The Seeds of Hope Volunteer Program

In keeping with the ever-changing ways of Seeds of Hope, our volunteer program is designed to be flexible...

We try hard to work closely with our volunteers to ensure they are serving in a place where they are best utilized. The key is to place individuals in a place that brings them joy.

The opportunity to work with kids and horses in a counselor/riding capacity is reserved for those who plan to serve on a regular basis. This gives them the opportunity to get acquanted with our system and gives us the opportunity to train them in our method of teaching. An informal interview will also be performed before a volunteer is cleared to work with the children. A criminal background check will be required by all volunteers to ensure the ranch remains a safe place for kids. We may ask that these volunteers also complete CPR & First Aid certifications.

Volunteering With Children

• To involve children in different activities that may not involve horses.
• Volunteers would spend time with the children getting to know them as a group.
• Leading a group chore responsibility such as shoveling manure, clearing brush etc.
• As a volunteer being a good listener for a child when they want to talk is a big plus.
• Volunteers may lead groups of children at the ranch to go on a hike, bike ride, or picnic, etc.
• Or to help plan a special outreach event.

Volunteering with Children & Horses

This is an activity where the children's safety is most important. The Equine training team will work along side all new volunteers for several sessions before they will be able to handle the horses on their own. Once the horses are ready to ride the kids can take a riding lesson with qualified volunteers.

Journaling

We do encourage the children to keep journals of their special times at the ranch. We ask that the volunteers take time at the end of the day to help them accomplish this task. It would be helpful if the journals are kept at the ranch so that they can be used each time they come.