Sustainable Gardening: STEM from the Roots
The garden is your classroom.
Are you ready to unplug and get your hands dirty? Explorers will discover the world of sustainable agriculture and learn the science behind a successful harvest. Students will have the opportunity to utilize hands-on learning in the Wake Forest Campus Garden with instruction from world-class staff. Explorers will leave with the knowledge to create their own garden.
At a Glance
*The Summer Exploration Program will not operate for Summer 2023. Students are encouraged to join us for our Summer Immersion Program or Online Immersion Program.
Day Camp Option
Dates: TBD
Who Can Apply?: 6th – 8th grade students
Program Length: Monday – Friday
Program Tuition: TBD
Day or Overnight Program: Day Program
Overnight Option
Dates: TBD
Who Can Apply?: 6th – 8th grade students
Program Length: Sunday – Friday
Program Tuition: TBD
Day or Overnight Program: Overnight Program
*Courses carry no secondary school or college credit. Upon completion of the program, an official Wake Forest University certificate of achievement will be awarded to all STEM Exploration participants.
What You’ll Explore
Topics Covered:
- Soil Structure
- Germination
- Planting
- Climate Change
- Life Cycle of a Honey Bee
Hands-On Experiences:
- Build a Rocket Stove
- Conduct Soil pH Test
- Spread Mulch, Compost
- Planting and Tasting
- Learn in the Campus Kitchen
*Hands-on experiences are subject to change.
Sustainable Gardening: STEM from the Roots Cost
Day Camp | TBD Overnight | TBD
A Day in the Life
Overnight Program
- 8:00 am – Morning Meeting and Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Workshop 1: Photosynthesis and Carbon
- 11:00 am – Garden Activity: Slake Test
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Outdoor Activity (Sand Volleyball)
- 2:00 pm – Lab: Assemble Soup Can Rocket Stoves
- 3:00 pm – Workshop 2: Plan Your Own Garden
- 3:45 pm – Debrief for Next Day
- 4:00 pm – Return to dorm rooms
- 5:30 pm – Dinner
- 6:30 pm – Evening Activities (Movie Night, Trivia, Karaoke)
- 9:00 pm – Prepare for Bed
- 10:00 pm – Lights Out
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Day Program
- 8:30 – 8:45 am – Drop off
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Program Introduction
- 9:30 am – Workshop 1: Photosynthesis and Carbon
- 11:00 am – Garden Activity: Slake Test
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Outdoor Activity (Sand Volleyball)
- 2:00 pm – Lab: Assemble Soup Can Rocket Stoves
- 3:00 pm – Workshop 2: Plan Your Own Garden
- 3:45 pm – Debrief for Next Day
- 4:00 pm – Pick Up
*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.
Meet Your Guide
Nathan Peifer
Academic Guide
Nathan Peifer is the Campus as Lab pilot program manager and the WFU Campus Garden Manager. He gained a master’s of divinity degree from the Wake Forest University School of Divinity in 2013, and enjoyed a WFU Campus Garden internship in the summer of 2012. After graduation, Peifer earned a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture from Central Carolina Community College and worked on several small, organic farms. Peifer served as a Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (USA) prior to his professional pursuits in agriculture and sustainability. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from the Pennsylvania State University. Peifer resides in Forsyth County and supports community garden initiatives and the local food movement.