Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship Now Accepting Applications for 2026

Walpole, NH — Does your child have interest in farms or gardening? Promote their curiosity and send them to a local farm camp this summer! The Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship connects young people with agriculture and the natural world around them. This scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of local farmers and food supporters by giving regional children the opportunity to experience sustainable farming first-hand and watch their efforts bear fruit. This scholarship program is intended for local youth who otherwise would not be able to participate in a farm summer camp program! Scholarship-eligible programs include select farm camps and after school programs at Stonewall Farm, Orchard Hill, Kroka Expeditions, U-Mass Farm Academies and memberships to NOFA-NH. Scholarships cover the full program cost unless otherwise noted. The Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship was first created in honor of Jeffrey P. Smith. During his lifetime, Jeff Smith, a former member of the Monadnock Localvore Steering Committee, was an enthusiastic supporter of sustainability and local agriculture. He firmly believed in the connection of all living things and stressed the importance of working in harmony with the systems of the universe. He dedicated much of his life helping others and the environment surrounding him. Seeing himself as a "steward" instead of an "owner" of the land, he felt the earth was entrusted to us for safekeeping during our lifetimes, to be passed along intact to future generations. To keep that vision alive, the Jeffrey P. Smith Farm Scholarship Program was created in August 2009. As of 2026, the name has been changed to the Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship to be more descriptive of it's intention. In lieu of continuing to honor Jeffrey P. Smith, one scholarship recipient will be chosen as the Jeffrey P. Smith Awardee. The program's purpose is to send children to an area farm camp to discover the inherent rewards that come from cultivating with one's hands and heart. The Cheshire County Conservation District is now accepting applications and donations to the Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship. Applications are due by Feb. 28, 2026. To learn more about participating programs, view application materials, or donate to the scholarship fund, visit our website at www.cheshireconservation.org/cheshire-kids. Donations to the scholarship fund are accepted year-round. This program would not be possible without the funding support of the You Have Our Trust Fund of Fidelity Charitable. Matching donations provided by the Cheshire County Farm Bureau, Keene Elm City Rotary Club, Keene Lions Club and the generosity of community members. If you would like to make a donation to support future funding of the scholarship visit, www.cheshireconservation.org/donate. Donations to the fund may also be made by mail, checks can be made payable to "CCCD" and addressed to 11 Industrial Park Dr., Walpole, NH 03608. Please include "Cheshire Kids Farm Camp Scholarship" in the memo line. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and make a difference. Interested applicants may also request a printed copy of the application by contacting info@cheshireconservation.org or 603-904-3011. The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Their goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, where they work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners. For more information contact info@cheshireconservation.org or 603-904-3011.