Mezzacello Columbus

★★★★★Melissa Jackson

This farm and the owners are AMAZING! My daughter and her friend planned, organized and ran a camp at Mezzacello to earn their silver award from Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland. Mezzacello donated the farm space for two weeks in addition to the supplies that were critical to the success of the girls camp. The owners also offered their mentorship for over a year to help plan, test and complete the camp. We couldn’t be more grateful for the time, love and energy Mezzacello gives to the community. They’re truly a gift to our family and Central Ohio.

★★★★★C Klepacz

I cannot recommend the Mezzacello Urban Farm Summer Camp highly enough! My kids attended this summer, and they came home every single day buzzing with excitement, covered in a little bit of dirt, and full of amazing new knowledge. It was the perfect blend of outdoor fun and hands-on learning. More Than a Farm, It's a STEM Lab! 🔬 This is where Mezzacello truly shines. My kids didn't just pet chickens and water plants; they got a crash course in applied STEM without even realizing it. They learned: Biology & Ecology: They studied the life cycles of plants and animals, the importance of pollinators, and how a compost system creates a thriving ecosystem. They came home talking about symbiotic relationships on the farm! Engineering: They saw firsthand how to design and build systems, from the automated chicken coop to the water collection and irrigation setups. It was real-world problem-solving in action. Technology: They were fascinated by the way technology is integrated into the farm to monitor conditions and conserve resources. It was incredible to see them connect the dots between what they learn in a science textbook and how it works in the real world. They learned about sustainability, where their food comes from, and how science can be used to create a better future. The Heart of the Camp: Jim The soul of this camp is, without a doubt, Jim. His passion for science, technology, and urban farming is absolutely infectious. He has a truly special gift for connecting with kids and making complex topics accessible and exciting. He was incredibly patient, answering their endless questions and encouraging their curiosity. He didn't just teach them; he inspired them to think like scientists and engineers. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does, and that energy makes all the difference. If you're looking for a camp that will get your kids outdoors, engage their minds, and give them a fun, memorable summer, look no further. We will absolutely be back next year!

★★★★★Amira Hartman

My children have attended this camp for a few years and all I can tell you is that they love to ponder, tinker, figure out ways to make things better. Mezzacello gives kids the foundation for great critical thinking skills. They love learning and I think that their time at Mezzacello is an important factor. I'm so grateful for their time at this camp and hope that other children will have the opportunity. Last year, Jim asked my oldest son to be Mentern... (a combination word of mentor and intern). Each day he got up eager to show other kids the things that he has learned, care for the animals, pull weeds, fix broken items, etc. What a great opportunity! Our youngest son got in on being a Mentern (see photos) last year and really enjoyed it as well. This is a magical place like no other. Come visit!

★★★★★Elicia Blackhurst

Mezzacello Urban Farm is more than just a camp or an urban farm, it’s a transformational space where kids are seen, challenged, and inspired in ways that stay with them long after the week is over. My son attended a week-long summer camp at Mezzacello, and it was one of those rare, life-shifting experiences. He came home every day lit up with excitement, proud of what he learned and who he was becoming. The program didn’t just teach him about STEM, sustainability, animals, or urban farming, it gave him confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. The founder and educator behind Mezzacello, Jim Bruner, is a rare kind of mentor. He doesn’t just teach, he listens, he challenges, and he sees kids for who they are and who they’re becoming. He described my son as a “dragon with a heart of gold,” and after one week, my son came to believe that too. That kind of mentorship is priceless. The space is magical. Solar panels, compost systems, edible gardens, and animals all live in harmony in this beautiful historic property in Olde Towne East. But what’s even more powerful is the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and compassion that runs through everything they do. If you have a child who thinks outside the box, who might not thrive in more traditional settings but has passion, depth, and a curious heart, this is the place for them. We are so grateful for Mezzacello and can’t wait to come back.

★★★★★Yuriy Goykhman

We feel really lucky to be able to send our son to Mezzacello this summer. The camp provides a unique opportunity for kids to learn the basics of gardening, taking care of chickens, how to use tools and even some concepts of engineering such as working with solar panels, Stirling engines, etc while having a ton of fun. As an engineer, I can appreciate the amazing job Jim is doing of teaching some relatively complex concepts to kids while maintaining their attention and interest. Our son enjoyed his scheduled week so much that we signed him up for an additional week! We will definitely be coming back next summer and would recommend this camp to any kid who is curious about the natural world.