THE CROSSING WEEKLY

Now that school is back in full swing, Dreamers’ Ranch is gearing up for another year of the Homeschool Co-Op Program for children ages 5-12 and their families, starting on October 13, 2021. 

The program is held on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:50 AM – 11 AM. The day starts with a group circle time, announcements, and a “Social, Emotional, and Learning Game.” After that, children spend forty-five minutes on the farm, learning about the different animals and routines, culminating with a creative time that consists of crafts, music, or movement.

During activity time, students 5-7 work together in one group with their parents and Dreamers’ Ranch staff, and students 8-12 work together in a second group with designated volunteer parents and Dreamers’ Ranch staff. 

When thinking about influencing and inviting the surrounding community in, Program Director Emily Shattuck, alongside Kristal Tanguay, thought a Homeschool Program would be a good use of time and resources and would also serve the mission of Youthstorm, which is to Unite, Equip, and Mobilize the younger generation.

Last year, fifteen families enrolled in the program, and most are re-enrolling this year. “Most kids were sad when the school year ended and are eager to return,” Emily says. Both parents and children take part in the program, which allows bonds to form while learning alongside one another. “We use Dreamers’ Ranch curriculum that fulfills a wide variety of requirements. A popular lesson (last year) was shearing sheep then using the wool in an art project.”

As a result of the Homeschool Co-Op, “multiple families now call the Crossing Life Church their home after experiencing the community (in the program),” Emily says. This plays well into Dreamers’ Ranch mission, which is to be a liaison to the church, inviting the surrounding community into the daily life of the farm.

Danielle Reynolds and her son attended the school last year. “Farm school is so much more than a homeschool program,” she says. “It teaches valuable life-long skills; self-confidence, respect, responsibility, and discipline are learned while working with the amazing staff and caring for the animals on the farm.”

“We are looking forward to this year and welcoming new families into the program,” Emily says. When asked what her favorite part of the program is, she shared about the children witnessing and experiencing the birthing of multiple lambs and even helping deliver one – something that not many kids get to experience.

Registration is for six-week sessions from October to May, with option of attending Monday, Wednesday, or both (for an additional fee). Classes are $12/per child, per class, with discounted rates for registering more than two children.

There are still some slots available, visit our website to register.