By Erica Hoffman
The arrival of spring comes with fresh scents, delicious seasonal foods, and, in my case, new personal goals. These can be anything and – big, small, important, fun, educational, or nonsensical.
This year, my personal goal was to reconnect with nature. I accomplished one of my goals before spring had even sprung and I have Misty Meadows Sheep Dairy and their Lamb Camp to thank.
Lamb Camp offers a unique agricultural experience, not just an event; it’s an immersive leap into sheep farming and farm management. Campers are greeted like family and introduced to the daily routines and intricacies of caring for these gentle creatures.
“Our hopes are that children and adults of all ages learn how special animals are and how much they provide for us,” said Brittney Schroder, one of the two shepherdesses (female shepherds). “We teach patience and kindness towards animals and show farm life’s hard work (and) simplicity. Also, the therapeutic value of being around these docile creatures easily teaches unconditional love.”
The dairy farm, owned by Bill and Barbara Simmerman, stands out for its educational (and adorable) Lamb Camp, with its high-quality sheep products such as fleece yarn and lambskin rugs. They also have delectable milk, fresh and aged cheeses, and my personal favorite, their frozen yogurt sheepsicles. This popsicle is made from sheep’s milk ice cream dipped in chocolate. I highly recommend it.
During a Lamb Camp session this season, each paid camper gets to care for a newborn lamb – everything from keeping them company and cleaning them to learning how to bottle-feed them and even reading them a book.
“This year, we have added a new class called Lambing. This class focuses more on the science aspect of breeding and birthing lambs and their care. It is for individuals 14 years and older,” said shepherdess Siobhan Larkin.
It seems Misty Meadows is leaning into the educational aspect of life on a farm, something many people don’t know about.
The dairy just ended its first Lamb Camp Weekend, which runs Fridays to Sundays from March 16 through April 21. It’s $25 per one-hour session.
Upcoming Lamb Camps
All Ages:
Saturdays & Sundays:
10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.
*Also available select Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
Teens & Adults Only:
Fridays: 5-6 p.m.
Easter School Break:
Weekdays, April 2-5: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Misty Meadows is located at 100 Dennisville-Petersburg Road, Woodbine.
If you go:
Visitors are required to wash their hands after touching livestock. Sessions are held in an outdoor “hoop” barn, so make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and dress accordingly.
Children ages 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Only one adult/guardian will be allowed to accompany each paid camper.
Registration is available in advance at www.mistymeadowsheepdairy.com.
Visit their Facebook page to stay up to date with all things Misty Meadows: www.facebook.com/iAlwaysWantedAfarm
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
