It turns out the childhood habit of playing in dirt, often dismissed as messy or risky, holds untapped power. When children dig, explore and touch the earth, they’re doing more than just having fun.

Play in the Dirt is an activity that was created with the intentions of getting kids’ hands dirty and being able to learn where their food comes from.

As a child, you may have been told that playing outside in the dirt is good for you because it strengthens your immune system. But is there any evidence to back this claim? In short, yes — several ...

Sensory activities (such as playing in mud) can reduce stress in children, which is another crucial element in maintaining a well-functioning immune system.

There is regular activity involved in caring for plants: watering, weeding, tying up, loosening dirt and harvesting. It takes persistence and effort to grow plants. Begin with quality plants.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, playing in dirt has been found to strengthen children’s immune systems, reduce risks for cardiovascular inflammation and reduce anxiety.

The school teaches children–and the adults who escort them–about life on a sustainable farm. With cornflower-blue eyes and hair highlighted with gray, Matheny has owned Genesis Farm since 1996.