SUMMER FARM LIFE
WORKSHOPS
Farm Life Workshop by Teresa Perry
This summer why not share the experience of a real farm life workshop with your kids. A “hands on” adventure into the safety and care of animals at a place where they actually learn the responsibility of caring for and raising animals.
Bonnie Terry hosts a workshop for kids of all ages. A renowned riding instructor, 4-H leader and professional equine trainer; much of her life has been devoted to sharing her knowledge and experience with children. “I was extremely fortunate because I had the benefit of caring for and raising animals all through my childhood”, says Ms. Terry.
Ms. Terry started the workshop about 14 years ago on a small scale in her backyard. The idea became popular with neighborhood parents and has grown today to include quite an assortment of different animals. The kids learn first hand all about cows, donkeys, pigs, sheep, horses, chickens, birds and a variety of small fish and reptiles.
Upon visiting the workshop this year, located at :just one more” farm in scenic Califon , New Jersey, I discovered the wonderful world of animals and the lovely rapport between Ms. Terry and the children, but more importantly I saw the absolute devotion the kids have to the animals. Our typical day consisted of feeding and watering, grooming, horseback riding lessons (a real confidence builder), creating a scarecrow and a nature hike. Each day brings something new to learn and something wonderful to share.
“Safety is a basic theme carried throughout the day, not only for the children but for the animals as well. The children are taught the basics of caring and feeding and not to squeeze too tight when handling animals”, says Ms. Terry.
More highlights include shearing sheep and incorporating the wool into a craft project, how to pitch a tent or making tiny boats equipped with sails. The kids adore Ms. Terry and it shows with respect for safety, self esteem, achievement, success and pride in animal care.
One parent writes, “This is the third summer my children, their cousins and their friends will be enjoying a fun filled week at the Summer Farm Life Workshop. It’s a time the kids really look forward to all year! They have so much fun and at the same time learn about farm animals and their care. They learn with hands on experience in a wholesome atmosphere that influences them to respect nature and allows them to work together with other children. The kids love the arts and crafts as well as the time spent with the animals. At the end of each day they come home happy and very dirty!!
Summer Farm Life by Lisa De Bacco
On the idyllic grounds of “just one more” farm, located in historic Califon, New Jersey, Bonnie Terry can be found most mornings surrounded by a gaggle of excited children. Every summer, Ms. Terry runs a farm life workshop for children of all ages. And judging by the smiles on the children’s faces, they’re glad she does.
On the morning of my visit, the children were enthralled with four of Ms. Terry’s horses. They were learning hands-on about care and grooming. A group of pre-schoolers were making a joint effort to braid the tail of a patient palomino. Walking around the barn, I observed a menagerie of animals available to the children. A young pig snorted contentedly in his stall while the resident sheep lazed in the sun enjoying her newly sheared coat; an activity the children had witnessed earlier in the week. Baby turkeys wandered around the nursery that also houses five-day-old baby angora rabbits.
As a mother of two, Bonnie believes in the positive effect animals can have on children in fostering self-esteem while teaching them responsibility. Each summer, Bonnie translates her extensive experience with animals into a wholesome learning experience for local children. Small group size allows each child to have individual attention in learning animal care and safety, nature hiking, horseback riding, net fishing, sports and crafts. Her experience as a riding instructor for the handicapped allows Ms. Terry to assist special-needs children.
Bonnie Terry has been raising and caring for animals most of her life. She began showing horses as a teenager and quickly established herself as an outstanding riding instructor and equine trainer. She has served as a leader for local 4-H, as well as a Youth Advisor to the New Jersey Junior Quarter Horse Association. Her teaching experience has included employment as an instructor at the Seaton hackney Riding Academy and at the Lord Stirling Horse Park. Additionally, Ms. Terry has coached at the collegiate level at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
The farm life workshop continues through August with slots still available. Private riding instruction is also available for all ages year-round.
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