In 1975, retired educator Peter Lewis initiated a summer camp on farmland atop nearby Copper Hill (VA). The goal was to provide as many resources to less fortunate children as possible.
Since then Apple Ridge Farm (ARF) has grown into a non-profit and tax exempt organization, that has “provided an environmental education and camping experience for more than 80,000 young people, mostly from Roanoke’s inner-city neighborhoods and public housing communities,” according to the camps website.
On Wednesday, Jan. 30, the sixth reception was held for supporters to come together to fellowship and celebrate the organization. ARF board members, employees and approximately 100 supporters gathered at the Salem Museum & Historical Society that was beautifully decorated for the affair.
Highlighting the celebration, several attendees received plaques that read “I Support Apple Ridge Farm” and Thank You For Your Support.” Lewis introduced Catherine “Kitty” Fisher who along with her late husband Hugh Fisher were among the first to contribute to the organization. “They believed in our vision many years ago and Kitty and her family remain enthusiastic supporters,” said Lewis.
Reinforcing the values that young people need to become productive members of society is something that ARF staff members take very seriously while instilling such manners as; PLEASE, MA’AM, THANK YOU and SIR.
Apple Ridge Farm’s mission of “transforming the lives of our community’s underserved children and families through engagement in unparalleled educational, cultural and outdoor experiences” is not just words, said the camp founder.
This summer will mark the 28th consecutive year that the Academic Summer Camp has operated and approximately 350 children are expected to attend. Along with a strong academic curriculum in reading, math, science and computer programming, campers also receive swimming and tennis.
Additionally attendees get to harvest vegetables from an organic garden planted and maintained by the kids themselves. Over the years Apple Ridge kids have visited about 25 colleges, many of them on multiple occasions.
ARF has grown from its humble beginnings to being a regional Environmental Education Center that has served 10 school divisions while providing after school academic programs for Roanoke City Public School students.
In May of this year the facility will celebrate with 35 students and their families as graduates from William Fleming and Patrick Henry High Schools. The students were members of the original group that started in the Aspire Program as 3rd graders in 2006.
Melinda Payne is ARF board chair of the organization that currently employs over 50 people with each one playing a vital role in its mission.
