Apple Ridge Farm
For 39 years, Apple Ridge Farm has provided an environmental education and camping experience for more than 70,000+ youth, many from Roanoke’s inner-city neighborhoods and public housing projects. Our founder, visionary and educator Peter Allen Lewis, believes strongly that all adults must take responsibility for helping young people succeed. Matching dreams to deeds, Peter purchased his Copper Hill farm in 1975 in order to establish a mountain camp to give under served children an educational experience at a rural retreat. Three years later, the non-profit, tax-exempt camp was organized. In 1992, Lewis and his family donated a barn and 8.5 acres of their farm for the camp. The wooded areas and country spaces are magical places for urban youth and adults as well. Our programs also teach self-esteem and positive values, guiding scores of young campers in their personal and academic growth.
Core Values
- Providing nurturing experiences to develop our children from elementary to high school;
- Developing lasting relationships that will inspire and motivate our children to continue to give back to their communities;
- Affirming the strengths of our children motivating them to be the best that they can be;
- Expanding “the vision” of children to be citizens of the world;
- Engaging children in programs that validate their cultural heritage and strengthen their self-image.