Supporting Our Communities

Chuhak & Tecson principal Andy Tecson and his wife, Nancy Hagen, established the not for profit glenhagen farm retreat to provide youth from all walks of life with the opportunity to experience the extraordinary wonders of the ecosystems. The farm, which offers educational and worship opportunities related to the arts, religion, ecosystems, astronomy and sustainable agriculture, welcomes schools, colleges, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other houses of worship, and also not for profit corporations, which seek a place to grow, experience and explore the wonders of God’s creation.

Amenities added since the farm’s opening—a volleyball court, raised garden bed, fire pit for campfires and stone paths. All are well-used by campers who have visited, such as Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Harmony Community Church, Kingsley School’s Girl Scouts, League of United Latin American Citizens, Project Exploration, Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge, and West Town Bikes.

In August 2021, the farm returned to hosting. Thirteen high school students and three of their teachers from Christo Rey Jesuit High School spent several days immersed in the farm’s 200 acres of pristine natural beauty. “A life changing experience,” wrote one of the students upon reflecting on his visit.

For many of these students, it was their first opportunity to enjoy pastoral and natural surroundings. The beautiful, tree-lined paths throughout the farm are a stark contrast to the concrete, bustling streets of their community. The students come from underserved families from various neighborhoods in Chicago and exploring glenhagen farm is like “stepping into another world.” There was a discussion on the life cycle of sweet corn, a tour of the cattle farm and a presentation by a Sierra Club spokesperson on environmental justice and stewardship, climate change and advocacy. The farm looks forward to hosting many more groups, continuing its mission of providing youth with a safe place to experience the wonders of nature.

Also, this past fall, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Michael Bellmont performed two concerts benefitting glenhagen farm at the home of Nancy Hagen and Andy Tecson. The programs offered a wonderful mix of musical styles and an informative conversation about the life-changing experiences offered by the camp.

For more information on glenhagen farm retreat, or to learn how to get involved, contact glenhagenfarm@gmail.com.

Joseph A. Tecson Scholarship Fund