Why Chores Are Great for Kids: A Farm Camp Perspective

At Farm Camp, chores aren’t just work—they’re where the magic happens! Every morning and afternoon, our campers roll up their sleeves and take on meaningful responsibilities, from caring for animals to giving back to the community through non-animal chores. Chores are woven into our program because we’ve seen how they build character, foster collaboration, and create a sense of pride in contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

What Chores Look Like at Farm Camp

Our campers start their days with purpose, diving into chores that make a real difference on the farm. Animal chores can include feeding goats, collecting eggs, or cleaning stalls. Non-animal chores are just as important! These can consist of setting the dining tables for meal times, helping sanitize dishes with “bucket chore,” or harvesting fresh lettuce in our garden. Each task reinforces the idea that every role, no matter how small it might feel, contributes to the well-being of our camp community.

The Science Behind Chores

It’s not just us who think chores are amazing—an ongoing 75-year Harvard study backs us up! This long-term research is finding that children who do chores are more likely to grow into successful, happy adults. Here’s why:

• Collaboration: Chores teach kids to work together and be part of a team. At camp, this means they’re not just doing tasks—they’re building a spirit of collaboration that lasts a lifetime.
• Independence: Taking responsibility for chores helps kids become more self-reliant. We’ve watched campers transform into confident problem-solvers over a single summer. 
• Self-Esteem: Completing chores builds confidence. When kids see the results of their hard work, they feel capable and proud. Campers begin feeling a sense of ownership and pride as they learn more and become experts at their chore. 
• Basic Skills: Whether it’s learning to care for animals or clean up after meals, chores teach essential life skills that lay the foundation for adulthood.
• Work Ethic: Starting chores early instills a strong work ethic that campers carry with them long after they leave Farm Camp.

Making Chores Fun and Meaningful

We love finding ways to make chores engaging! Campers tackle them with friends, sing songs while they work, and even come up with creative systems to make tasks more efficient. These experiences create memories and connections that last long after camp ends.

We’re so proud of our campers and the work they do every day. It’s a joy to see them rise to the challenge and thrive. Here at Farm Camp, we love chores—and we know you will too!

For families at home, incorporating chores can be just as rewarding. Try holding a family meeting to assign responsibilities, creating a chore chart, or volunteering together. These small steps can build strong bonds and teach valuable lessons. Thank you, campers, for all the work you do for our community! We can’t wait to work alongside you again this summer!