Kids' Program Sample Day

Welcome to Rainbeau Ridge!

After the first session of any Kids' Program series, all of our participants are already comfortable at the farm and know how to keep themselves and the Rainbeau Ridge animals happy and safe.  We are ready for action!

First we gather as a group to reveal the day's plans -- but sometimes we don't reveal everything at once so there can always be surprises!  The theme of the day is discussed and key new words or facts are explained to everyone.  Consistent with our philosophy that we should take advantage of learning opportunities, Rainbeau Ridge "teachers" emphasize the theme throughout the session.

Next, we leave as a group (with clean hands and wide-eyes) to visit with the animals of the day's theme.  We ensure that all participants feel comfortable with the animals and get a chance to see key features of the animals, including observing their behavior and habitat.  If we're focusing on sheep, for example, we talk about how the animals stay with like sheep and we give the kids the chance to feel the lanolin way under the sheep's wool.

As time permits, we then visit other parts of the farm (e.g., other animals and the garden) and then return to the farm house.  Once inside where shoes are off and hands are cleaned, we get to work on a cooking project.  Consistent with the day's theme and in preparation for our snack, the project is broken down into smaller parts everyone can do.  The kids take turns around the kitchen and all feel great about participating!

Downstairs for art projects generally follows, but we're almost out of time!  Pulling it all together, the kids enjoy their snack and a book or a recap Q&A session about the key words and facts they absorbed that day.

No session is complete without the greatest 'AHA' moment for Rainbeau Ridge . . . when the kids burst out, nearly always in unison, with, "That's SOOOO cool!"  We know we've succeeded in making an impression and a difference in these wonderful kids!