Spirit Farm School Days
The appeal of animals is nearly universal, especially when they are the vehicle for gaining a deeper understanding of important science concepts. Designed for 2nd graders within the Osceola County school district, the “Spirit Farm School Days” education program meets science benchmarks for that grade while fulfilling Harmony Institute goals of conveying the physical and emotional needs of animals to children in a manner that is easily understood and that’s tenets can be transferred to human-human relations. Activities foster curiosity, encourage empathy and sharpen observational skills while building life science knowledge. Students engage in ‘animal explorations’ to help them learn behaviors, characteristics, body parts, adaptations and life cycles. They learn the emotional behaviors of animals, their need for companionship, shelter and their nutritional needs; while at the same time exploring children’s behaviors, their own need for friendship, a safe environment and healthy foods. Program discussion includes obesity and bullying.
Teen Ventures
Teens can get lost within their neighborhoods or schools and sometimes wind up turning down a road that leads to further confusion. Targeted to kids age 13-17 identified as ‘at-risk’, “Teen Ventures” teaches techniques used in wilderness outings and camping at Spirit Farm that’s thought processes can be transferred to their real world environment including survival psychology and the will to live. Activities include identifying edible and useful plants, wildlife tracking, building a shelter, building a fire, navigation, learning how not to get lost and signaling skills to help them be found. Activities are intended to build teamwork, responsibility, life skills, leadership development and problem solving that can be transferred to their daily lives.
Harmony Gardens
Clients and residents of community organizations come to Spirit Farm to learn basic vegetable gardening skills including soil preparation, seeding, nurturing the garden through one seasonal growth cycle, harvesting and then using the produce in a prepared meal. Following the on-site gardening program, a “Harmony Garden” is started by clients and residents at their community organization sites with support from both the Institute and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS.) Program activities stress teamwork, healthy nutrition, physical exercise and job development skills.
The first Harmony Garden was planted at the Council of Aging in Osceola County where clients have taken ownership of the garden and harvested vegetables are prepared in lunch menus. With a grant from Captain Planet, the Harmony Institute is now assisting Sunnyside Village in the creation of their own garden.
For more information about these programs please contact Education Coordinator, Samantha Covell at 407-957-0207 or
via email at scovell@harmonyinstitute.org.
