Storybook Farm was born from a love of children
What images spring to mind when you hear the word “childhood”? Running through sprinklers on a hot summer day. Blowing bubbles in the backyard. Riding bikes. Family trips. While these memories are reasons to smile there are times when challenging events happen in a child’s life.
The reality is that things aren’t always sunny and happy in childhood. In fact, more than 20 million parents have a child who struggles with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.
Storybook Farm is here to provide youth experiencing serious life-altering circumstances with some serious life-changing help. In our book, this meant striking up friendships with man’s best friend and man’s other best friend around – dogs and horses, respectively.
So, we dreamt up this enchanted place to encourage meaningful social connections, and foster confidence and independence. The bond between children and animals is undeniable likewise being around them is just plain good for the mind and body. In fact, research reveals that animals are capable of positively affecting the mental health of those around them while providing a physical outlet as well.
We’ve found though children’s needs can fluctuate greatly, especially as the circumstances and reasons for difficulties are varied and ever changing, animals are universally innovative therapists to calm, teach and motivate.
Storybook Farm’s animal-assisted and nature-based programs center around what kids are passionate about, what they are interested in, and what they love. Our farm is a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where the joys and accomplishments are celebrated.
We’re wild about our work and won’t be finished until every child can experience the power of the human-animal bond.
You just need to see it for yourself! Schedule your visit. We can’t wait to meet you.