“The first initiation is recognition of and respect for Attention—its freedom and independence--and an attraction toward it. Respect that it comes from a very high source.”
Land, Gardens, and Kitchen
Located about two hours west of Boston in rural Massachusetts, Camp Caravan rests on 54 acres of land. Much of the property is covered with mature pine/oak forest. The rest of the property has landscape trees, gardens, buildings, and open areas in between. Read how Camp Caravan serves as an educational campus.
We use much of what we harvest in our vegetable garden in our fully equipped kitchen and baking area in the Main Building. Everyone, no matter what level of cooking experience, has the opportunity to participate in meal preparation and it is a significant part of the practical work at Camp Caravan. (Nanji add in here if you’d like)
Forested areas
The Camp Caravan grounds have biodiverse forests with a multitude of other habitat types within. There is a woodland pond, vernal pools, wetlands, groundwater seeps and a small stream.
The Village School (www.villageschoolma.org) has embraced place-based education and the grounds at Camp Caravan allow for a wealth of opportunities for the youngest children to the 6th graders.
The younger children select a “Special Place” in the woods that they visit throughout the year and journal their observations. The school has a Biodiversity Week every year where each class goes out and lists as many living things as they can find, to form a school-wide biodiversity list. The rich surroundings provide ample opportunities for science classes and are the inspiration for creative projects.
Gardens
Vegetable garden and produce
From early summer through late fall, we offer fresh organic fresh produce from our raised bed gardens and Bill Bleak’s neighboring farm in our Garden Cart near the Camp Caravan Main Building. We offer produce on a pay-what-you-can basis for the public. Proceeds go to the Village School.
Over the years, we’ve been enriching the soil with compost and sheep manure. Together with plentiful sunshine, growing conditions are good. We look after a number of gardens on the property and there are many opportunities for all to participate at every level. Work days and seminars include gardening projects all year.
The “Tennis Court” Garden—the Birches
Formerly a fenced-in tennis court, the former tennis court is home to raised beds cultivated by the community, including those planted, maintained, and harvested by the Village School children. The chain link fence keeps out local critters. We grow with an eye to timing harvests for seasonal need.
Hoop House
Abutting the Tennis Court Garden, we maintain Hoop House, a greenhouse structure, with the aim of extending the growing season. Plantings have already yielded early tomato crops and its warmer temperature permits earlier plantings of greens and other vegetables, timed to supply the Summer Seminar with fresh, organic produce.
Ornamental gardens
New England is well known for its rocky soils. These rocks and small boulders formed the beautiful antique stone fences throughout the region, including those on the campus. Renovation of areas of Camp Caravan unearthed lots of large rocks later used to create small ornamental gardens. There is much opportunity for gardeners to participate in improving these areas. The gardens have small trees, shrubs, and perennials with an emphasis on native plants.
The Enneagram Garden
The Enneagram Garden is at the back of the Main House and is dedicated to Elizabeth Bennett. It has a special entrance and its paths depict the inner lines of a large enneagram, suitable for walking and contemplation.
Over the years, many people have contributed work to the cultivated areas and the work is ongoing. From planting and pruning to weeding, there is a lot of opportunity to participate and learn.
Kitchens
We use much of what we harvest from our vegetable garden in our fully equipped kitchen and baking area in the Main Building, certified as a commercial kitchen. Attendees prepare meals from scratch for our Summer Seminars, Work Days, and other events.
Everyone, no matter what level of cooking experience, has the opportunity to work with meal preparation, a significant part of the practical work at Camp Caravan.