Two weeks ago, Root Farm's most recent program, "Youth Power," completed the last practice of an eight-week trial period. In collaboration with "Kids Oneida," 8 teens and preteens came to the Farm 1 day a week for a two hour session.
The vision behind the new program is to help at-risk youth develop self confidence, trust, teamwork and appropriate social interaction through activities centered around the horse and the development of a vaulting team. These young people are receiving opportunity to excel both as a team and individually in a unique sport they can call their own, and, at the end of the 12-week sessions, they will have the chance to display their new skills in a performance before family and friends and, eventually, the community at large.
Everyone is pleased with the progress the kids have made, and we look forward to starting up again in January. After all, when snow and ice and freezing temperatures don't slow these guys down any, imagine what they will accomplish when good weather arrives!
