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You are here: F.A.Q. >> Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why Do We Use Experiential Learning Techniques In Our Programs?
By actually experiencing the things we are teaching them, in a sequentially challenging manner, kids are able to internalize the learning more deeply. In addition, when appropriate, we accompany this learning with skillful, non-judgmental processing and debriefing which helps the kids understand their own behaviors or reactions in relation to certain stimuli -- be it holding a chicken very gently in their lap or reacting to something someone said in their team building group.

Why Does Adventure Learning Work So Well In Our Programs?

As adults, we can better understand the behaviors which often stop us from doing something or interacting with others in certain ways. If we can teach kids (though we really also enjoy doing this with the adults who come participate in our programs, as well!) to recognize that they have a choice in how they can respond to certain stimuli rather than just reacting out of habit, then a whole new way of living can unfold for them. By providing people with fun and challenging opportunities for experiencing growth, they more readily try new things. Examples of this might be:

(1) When a teenager is nearing the top of one of our Ropes Course elements and he or she "thinks" they can't go any further.
What is really stopping them? Is it something real, something physical? Or, is it a perceived barrier such as "fear" which they can choose to acknowledge and then work around.

(2) When a child who first comes to the ranch doesn't understand the impact of treating an animal in a "rough" way….
By quietly and gently having that child "experience" what it is like to make a conscious choice to treat that animal gently, then great strides have been made. This newfound awareness can hopefully be applied towards interactions with other people.

Are all of our Ropes Course Programs the same?

No. We tailor our programs according to each group's needs and desires. We offer Recreational, Educational as well as Therapeutic Ropes Course programs.

Why Is This Small Family Farm So Conducive To Learning?

People who come to Deer Hill Ranch seem to relax and open up. The pace is slower here.
Our ancestors, many of whom were farmers or who worked with the land, intrinsically knew about the benefits of being in touch with animals and the earth.
1. The restorative effects of spending time in nature have been well-documented by ecopsychologists.
2. In addition, being around animals who are non-threatening and can give kids countless opportunities to experience tactile stimulation and unconditional love is simply magical and can be therapeutic, in some cases.
3. The benefits to kids today of actually getting their hands dirty and experiencing the satisfaction of working hard and taking care of other living creatures who depend on them is manifested in an increased sense of self-worth.
4. So much of our surroundings are institutionalized now and we believe that many people yearn for a simpler way of life which involves interconnectivity. Farm life is all about interconnectivity and interdependence.
5. Time spent in nature helps us learn to:

• quiet our minds
• get in touch with our inner selves
• become attuned to the balance which interaction with the earth and the living forces of nature can bring

How can I help children from low-income, inner city or homeless families participate in a Deer Hill Ranch Program?

1. Program Fees are one way. Like many other non-profit organizations, we offer ancillary programs to increase our overall program fee income, which includes some corporate and family team building programs as well as youth birthday party programs on the weekends. (We work Monday through Sunday.)
2. Site rental is another. Last year, we started to offer our Team Building Lawn and Barn for offsite meetings, company barbecues and adult birthday parties and family reunions.
3. Fundraisers are a third way.
Our 2008 Fundraising Event will be October 11 & 12, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other Fundraising efforts include selling eggs from our chickens.  We also write Grants but it is a slow and uncertain process. The greatest part of our help is provided by individual and corporate donations. Please consider helping us today!
4. Donate to our Scholarship Fund.
5. Call our office to give us the names and addresses of teachers in inner-city schools, youth groups and church programs who you think might like our programs.

Are you open to the public?

No. Our programs are wonderful because we provide sequenced, hands-on programs. Our staff works with group leaders to provide quality, custom-designed programs to each group that comes to the ranch. This level of quality simply wouldn’t be possible if we were open to the public. However, if you are interested in bringing your group for a program, please give us a call.