Family Farm + Fitness Festival
The Saratoga Regional YMCA and Gardenworks Farm are partnering to offer a fun-filled day on the farm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the farm with friends and family, sample a new activity in one of our mini fitness classes or go on a hike. There will be an physician-led lecture, cooking demonstrations, food for purchase, kids activities, blueberry picking and more!
The Day’s Itinerary
Schedule subject to change although minimal to no changes expected:
10:15 – 10:45 Yoga in the field for adults and a Kids Movement Class held at the same time nearby in the field NOTE: Please arrive at 10am to sign a waiver in able to participate in the 10:15am Yoga or Kids Movement Class
11:00 – 11:45 Lifestyle Medicine lecturette with Dr. Hunter Southerland, MD in conjunction with a cooking demonstration and samples with Kelsey Southerland, certified Food for Life Instructor. Hear a short description of the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and taste and see the flavor, beauty, and health of the bounty of the Pick Your Own Healthcare Fields at Gardenworks Farm. Samples provided!
10:45-12:00 Children’s programming* nearby to allow parents to attend lecturette and demo (although kids welcome everywhere)
12:00 – 12:45 Open time for Picnicking or Purchase Grab and Go Food (selections include menu items created from the Healthcare Fields: salads, grain bowl, soup, hummus and veggies, and a warm entree with microwave provided. You are welcome to bring your own food as well!
12:45-1:45 Choice of walk to the farm cabin with a short lecturette and discussion on ‘forest bathing’ and/or “Walk with Ease” program with YMCA’s Rilla to the bridge over Black Creek River (families welcome to both). Cabin walk is about 1/4 of mile with an incline through the forest, the bridge walk is flat and slightly downhill on the way with a corresponding slight hill on the way back, distance = approximately 1/8 mile.
2:00 – 2:30 YMCA’s “Zumba” with Naomi with children’s programming provided
1:45-2:45 Children's programming provided
2:45 – 3:15 YMCA’s “Movement for Better Balance” with YMCA’s Tara, food samples offered at tent
3:30 – 4:00 YMCA's final Yoga Class and/or Gardenworks led Family Farm/Field Tour (kids can join the farm field tour if parents are at class)
*children's programming includes crafts, fun run through the blueberry or raspberry rows, story-time and snack
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any cost or requirements for attending?
No cost and we only hope you will pay attention to your body and rest when needed if engaging in physical activity. While water will be available onsite we recommend you bring a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen.
We do require a signed waiver form before participating in any hosted activity. These will be available upon arrival as well as at each event/class.
Do we need to sign up for classes or events ahead of time?
No, but be sure to arrive 20+ minutes before your class time to sign a waiver and walk out to the fields for your class
Can I drop my children off for the day or for one of the provided events?
No. Responsible parties for children must remain onsite at all times children are present. We do have children’s programing provided throughout the day for adults to have the opportunity to attend a lecture or fitness class but you must sign your children in and document where you will be so that we can come and get you if needed. Children are welcome to join you for lectures, hikes and tours or play quietly nearby while you participate in a fitness class.
What age is the children’s programming intended for?
We look forward to having fun with whatever ages are enticed to join! We would ask that children 3 and under remain with a parent.
What food will be available?
We will have grab and go lunch items available centering around produce harvested from the Pick Your Own Healthcare Fields. We are working on logistics to provide a microwave for use that will allow for hot menu items to be sold as well as for families to be able to warm up items brought onsite. We look forward to updating this page with a list of menu items by Wednesday, July 12th.
