Sky Farm LIC!
SKY FARM LIC
VBGCQ acquired a rooftop farm in the summer of 2023!
Sky Farm LIC (SFLIC) is a 1 acre rooftop farm and education program run by the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ), located in Long Island City. Over the course of each season we grow over 4,000 pounds of food which we distribute totally for free to VBGCQ families and farm guests, and reach over 1,200 students and community members through our free programming. SFLIC offers a variety of programs including After School and Summer Camp to VBGCQ families, as well as field trips to schools in Queens and surrounding boroughs, farm tours for NYC clubs and organizations, and special events for the public.
To see updated information about our programs and learn how to book them, please visit our program site, linked below.
To ask a question, please contact this email: sfliceducation@varietyboysandgirlsclub.org
Our Mission
To create transformative learning experiences in urban agriculture that connect food, community, and sustainability. Through our rooftop farm, we grow nutritious food, steward the land responsibly, and explore the connections between agriculture, home economics, the arts, and the sciences
Core Values
Inclusivity
Kindness
Curiosity
Care
Resiliency & Optimism
Critical Thinking
Responsible Stewardship
Commitment to Community
Meet the Farm Team
Farm Manager, Alexa Curnutte (she/her)
Alexa Curnutte has been farming for nearly six years across diverse landscapes—from rooftop gardens to ground farms, spanning the high desert of Central Oregon to the coastal edges of Long Island.
Born in North Carolina, Alexa majored in Creative Writing at Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan and was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2017. After graduating, her journey took her to Hawaii, Oregon, and finally New York, where she immersed herself in the world of food. She's worked as a grill and pastry cook, produce and flower farmer, tractor operator, chicken wrangler, and more—gaining hands-on knowledge with every role. During this time, she also earned a degree in Food Culture and Media from The New School.
When she's not at the farm, Alexa enjoys ice skating, horseback riding, hiking, camping, crafting, and attending writers' workshops.
Education Coordinator, Shyanne Washington (she/her)
Shyanne Washington was born and raised in the Bronx, where her passion for sustainability and environmental education took root. Witnessing the lack of green spaces and limited access to environmental programming in her neighborhood, she felt called to be the change she wanted to see.
After graduating from the Farm School of NYC in 2020, Shyanne dedicated herself to stewarding land, people, and all living things—driven by the belief that our collective efforts can keep the earth habitable for generations to come. She has facilitated educational workshops across all five boroughs, teaching farming and gardening, carpentry, health and wellness, and recycling and reuse practices. She also holds a BS in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition from Lehman College.
When she's not gardening, Shyanne enjoys cooking, reading, making music, and knitting.
Assistant Manager, Eithan David
Farm Crew, AJ Wallace
After School/Summer Camp
As a program of VBGCQ, we are happy to host students participating in VBGCQ After School and Summer Camp programs here at the farm! Our program offerings are scheduled in time with the seasons and include crafts and science activities such as: natural dyes, crayon making, soup and salad cooking classes, independent play in our flower meadow or classroom, and games galore!
Ask your program director about scheduled farm visits to learn more!
Recommendations for families with students scheduled to visit the farm:
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you are comfortable getting dirty!
Pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat
Check the weather the night before! Pack light layers and a rain jacket if needed!
Questions? Contact sfliceducation@varietyboysandgirlsclub.org
Spring/Fall/Winter Field Trips
SFLIC offers free 1.5 hour long field trip experiences during select portions of the school year during spring, fall, and winter, in accordance with the rhythm of our growing seasons. Field trip experiences include an inquiry based classroom activity, farm tour, and craft/activity! We book field trips first come first serve.
Please revisit this page in August 2026 to book a Fall Field trip with us!
Questions? Contact sfliceducation@varietyboysandgirlsclub.org
Volunteer Days
Our farm is always growing, and requires quite a bit of care! Volunteers are a vital element of keeping our beautiful space well cared for and ready to receive students and the community. Each week includes a unique set of tasks tailored to the season, and may include: weeding, planting, harvesting, light construction, painting, materials creation for classes, and more!
We are happy to open our farm every Friday from 9-11 for volunteers through October 2026! Please visit our Eventbrite to reserve a slot and learn more. Volunteers who return regularly will be able to enter our Punch Card system, which includes merch and tickets to our Fall/Winter event series!
Farm Tours
We offer private farm tours for groups, organizations, and clubs upon request! Farm tours include a walk through of all our facilities, including the classroom, fields, greenhouse, high tunnel, wash/pack, and meadows! Seasonally, we can also offer produce harvest and bouquets.
Farm tours are free and are a great option for the following groups:
High school and university internship programs
Gardening, cooking, and crafting clubs
Groups of community gardeners or farmers
And more!
Please fill out this form to request a farm tour today!
Questions? Contact sfliceducation@varietyboysandgirlsclub.org
Community Workshops
SFLIC hosts a series of public Community Workshops throughout the season! Community Workshops are hosted either by SFLIC staff or guest educators, and focus on creating opportunities for resource sharing and/or healthful recreation for our community!
Visit the link below to view the Community Workshops we have on schedule for 2026 and book now!
Are you an educator interested in booking our classroom space for either a SFLIC Community Workshop or for your own programming? Contact sfliceducation@varietyboysandgirlsclub.org to inquire!
Thank you to our partners!
