If there’s one thing most kids dislike it’s a lecture. Which is why, when we constantly tell them that veggies and fruits will keep them healthy and strong, they tune us out, at best, or rebel against healthy foods at worst. But if we show them foods are healthy, by teaching them how food is grown, harvested, and cooked, and if we involve them in the process, well, now we’re cooking (see what we did there?). This model, a multicomponent program that includes gardening, cooking, taste testing, and some nutrition education sliding in so stealthily they don’t even know they’re learning, is how HealthBarn USA has been empowering families and children to live strong energetic lives for the past 20 years.
That’s right, HealthBarn USA is having a milestone birthday this year and they’re ready to start the celebrations off in style by ringing in the New Year with healthy habits. After a season of sweet treats and on-the-go eats, now is a great time to reset the whole family and detox from the holiday hangover by letting your kids lead in the kitchen through hands-on learning and cooking.
Winter Program classes begin Monday, January 6th for children ages 3-15 and include extensive cooking and baking of nutritious recipes that your kids are guaranteed to love. Your kids will learn why eating fresh is best for their bodies (and since it’s someone other than you saying it, they might actually listen!). Plus, they’ll get to help start seeds for the spring organic garden, allowing them to be part of the process that brings food to the table. During the winter months, program participants will be making raviolis, dumplings, ramen, focaccia bread, crepes and more, all from scratch. So they’ll get a taste of cooking techniques (oops, we did it again!) and how to follow a recipe, in addition, they’ll learn that good food tastes great.
So yes, while it’s a relief to have an indoor activity for your kid to look forward to this winter, spring programs and summer camps, outdoors in the fresh air, will be here before you know it. At HealthBarn USA, Summer Camp and Seedlings registration for the 2025 season for their garden-to-table camp will open for new families on January 4th with an early bird rate for reserving your child’s spot. HealthBarn is the only camp where your child can plant, cook, eat, and play. Campers, ages 3-13, will learn hands-on from a professional culinary arts instructor why a lifestyle that’s full of healthy food, exercise, good sleep, and family meals is the best bet for strong bodies, healthy minds. The camp morning features the core curriculum as campers rotate between organic gardening, cooking lunch, and learning why natural food choices are best for their growing bodies. Camp afternoons will be filled with exciting nature exploration, hikes and arts & crafts where your child, supervised by a highly trained, professional instructor, is likely to encounter frogs, turtles, and maybe a friendly snake, on the incredible nature habitat of the 10-acre former horse farm HealthBarn calls home.
HealthBarn USA summer camps will be held weekly (multi-week discounts are available), and each week will be themed to culminate with a finale event on Fridays for families to attend to taste test each teams' creations. HealthBarn camps are designed to transform even the pickiest eaters into veggie lovers and, big bonus, it’s all done without devices. HealthBarn camps are unplugged so campers can really enjoy a wholesome, happy, fun summer camp. For more information, or to register for Winter Classes or 2025 Summer Camps, please visit the HealthBarnUSA website. Then be prepared for that moment when the roles reverse and your kid tells you about why we eat healthy foods and compost.
HealthBarn USA
1057 Hillcrest Road
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
