CARE is not your usual summer program...
The program uses the natural curiosity young people have about animals and nature to motivate them to continue their education thru the summer months. Its curriculum allows for personal growth that meets individual goals set by parents and youth together during the initial orientation session held in June. Family specialists will provide guidance for parents as they help their children or teens set goals in the areas of: Academics, Career Planning, Fine Arts, Environmental Awareness & Physical Fitness.

The CARE program is appropriate for youth in grades K-12 with a diverse range of abilities. One of the program’s objectives is to develop an inclusive environment in which all students feel safe physically, emotionally, mentally & spiritually. High school students can develop career skills as mentors in the k-8 programming. Mentors receive an extra half-day of programming: mentor training, approximately 1.5 hours of hands-on horsemanship skill development including a half-hour group lesson, and guidance on an Independent Study Project of their own choice.

A few areas of study students may consider exploring independently while in the CARE program: • Animal &/or Veterinary Science;
• Natural Resource Management;
• Therapeutic Horsemanship;
• Environmental Studies;
• Business Management;
• Teacher Education;
• Social Sciences.

Program Basics
The CARE Program brings together master educators, college students and community volunteers to help k-12 students strengthen and enrich their core academic skills. Content-driven reading materials support a variety of exciting, Nature-Lab activities.

One example: Students will read about the parasite control program used at IHC in preparation for a Learning Lab in which they help administer de-wormer to a horse Math, reading, science and social studies come to life in discussions about chemicals used to de-worm and in-the-moment calculations needed to administer the appropriate dosage.

The academic program is held two days each week throughout summer with an optional Fine Arts program held twice a month on days yet to be determined.

What will students do each day?

• Check-in/Sacred Circle: Ensures community awareness of how to support one another so each student and all animal colleagues remain safe on all levels.
• Learning Circles and Nature Labs: Small group activities developed by licensed educators and will strengthen and enrich core academic skills (3Rs, Science and Social Studies).
• 1-on-1 Tutoring: Each student will receive weekly tutoring in areas identified in summer plan.
• Horsemanship Lessons: Students "earn" by meeting academic and behavioral goals each week.
• Lunches From Home/Supervised Free Time:Lunch will be eaten in the picnic area, followed by free-time to nurture friendships, read silently, play games, pet the cats or dogs, walk on the Nature Trail, do arts and crafts, or just laze in the fresh air. Healthy snacks in morning and afternoon provided.
• Physical Activity: Physical activity is natural in a nature-based program. Activities in the Memorial Garden, Nature Trail as well as a diversity of on-going projects on the farm encourage students to feel "at home" in healthier bodies. Chore-time is a natural part of farm life. It provides students of all ages and abilities with physical activity as well as a sense of work ethic and human responsibility to the animals who bless us with their willingness to teach us so much about life in the natural world.
• Silent Time: Silent reflection time in nature is built into each day.

Fine Arts Option
Nature-based and horse-assisted activities that deepend connection to an artist's most creative self - activities that can help youth trust their own intuition. Enjoy time with other artists - more experienced artists will mentor those with less experience. Create relationships with other artists who know what it's like to feel different in our sports-centered culture. Youth do not have to enroll in the Academic Focus CARE program to enroll in the Fine Arts program.

When is the CARE Program & who can attend?

• Summer session begins with Orientation on 6/27 from 12-4 p.m.— Campfire Potluck Lunch.
• Session ends August 16^th with the Spectacular Summer Showcase.
• Students who finish grades K-7 in May: attend Monday/Friday from 9am-3pm.
• Students who finish grades 8-12 in May: learn work ethic and career skills as Mentors Mon/Fri 8am-4pm + attend an additional half-day focused entirely on your own personal growth (day yet to be determined).
• Parents, teachers and college students are encouraged to apply for volunteer staff and tutor positions.

How do I register?
Contact Nikki to receive a registration packet for each child you wish to enroll. Please complete all forms and return with your non-refundable deposit of one week's registration fee. This deposit applied to student's last week; payment for week one is due on Monday of week one.

Register early. Space is limited to allow us to best serve the needs of each individual student while establishing the highest quality programming.

Program fees
K-8 & High School Programs - $125, if paid weekly; $750 prepaid full summer

Fine Arts Option - $75/day, if paid each session; $225 prepaid full summer.

*Additional fees assessed for early arrival and late pick up.

Scholarships
Unlimited 25% scholarships are available from IHC to students who receive recommendation letters from 3 educators, coaches, instructors and/or mentors. Recommendation form available in registration packet.

Additional financial assistance may be available through Healing Horsemanship Foundation.

IHC is a network provider for Community Partnerships/CCF.