In an increasingly fast-paced and screen-based world, many parents have growing concerns for their children's development and well-being.
At The Therapy Farm, we have developed a program to address these concerns called Farm Group: a fun and function-building, outdoor opportunity for kids!
This group meets weekly on our farm to step away from a busy and artificial environment and into a nurturing and intentional one of nature and animals.
The program is built around activities that allow children to interact with the natural world with their peers, growing their physical and social skills while fostering problem-solving and creativity.
Activities vary by season and group ability level, but every group will utilize our farm animals, nature-based arts and crafts, and forest space.
As a part of our holistic approach, we address spirituality through a Christian faith. This could include a prayer to bless our session and our snack time, referencing God’s work in nature, and using Bible verses connected to virtues. We would also be happy to pray with you as well!
At the end of each session, kids will have a chance to reflect and share their experiences. See below for a more detailed peek into group!
- Participation is open to children ages 2-13 years old with any type of special need, for both physical and mental health. Peer mentor spots are also available for typically developing children. For more information on peer mentorship, click here.
- Group size is 3-10 participants per group.
- Each group is 55 minutes in length, once a week.
- Participants can sign up for a single session for $30 or for all sessions at a discounted rate of $25 per session.
- A 10% discount is available for siblings.
What to Expect Each Week
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Group members arrive 10 minutes before our start time to get ready for the session.
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Session starts with a warm up activity to get the children’s bodies and minds focused and ready, then a review of our group rules and plan for the day, and a circle time question to get to know each other a little better each week.
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Session transitions outdoors for main session activities which could include time with the animals (such as feeding and grooming the animals), and time in nature (such as a scavenger hunt on the forest trail and nature-based crafts). Although we have planned activities for each week of the program, we try to stay flexible to accommodate group interests and the weather.
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Session concludes with snack/sharing time. This will be outdoors or indoors, depending on the weather. We will provide a snack and water bottle for your child. During this time, we will encourage the children to think about the activities and share anything they noticed in nature or with the animals, or share favorite parts and challenges. Staff will also share strengths they noticed with the children: if a child tried something new, helped another child out, followed the group plan, etc.
What Parents Are Saying:
"The group exceeded my expectations! My child loves farm group and the fun activities that you have planned out. My child and I both love how much thought and effort you have all put into the stories and activities that you do for the day."
"My child was very positively impacted. He was able to fuel his love for animals as well as learn the value of the work that goes into caring for those animals."
"Keep doing what you are doing. I think this is so beneficial for children."
"He loves making new friends through the group. And, no matter how bad his day was, after the group was over he was in the best mood."
Farm Group Upcoming Session Dates
June Sessions: 4 total sessions ($100) or sign up for single sessions ($30 per session).
Tuesdays 4-5 pm (6/4 to 6/25)