{"id":19198,"date":"2023-06-16T14:39:43","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T18:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pfb.com\/?p=19198"},"modified":"2025-07-29T04:18:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T04:18:45","slug":"shapiro-administration-highlights-hands-on-summer-learning-opportunities-at-heritage-creek-farm-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nustreamdesigns.xyz\/pfb\/shapiro-administration-highlights-hands-on-summer-learning-opportunities-at-heritage-creek-farm-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"Shapiro Administration Highlights Hands-on Summer Learning Opportunities at Heritage Creek Farm Camp"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Shapiro Administration Highlights Hands-on Summer Learning Opportunities at Heritage Creek Farm Camp<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2023
Contact: <\/span>Taj Magruder, tmagruder@pa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mount Joy, PA \u2013 <\/span>Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Executive Deputy Secretary Angela Fitterer and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Deputy Secretary for Animal Health and Food Safety Lisa Graybeal today toured Heritage Creek Farm Camp in Mount Joy to highlight unique summer learning opportunities for students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAgriculture is one of Pennsylvania\u2019s most economically impactful industries, and the Shapiro Administration is committed to cultivating agricultural education opportunities for learners across the Commonwealth,\u201d said PDE Executive Deputy Secretary Fitterer<\/span>. \u201cThat commitment extends to the summer months, when students are more susceptible to learning loss, and there\u2019s no better way to learn than by engaging in fun activities that spark students\u2019 interest and creativity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agricultural education is a component of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Pennsylvania, and agricultural education accounts for 10 percent of CTE programs and 11 percent of CTE enrollment. In his inaugural budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro requested a $17.3 million total increase for CTE programs and grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting kids engaged in and excited about agriculture early is critical to attracting the workers we need to feed a growing population,\u201d said PDA<\/span> Deputy Secretary Graybeal<\/span>. \u201cThis kind of summer fun is part of the solution to a growing challenge PA agriculture employers are facing. The Shapiro Administration is working to provide employers with commonsense solutions to help them succeed, and help students find meaningful experiences that lead to career success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNature\u2019s classroom provides many opportunities to plant the seeds for childhood learning,\u201d said Cindi Hughes, owner of Heritage Creek Farm Camp<\/span>. \u201cOn the farm, children experience agriculture through engaging their senses and connecting with the land.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through hands-on activities, campers at Heritage Creek Farm Camp learn about food origin, sustainable agriculture, and land stewardship; they also learn about the animals living on the farm and help with animal-related chores. Learning stations throughout the farm encourage campers to explore the outdoor world, learn about the animal and plant kingdoms, and develop new skills.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education,\u00a0please visit the website<\/a>\u00a0or follow PDE on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>, or\u00a0Pinterest<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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