Volunteer & CHange Lives!

You can help us make a difference in the lives of local families. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available to suit any comfort level. You can choose to specialize in one particular role, or you are able to assist the families through the entire farm experience.

  • At least 16 years of age

  • Positive and understanding demeanor

  • Closed toe and closed back shoes required

  • Experience with horses or people with autism a plus

Requirements

  • Training and orientation

  • Volunteer shirts

  • Lunch, drinks, and snacks

  • A fun experience!

We provide

Day Overview

8:30AM - Volunteers arrive for orientation and set up

9:30AM - Families arrive

10:00AM- Horseback riding

11:00AM - Livestock interactions and nature walk

12:00PM - Crafts and lunch

1:00PM - Families depart

This is a rough outline of our day, however we emphasize flexibility. The needs of each individual family will be considered when determining how much time to spend on an activity and how much time is needed to transition between activities. The day typically ends between 1PM and 3PM, but will be different for each family.

Available Roles

    • Leader of the team that works with the horse and the rider

    • comfortable grooming, tacking, and untacking a horse

    • Relaxed and aware when leading a horse

    • Stays calm in emergency situations and maintains control of the horse

    • Maneuvers the horse safely at a walk and trot while being aware of the rider and side walkers

    • Assist with teaching families about the various education aspects of horses and care

    • At least 16 years of age with at least 5 years of experience with horses

    • We use up to two side walkers per child to help maintain balance while riding

    • Able to keep the rider safe and secure while on the horse at a walk and trot

    • Assist the rider in games and processing directions from the instructor

    • MUST have upper body strength, being able to lift or catch 140 lbs. at one time

    • Comfortable around livestock such as pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens

    • Able to monitor both children and animals as they interact

    • Encourage families to interact and experience the animals while keeping a positive environment

    • Ability to educate on livestock a bonus!

    • ABA or experience with autism REQUIRED

    • Each family will be assigned a group leader for the day

    • Assures safety protocol is being followed

    • Familiar with transition and self regulation strategies

    • will guide families throughout the day and help children transition to each activity

    • Promotes order throughout the day and assists with activities

    • Group leaders should be enthusiastic and promote spirit within their group

    • Must be at least 18 years of age for this position

    • Guide families through the trail and assist with activities along the path

    • Provide assistance with task switching to move families between activities

    • Comfortable walking along wooded trail while monitoring families

    • Help children complete tasks such as the balance beam, rock wall, and zipline

    • Some jogging and light lifting may be required

    • Help families complete various arts and crafts projects

    • Projects can include painting, drawing, modeling with clay, creating with kinetic sand, and more

    • Comfortable with projects that may be messy as children explore and experience

    • Flexibility in switching between project options as needed