Off The Gravel Road
Off the Gravel Road
Robb Ellis is a husband, father, grandfather, educator, tradesman, and public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to small-town life and hands-on learning. Born in Los Angeles, California, Robb moved to Vermont in the 1980s, where he began his first career in law enforcement. After retiring from the field, he transitioned into the plumbing and heating industry—eventually becoming a technical trainer at FIA, where he now helps shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals across New England.
Robb’s journey has taken him through Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and now New Hampshire—where he and his wife Kristen have lived for many years. Married for over 31 years, they’ve raised three sons and are now proud grandparents to two granddaughters.
In addition to his work at FIA, Robb serves on the Barnstead Select Board and as an ex officio member of the zoning board, where he brings a grounded, practical voice to local governance. He’s also the force behind Storer Ranch and Cow Camp, rural education initiatives rooted in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and trades-based learning. Through programs like the Storer Ranchers 4-H Club and partnerships with local schools, Robb is helping rural youth gain real-world skills and a sense of stewardship for the land.
Having lived in small towns across New England, Robb has come to appreciate their quiet differences and shared spirit. Off the Gravel Road, his podcast, explores what makes these communities tick—sharing conversations from porches, pastures, and town halls that reflect the values, humor, and grit of life beyond the pavement.
Off The Gravel Road
Kids at camp - Charlotte and Eleanor
Introduction: A Summer of Cows, Soil, and Curiosity
This episode of Off the Gravel Road invites listeners into the joyful, curious, and surprisingly profound world of two young campers—Charlotte and Eleanor—who attended Cow Camp at TL Storer. The conversation begins with host Robb Ellis setting the scene: TL Storer is a place where children from the local community gather for day camp activities like fishing, hiking, and arts and crafts. But this year brought something new and transformative—a focus on cows, soil, and the interconnectedness of land stewardship.
Meeting Charlotte and Eleanor
Charlotte and Eleanor are introduced as special guests, ages eight and nine, respectively. Both spent part of their summer learning about cows, soil, and outdoor life at Cow Camp. Their personalities immediately shine through—playful, direct, and refreshingly candid.
Camp Experiences: From Archery to Soil Exploration
When asked about their favorite things learned at camp, Eleanor highlights archery—an activity that gave her both skill and confidence. Charlotte, meanwhile, emphasizes learning about soil. While archery connects to personal development and physical activity, soil opens up the realm of ecological systems and interdependence. Charlotte noted that soil is 'mushy,' while Eleanor observed that it looks like 'chocolate cake,' both aligning with childlike wonder and ecological truths.
Caring for the Land: Children as Stewards
When asked how they might explain soil’s importance to a friend or sibling, Charlotte says simply, 'You’re gonna learn a lot.' Eleanor adds that kids should 'come here all the time.' Both statements underscore the value of hands-on experiences—education not delivered through lectures but lived through fun, curiosity, and play.
Looking Ahead: School, Sports, and Activities
The conversation broadens to include school and extracurricular life. Both girls are excited to return to school, each with favorite aspects—Charlotte enjoys meeting teachers, while Eleanor loves gym. They also share excitement about their involvement in jiu-jitsu, proudly noting their new belt levels.
Family, Pets, and the Library Cat
The girls share stories about their pets, ranging from lifelong chihuahuas to cats that dislike everyone. Eleanor recalls having a fish, while Charlotte introduces listeners to her dogs Ben and Biff. They also speak fondly of Oscar, the library cat, and describe their love of reading, including Harry Potter and other story time books.
Bigger Lessons: Soil, Stewardship, and Joy
The conversation closes with a reminder: caring for the land can be simple and fun. The girls’ voices bring authenticity to this message. They have dug in soil, laughed at manure, learned about microbes, and felt the responsibility of stewardship—all without losing the joy of play.
Conclusion and Community Ties
The episode ends with gratitude to the Storer Ranchers 4-H Club, which meets monthly at TL Storer and is currently undertaking restoration projects like rebuilding a 1968 Oliver tractor and a 1971 Ford FE motor. These details tie the children’s experiences to a broader network of youth programs, trades education, and intergenerational community engagement.
Expanded Reflections
1. Soil as Foundation of Life –
LorrenJoyce Farm is a family farm dedicated to producing quality products that are grown with compassion, integrity and pride. We specialize in pasture raised beef, jersey cow raw milk and farm fresh eggs. We are focused around the health and well-being of our animals, in order to create the best product possible!
LorrenJoyce Farm was started in December of 2013 by Amy & Brian Matarozzo. The farm began operating at its first location in Londonderry, New Hampshire . As the farm operati
