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Purpose Farm serves youth ages 6-18 years old that have been through or are struggling with difficult life challenges such as abuse, trauma, neglect, loss, anxiety, behavioral Issues, or may live in a high-risk environment. Sessions are FREE of charge.
The goal of our session program is to show love, build confidence, and relationships. Each session is unique to each child, however, there are some choice components that are generally included in each session. |
Sessions are 1 to 1.5 hours long and can include one or all of the above components, or sometimes something entirely unique. Together, the leader and the child determine the best course of action for each session time. Session leaders do their best to listen and creatively respond by using the resources of the farm to support and encourage the child in need. We are blessed to have a unique location that allows us to service youth in Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga counties.
Chores: Every child and leader will complete a small chore at the beginning of the session. This time is designed to teach the importance of serving others. Often this opportunity reignites the nurturing instinct in the children and they start to become more aware of helping others in need around them in everyday life situations. It also enables leaders to better understand each child each day, and gain perspective for the best use of time to follow.
Working with horses: We are not a riding program, however as kids advance in sessions some kids will have the opportunity to ride. Some of the activities kids will do with the horses include, learning to handle, groom, tack, ride, lunge and even vet horses during their sessions. Again, each session depends on the needs of the child and of the horse on any given day.
Working with small animals: We often find that even though the horses is what draws kids to come to the farm it is the smaller animals that become the favorites to work with. The kids love to feed the small animals and spend time with them. Whether it be holding a bird, walking a pig to the river for a swim on a hot day, or running down to the river with the goats to get some much needed energy out. There is never a dull moment with the small animals!
Chores: Every child and leader will complete a small chore at the beginning of the session. This time is designed to teach the importance of serving others. Often this opportunity reignites the nurturing instinct in the children and they start to become more aware of helping others in need around them in everyday life situations. It also enables leaders to better understand each child each day, and gain perspective for the best use of time to follow.
Working with horses: We are not a riding program, however as kids advance in sessions some kids will have the opportunity to ride. Some of the activities kids will do with the horses include, learning to handle, groom, tack, ride, lunge and even vet horses during their sessions. Again, each session depends on the needs of the child and of the horse on any given day.
Working with small animals: We often find that even though the horses is what draws kids to come to the farm it is the smaller animals that become the favorites to work with. The kids love to feed the small animals and spend time with them. Whether it be holding a bird, walking a pig to the river for a swim on a hot day, or running down to the river with the goats to get some much needed energy out. There is never a dull moment with the small animals!