Young Farmers
Our Young Farmers youth clubs offer an excellent opportunity for children aged 11-13 to explore in an interactive hands-on way animal care, food growing, environmental conservation, healthy cooking and rural crafts.
Sessions are child-led, creating a space for young people to develop their problem solving skills, social development and communication skills. Children are encouraged to immerse themselves in outdoor experiences: in growing their own food and learning to cook with it, learning bushcraft and survival skills, understanding how to care for Farm animals and protecting the local environment and wildlife.
Young Farmers are encouraged to share their ideas, listen to others and respond to problems in a collaborative and imaginative way.
Children’s newly acquired skills and knowledge are rewarded with AQA Unit Award certificates which they can take to schools and colleges to demonstrate their achievements. At Surrey Docks Farm we understand the value of long term connections, as such once Young Farmers reach 14 they are offered the chance to join our ‘Greenagers’ youth club until they turn 18, they can then become a Livestock or Garden Volunteer.
Members of Young Farmers are encouraged to apply to sit on the Farm’s Youth Committee each year. Youth Committee members help inform the future of the services young people receive at the Farm and steer the direction of the organisation.
Eligibility
The Farm wants to ensure all young people have the opportunity to become active members of society, improve their lives, prepare for their futures and fulfil their potential.
Young Farmers is free to attend and we experience huge demand for these spaces. We accept children aged 11-13 who live in Southwark borough and satisfy two or more of the criteria listed below. We prioritise spaces for those who satisfy the most criteria.
- live in SE16
- are from a low income family (in receipt of pupil premium)
- identify as a young carer – cares for someone with disability or a health condition
- is from an asylum seeking or refugee family
- is from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic group
- has a mild physical or learning disabilityhas Special Educational Needs or an EHCP
- is under the care of CAMHS
If you’re not eligible, or are on the waiting list please be aware we also run a range of youth activities open to all children throughout the school holidays, including Farm Club sessions for 8 -13 year olds. Please visit our Farm Club page for further details and to book onto these sessions.
Please note we’re not adding any new names until our waiting list is down to a more manageable number! Check back here in a few months to see if anything has changed.