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Who We Are Hi - I'm Robin Russell, owner and operator of New Acadia Farm and
founder of Happy Hearts Camp. This has been my home since 1994. I purchased
the property in part because of its resemblance to my grandmother's farm in Most of my childhood summers were spent on The original dream of operating a Youth Summer Camp continues to be re-worked as time passes and outside influences shape its progress. Sustained by faith, courage and the inspiration of talented and hard working friends and mentors, I manage New Acadia Farm as a small, private enterprise under the registered name of Happy Hearts Camp. As the work increases, so does the need for more people to become involved. Moving forward in partnership & collaboration with others, we are evolving into an organization of people dedicated to the creative challenges and pioneering adventures of a broader mission to offer meaningful experiences to people of all ages while preserving the integrity of the landscape. The next few years will see the expansion of our accommodations and program offerings to serve more and more people. Please call me if you would like to know more about becoming involved.
Robin Russell is a 1982 graduate of UVM. She holds a BS in Health Education and is also trained in Massage Therapy and Kinisiology, Traditional Oriental Medicine, the use of Bach Flower Essences and Homeopathy. She is available to Guests for private healing & bodywork sessions and leads many of the activities at the Camps and Retreat. Robin has had an informal education in organized camping through more than 20 years of working and attending both private and agency youth camps. Currently, she is the Treasurer of the Vermont Camping Association. She also volunteers as The Sharon Academy Girls Basketball Coach and teaches Residency dance programs for schools and other community groups. Other farm residents include a working border-collie and her yearling pup, a Norwegian Fjord horse, a quarter-horse pony, a quarter-horse gelding, a miniature stallion, a miniature mare, her two-week old foal, ten Coopworth ewes and a house cat. There is always a larger assortment of critters to fill the barnyard through the summer. Seasonal Staff All Staff and Group Leaders are people of a positive character and unselfish spirit who have developed exceptional skill and knowledge in a variety of disciplines to offer education, inspiration and facilitation to others in a special place and time at both a reasonable cost to the Participants and fair exchange for the services of the Staff. Guests: Participants who chose our activities and programs share a common interest in making the time to come together to live, work and play in a small, informal community which accepts, supports and recognizes each member as a sacred being with unique gifts and talents.
Operating in a non-traditional manner, Happy Hearts is a business that aims to create jobs for people which will not only support their financial needs, but also allow them to do work which is fired from an inner passion. These jobs are often short-term as many people come to us at a transitional point in their lives. Here they often find an opportunity to re-discover their hidden talents and express themselves by offering a rewarding service to others. Jobs are not easily defined, as there is so much to do, however it is usually creative, responsive, innovative and often nostalgic. Volunteer help is always greatly appreciated, as are word-of-mouth referrals to prospective customers. We are members of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Vermont Farm Bureau, the Northeast Fiddler's Association, the Women's Agricultural Network and the Vermont Camping Association. We purchase our food from Luna Bleu Farm, (a Community Supported Agriculture farm that provides organic produce and eggs to our farm & family), and from the local Food Coops which provide the community with a food supply produced with both human nutrition and the stewardship of the earth in mind. We strive to practice "green" business ethics as much as possible and to buy locally. The property is in enrolled in the Current Use program. It mandates that we manage our agricultural land and forests by the guidelines of our Land Use Plan. The plan preserves, encourages and protects the wildlife and natural resources of this undeveloped geographical are.
Our mission is three-fold: 1.) Stewardship of the historical Whitney Farm and its 1907 Round Barn in order to maintain a "sense of place" in an agricultural landscape and community which is rapidly changing. 2.) Accommodation of Guests to experience and connect with that place during a short-term stay and facilitation of their experience to be positive and meaningful, and 3.) Education of the public about the local historical, agricultural, environmental and cultural heritage of this farm and its role in our shared American History. What We Offer A Summer Youth Camp experience is defined as . . .. . Participation in a summer community intentionally designed to
reinforce the positive efforts of families and home communities to foster
healthy childhood development. We encourage the nurturance of strong
character, self expression and skills needed to live meaningful, creative and
productive lives in a peaceful and harmonious relationship with all of
Creation. A Retreat Experience is defined as . . . . . An opportunity created
of special time and space reserved outside of one"s routine and center of
activity/living, to create an opportunity for healing, reflection, cleansing,
inspiration, sharing, learning, discovering & re-membering. Moving at a
slower pace, retreats are designed to allow participants the opportunity to
unwind and re-connect with the rhythms of nature. Participants register for a
specific program offering which is facilitated by a Retreat Leader
specializing in the area of interest. Retreats can also be custom-designed
and lead by a group's own leader or staff. Generally, retreats are for small
groups ranging from 3-15 participants. Retreats are facilitated by individuals who unselfishly offer their inner gifts with all participants as inspiration, are understanding & compassionate about the human condition, and are experienced in effectively facilitating people to seek and understand the knowledge of their own inner guidance. A Farm Vacation
experience is defined as . . … . Music and Dance may
include: . |
