When I told my middle child Noelle she was going to summer camp at a farm she was so excited! Being the middle child she doesn’t get the opportunities like the older ones. But this summer camp was perfect for her age and it was right up her alley. Animals, swimming and art!!
Day 1
Noelle was dressed up for a full day on the farm with her jeans, backpack and boots. Dr Melanie, who is a child psychologist as well as the farm owner, designed the camp to be thoughtfully enriching and to include therapeutic elements. She met all the kids at the gate and we said our goodbyes. In 6 hours I would pick her up dirty, tired and with a big smile on her face.
The first day there were introductions in the orchard area. The kids got a tour of the farm and got up close and personal with the animals. Among the animals were goats, sheep, horses, kitties, chickens, dogs, bunnies and even little piglets!
On this day Noelle got to see first hand what a vet does when a horse is not feeling well. The horse was dehydrated and was getting treatment done. They were also taught animal body language and safety.
After lunch they went swimming.. Glitter Floaties and all! Which of course she loved.
Then on to art with Ms Leslie the art teacher. During this art lesson they got to see a sheep sheared where eventually the wool would be made into an art project. The first process was to collect, clean and then dry the wool. They also learned how to make a 2D wet felted scene. I was curious to see what the final outcome would be.
I picked Noelle up from camp and asked her if she wanted to come back tomorrow and she squealed “Yes!!”
Stay tuned for Day 2….
Day 2
Noelle was up early and ready to go. She was excited to see her new friend Cookie the mini horse. They groomed her and made the rounds to see all the animals. All the kids went to check on Power the horsey patient and gave her a few extra pets. While visiting, Trouble the goat got out and had the kids running after her. I wonder where she got his name from..?
After all the chaos they gathered in a quiet spot to do seated mindfulness meditation and journal drawing. It started out quiet until they got a few visitors… The chickens and kitties loved seeing what the kids were up to.
Betty the mini horse was very shy so the kids tried to coax her with treats and love. This taught patience for both kids and horsey.
Noelle was anxious to jump on a horse but I told her it’s a process and there is a lot that goes into learning how to ride. Dr. Melanie taught the kids how to walk a horse and correct them if they got too far ahead or behind.
After lunch and swimming the kids were able to take the wool that they had started processing and start their 2D cookie cutter needle felting art. A lot of creativity started to come out.
Stay Tuned tomorrow to see if Noelle gets to ride a horse..
Day 3
The big day!! Noelle had been waiting for this day all week. To get on a horse! When the kids got there they learned more horsemanship on the ground, how to groom and tack the horses, mount, and ride .
All kids had different experiences and fears. Those who were more fearful were taught about sending good intentions and positive thoughts through our bodies to the horse. That way both horse and child could get comfortable. With this each girl got on and had a great time!
The kids also got to bring out the cattle dog and learn how they herd the goats and sheep. I think the kids were more excited about the success of the mission than the dog, who was more interested in getting pets from the girls.
In art the felt was beginning to be made into 3D models. This is where all the kids’ creativity truly came out.
I picked up Noelle and asked how her day was and how was Cookie? (Who I ask about every day) And her response was amazing!
Day 4
This morning all the animals got a good morning greeting. Power the horsey patient was feeling better, Betty the mini horse was getting more trusting and Trouble the goat was still in her pen.
For chores the kids assisted in cleaning the pasture which is not an exciting job for some but a must do.. Dr Melanie says we must give back to the animals who give so much to us!
There was more riding and noticeable improvements in both confidence and riding itself. Each horse got a grooming and hose down.
On this day they watched a swarm of bees settle into a tree, then move along to another location. In art the campers started carding their raw wool, and continued working on their 3D creations.
Day 5
Since it was the last day all the girls wanted to start with the horses right away. They learned a process called Join Up where you stand in the middle of a round pen and direct a horse to move around the outside edge with body language. You make the horse go both directions and turn, then you invite the horse into the middle with you. You give the horse some pets then turn and the horse follows you all around. This was pretty cool for the kids to do with such a large animal and getting them to trust them.
Noelle was finally able to go into the big arena and trot with a horse named Chex. She was so proud of herself!
The girls then got to paint the horses and watch the farrier trim the hooves of the horses. Each girl received a camp tee shirt and a complete felting kit to take home.
After a long week these girls were sad to say goodbye. They grew a bond with not only each other but with the animals and the amazing teachers. The second Noelle got into the car she was already talking about going again next year!
This camp really taught the girls hard work, patience and fun on the ranch!
If you are interested in this camp contact Melanie: https://sadiegrovefarm.com
Elk Grove Families 