PLOVER — Food + Farm Exploration Center, a nonprofit education facility at 3400 Innovation Drive in Plover, is now enrolling students in several hands-on summer programs designed to introduce children and teens to agriculture, food science, engineering and culinary exploration through hands-on learning experiences.
The programs serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade and take place throughout Food + Farm Exploration Center’s interactive learning spaces, including the Kitchen Lab, greenhouse, outdoor farm fields and Makerspace.
Participants will explore Wisconsin agriculture through hands-on experiences in cooking, engineering, pollinator science, food chemistry and creative problem-solving.
Dates: July 9, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Ages: Entering Grades 7–9
Developed in collaboration with Mid-State Technical College, this one-day program introduces students to modern agricultural careers through hands-on STEM experiences and interactive learning.
Participants will rotate through activities focused on Agronomy, Food Science, Equipment Technology and Drone Technology.
Students will work with real-world agricultural tools and technology while learning how science, engineering, data and problem-solving are shaping today’s agriculture industry.
Activities include exploring soil health and crop science, learning how food products are developed and tested, troubleshooting agricultural equipment, and discovering how drones are used for field scouting and crop data collection.
Dates: July 20–24, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Ages: Grades 6–12
Participants prepare dishes representing regional American food traditions while learning kitchen skills, food safety and ingredient sourcing.
Registration closes July 6.
Dates: August 3–7, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Ages: Grades 3–6
Participants take apart common objects to learn how machines work while building projects using reused materials and creative problem-solving.
Registration closes July 20.
Dates: August 17–21, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Ages: Grades 2–5
This full-day program explores food chemistry through cooking activities focused on how heat, acid and fermentation affect ingredients. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Registration closes August 3.
All camps are drop-off programs. Half-day sessions include a snack, while the full-day session includes lunch and snacks. The center can accommodate dietary restrictions, and families are encouraged to contact staff following registration.
Food + Farm Exploration Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing agricultural literacy and inspiring curiosity about the journey of food from field to fork. Through immersive exhibits, hands-on learning, and community events, the Center connects people of all ages to the science, technology, and people behind agriculture. To learn more, visit explorefoodandfarm.org.
The Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, also called VisitWisRapids, is dedicated to enhancing community growth and quality of life through stimulating the visitor economy. A resource for information and recognized contact for convention, meeting and sports planners, tour operators, and leisure travelers, our mission is to promote and develop the Wisconsin Rapids area for business travel and recreational pursuits, resulting in economic prosperity for the region.
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