This July, Carver summer campers from both the Carver Community Center and the SoNo Neighborhood School experienced a day they’ll never forget—one filled with animals, nature, mindfulness, and friendship—at Ridgebury Farm & Stables in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Thanks to the generous support of The Connor Sheehan Fund, campers aged 5 to 13 participated in this therapeutic farm experience, designed to nurture emotional well-being, curiosity, and connection. The SoNo camp visited on July 16, and the Carver Community Center campers followed on July 23, each group enjoying a full day of immersive activities from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
At Ridgebury Farm, campers explored the natural world and their inner landscapes through four guided, hands-on activities:
🌲 Nature Hike
Students were invited to slow down and practice mindfulness while walking through the woods. By listening to bird calls, feeling the earth beneath their feet, and tuning into the moment, they experienced how nature can offer calm and clarity in a busy world.
🐐 Barnyard Buddies
Campers met goats, sheep, and chickens—observing their behavior, gently interacting, and learning how animals communicate feelings without words. This activity built empathy, patience, and an appreciation for nonverbal communication.
🐇 Bunny Greetings
The bunnies stole hearts as campers explored how to enrich the lives of animals through thoughtful, playful interactions. Through this activity, campers practiced creativity, compassion, and the joy of caring for others.
🐴 Horse Connection & Grooming
Rather than riding, students learned to connect with the farm’s gentle horses through grooming and observation. Campers learned how horses respond to human energy and body language, gaining lessons in confidence, calmness, boundaries, and self-regulation.
Each activity was intentionally designed to build social-emotional skills, including:
Emotional awareness and regulation
Confidence and calm in new situations
Empathy and compassion
Mindful presence and observation
The day concluded with campers reflecting on their favorite animals and moments, sharing their emotions, and what they had learned. Surveys revealed the experience was a highlight of the summer, with students expressing joy, peace, and a new love for animals and nature.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Connor Sheehan Fund for making this unforgettable experience possible. Established in loving memory of Connor Sheehan, the Fund helps young people access programs that promote mental health, connection, and resilience. Their support ensured that all Carver campers could enjoy this experience free of charge, growing emotionally as they explored the wonders of the natural world.
About Ridgebury Farm & Stables
Ridgebury Farm is a 56-acre nonprofit equestrian and therapy center offering equine-assisted therapy, therapeutic riding, and immersive animal care programs for youth of all abilities. Their skilled staff and peaceful environment provide an ideal setting for learning, healing, and growth.
This is what summer at Carver is all about—creating memories, building life skills, and connecting young hearts to the world around them.
Photos from both visits will be featured below, capturing joyful moments of learning, laughter, and animal friendship.
