Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a modern dairy farm? What are the financial, environmental, logistical and social aspects of diary farming? What is the life of a dairy cow like and where does your milk come from? Designed by a team of animal welfare scientists from the University of British Columbia, in this camp you will discover the complex world of modern dairy farming. Follow the life of a dairy cow from birth to retirement and reimagine the future of dairy farming. Your final mission, should you wish to accept it, is to design your very own dairy farm using all the concepts you learned. All materials will be provided.
When?
Monday July 8 - Friday July 12, 2024
9:00am-12:00noon.
Who?
This camp is for students aged 10-14 years.
Cost:
The camp fee is $295 (including taxes).
If the fee is a barrier to your participation, a limited number of bursaries are available for eligible families - please email camps@visst.ca to inquire.
Where?
The Vancouver School for Science and Technology (VISST): 1490 West Broadway, Vancouver.
Why should you attend?
Gain extracurricular experience within a rapidly growing scientific field - engage in discussions about animal welfare and ethical issues related to the treatment of animals in agriculture.
Discover the workings of an actual dairy farm - this camp offers you the opportunity to virtually visit the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre based in Agassiz, BC.
Reimagine the future of farming - find out how you can make an impact on sustainability and animals' lives through participating in animal welfare research.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.
What will you learn?
Walk in a Dairy Farmer’s Shoes: Get an insider look into the complex world of modern dairy farming, addressing a range of challenges ranging from financial to environmental, logistical, and even social. We invite you to delve deep into the concepts of animal welfare as we apply it in a dairy farm setting, encouraging you to envision how current dairy farming practices can evolve to align with your values and better the well-being of both humans and animals. You’ll participate in interactive discussions, trivia, and take a virtual tour of the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre to gain firsthand experience of life as a dairy farmer.
Create Your Ideal Dairy Farm: Equipped your new found knowledge about animal welfare, it's your turn to design a sustainable farm that champions the welfare of dairy cows, while respecting the perspectives of both the animals and the farmers that care for them. This part of the camp is intended to spark your imagination and compassion, encouraging a mindful exploration of how farm design influence animal behavior and health. Seize this opportunity to rethink, redesign, and revolutionize the way we farm for a kinder and more sustainable future for livestock animals.
Please Note: This camp will involve discussions on sensitive topics surrounding traditional dairy farming practices, such as early cow-calf separation. These discussions are important for a thorough grasp of the industry and its effects on animal welfare. We handle these subjects with care, as they are essential in developing empathetic yet informed views among camp participants.
Camp Instructors
Additional Notes
All camp materials will be provided.
Refund policy: Email us at least 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the camp for a full refund.
VISST reserves the right to cancel camps and refund camp fees due to low enrolment. In this event, we will provide as much advance notice as possible.
Questions?
Please email camps@visst.ca