states.
According to Reynolds, the event started post-COVID, “because people were still looking to do things but outside,” and is now entering its fourth year, though no longer bi-annual.
The farm, which includes a historic barn built in 1870, has had a varied past, including serving the needy and supplying food to the county.
“In the 70s, Cornell took it over and it became an education site,” Reynolds said.
Today, the farm finds many ways to connect the public to agriculture from early childhood programs to field trips and a certified Nature Explore Classroom, according to the website ccesuffolk.org/suffolk-county-farm.
The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is located at 350 Yaphank Ave. Registration is available online.