Making Friends through Farm Experiences

My little boy was born in March of 2020, coinciding with the onset of the Covid lockdown. Sadly, this made it difficult for him to engage in social activities over the following years.
We were blessed to stumble upon The Friendship Ranch, a haven that allowed him to interact with peers his age, while they explored and learned as a group. Being around the animals built his confidence, and also instilled valuable lessons such as following directions from adults and fostering an appreciation for educators. Yet, the true gem of the ranch lies in its ability to craft a space, both physical and emotional, where children can have an enchanting experience.
A particularly precious moment unfolded when my son and a little girl ended up being the only two kids in class one day. In the back pasture, these two young souls led their own play, free from pressures and agendas. This space allowed them to blossom a beautiful and instantaneous kinship.
As the play concluded, they sat side by side, hands entwined, a sweet gesture that extended during our walk back to the car. This marked a pivotal moment for my son – one of his first strong connections with a peer, and the first time he held hands with a friend. The Friendship Ranch not only provided a space for growth but also helped create those precious moments of childhood camaraderie.

Our family has been very fortunate enough to be involved with Friendship Ranch for several years. We attend every camp that is offered during the year and 2 weeks each summer. Our older son has special needs and Debbie and her helpers are absolutely the most caring, kind, loving, patient people with him. He begs to go to Ms Debbies on average once a week.

At Friendship Ranch Retreat, our daughter who is twice exceptional including autism, has found a cherished safe space for growth and self-reflection through equine assisted services and the concept of undemanded time. Her interactions with not only the animals but her peers ( who she normally struggles with in the rest of her world) as well as Debbie and the entire team, have nurtured her sense of belonging and provided invaluable opportunities for emotional regulation and personal growth. Friendship Ranch retreat has become her safe space, sometimes her only safe space. Because of FRR she has embraced opportunities to push past her comfort zone discovering new found strengths and confidence along the way.

Friendship Ranch provides exactly what it says! My sons have gotten to play outside, enjoy animals, make friends, and just be little boys at the ranch! How I wish there was a place like this when I was a child! It is so nice to be able to watch kids just be kids and enjoy the simple joys of life in a safe and loving environment. We love Friendship Ranch!

I’m so happy that every time Evan goes, he always looks happy.

SO MUCH FUN!!! Best Camp ever! Max is so happy!

There are no words to describe how appreciative I am for you having us on Friday. Honestly, that was one of the best hours we have had in a long time. You and your animals are a light. If heaven on Earth exists I am certain that is on your farm.

Debbie is totally in touch with the total child, developmentally, emotionally, and neurologically. What a great place for kids to start the learning experience!!