Hoedown at Vets Home garden July 23

Farming For the Future Academy, Inc. invites the community to three exciting events that celebrate sustainability, creativity, and hands-on learning. All events will take place at 400 Veterans Drive, Columbia Falls, on the beautiful grounds of the Montana Veterans’ Home garden.

Straw Bale Challenge 

July 22 & 23

Teams of three will compete in the Academy’s first-ever Straw Bale Challenge, testing their teamwork, creativity, and construction skills while learning about one of the world’s most energy-efficient and sustainable building methods.

Participants will stack, shape, and prepare straw bale walls while earning points for safety, teamwork, craftsmanship, and problem-solving in building a straw bale structure. The challenge is designed for beginners and experienced builders alike and showcases natural building techniques that are both environmentally friendly and practical.

Community Hoedown Thursday, July 23

Everyone is invited to celebrate the completion of the Straw Bale Challenge during the Academy’s Community Hoedown, beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.

Guests can enjoy:

Live demonstrations of straw bale construction

Tours of the new Straw Bale House/Classroom project

Community fellowship

Family-friendly activities

Opportunities to learn more about Farming For the Future Academy’s inclusive educational programs

The Hoedown is an opportunity to recognize volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who have helped make this project possible.

Merino Wool Backpack Camp

Young makers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Academy’s Merino Wool Backpack Camp from 9 a.m. to noon July 22-23, where campers will learn traditional fiber arts while creating their own durable Merino wool backpack to take home.

Camp participants will explore:

Wool preparation and fiber education

Wet felting and fiber art techniques

Sustainable textiles

Creative design

Handcrafted backpack construction

Community members are encouraged to attend, cheer on the Straw Bale Challenge teams, and celebrate the exciting progress of the Academy’s newest educational facility.

For more information visit Farming for the Future’s website at: http://www.farmingforthefutureacademyinc.org/