When Kiruba Shankar’s daughter said milk comes from a tetra pack, it sparked a mission to reconnect kids with the origins of their food. His farm camp offers a hands-on 24-hour experience that teaches children about farming by doing.
- Children learn farming through active participation, not lectures
- Farm hosts rescued animals to illustrate their importance in agriculture
- Only 10 kids attend each camp for personalized learning
What happened
It all started with a simple, eye-opening moment: Kiruba Shankar’s daughter thought milk came from a package, not a cow. Raised on a farm himself, Kiruba found this both amusing and concerning, inspiring him to take action. He revitalized his family’s unused land in Rettanai, Tamil Nadu, creating Vaksana Farms—a place where children can live farm life hands-on for 24 hours.
Families visiting the 14-acre farm experience the daily rhythm of agriculture, including sowing seeds, ploughing with oxen, feeding animals, and harvesting vegetables. The camp emphasizes learning by doing, allowing children to explore the farm’s ecosystem, understand the interdependence of plants and animals, and enjoy meals made from the produce they help gather.
Why it feels good
This farm camp reconnects children with nature and the origins of their meals in a joyful, immersive way. They learn responsibility and patience while caring for rescued farm animals like cows, goats, ducks, and horses, realizing these creatures are essential to farming life—not just cute pets.
Parents join the experience but let the children take the lead, which encourages curiosity and confidence. The balance of active farming work and restful moments, like farm-fresh lunches under the sun, helps families appreciate the slower pace and hard work behind every food item on their table.
What to enjoy or watch next
Families interested in a genuine farm experience can look forward to joining Vaksana Farms’ focused camps that welcome just ten children per session, ensuring personalized learning and plenty of hands-on time. The camp’s approach is a refreshing alternative to typical kid-friendly farm visits or petting zoos, emphasizing deep understanding and connection.
For those inspired by this story, consider exploring local farms that offer similar immersive programs or even starting small home gardens with children. Watching documentaries about sustainable farming and food cycles can also deepen appreciation, making mealtime a moment of gratitude and curiosity about where our food begins.