By Steffen Klenk
Spring has arrived, bringing with it a sense of renewal, blooming flowers, and warmer days. Nowhere is this seasonal transformation more evident than at Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy in the Petersburg section of Upper Township. This 16-acre farm offers visitors a unique way to embrace the season—by caring for newborn lambs.
Inside one of the barns, small groups gather for the chance to hold and care for one of thirty newborn lambs. Their gentle bleating fills the air as staff and volunteers from the Cape May County 4-H Club tend to the herd.
“It’s a great thing for them to learn and understand how it works,” says Brittney Schroder.
Lamb Camp provides visitors with a hands-on opportunity to care for the lambs. Participants spend an hour feeding, cleaning, and ensuring the little ones are safe and warm. Open to all ages, this one-of-a-kind experience is as educational as it is heartwarming. Be prepared—one of these cuddly lambs may snuggle up to you during your visit.
Siobhan Larkin describes the experience as deeply calming. “There’s something very therapeutic about it,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s because they need to be snuggled, but there’s a calmness that happens when holding and feeding a baby lamb.”
Before attending Lamb Camp, visitors should wear appropriate attire, including closed-toe shoes. Handwashing and sanitization are required at the end of each session, and children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lamb Camp runs through April, with one-hour sessions available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. Special adult-only sessions are offered on select Fridays at 5 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. More details and registration can be found at www.mistymeadowsheepdairy.com.
For those looking to deepen their knowledge, Misty Meadow also offers a Homesteading Class for participants 14 and older, providing an in-depth look at lambing and animal care.
While visiting, don’t miss the General Store, where you can shop for locally made food, dairy products, and unique gifts. Also, mark your calendar for the Welcoming of the Lambs Festival on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This day-long celebration of wool and fiber arts will feature vendors, food, drinks, hands-on activities, and a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny.
Spring has never felt so full of life—come experience it at Lamb Camp!
Photos by Steffen Klenk
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
