Discover Connection, Growth, and Belonging
Through hands-on work with heritage breed animals, regenerative agriculture, and nature-based activities, we create a supportive environment where youth can develop essential life skills while experiencing the calming, grounding influence of the natural world.
Example Camp Schedule
At Matanah Meadows, we believe that meaningful connection with animals, land, and community is essential for well-being. Our program is specifically designed to support neurodivergent youth through hands-on farm activities, creative expression, and mindfulness in nature. Participants gain confidence, capability, and emotional resilience in a supportive environment.
What Participants Experience
- Daily animal care with chickens, goats, sheep, and other heritage breeds
- Organic gardening and learning regenerative agriculture practices
- Nature exploration through hiking and unstructured outdoor play
- Yoga and body-based emotional regulation techniques
- Creative expression through art projects and music
- Building with hand tools and learning basic power tool safety
- Connection with a supportive community of peers and mentors
Gardening: Spending time gardening has known benefits that help reduce depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress, while increasing life satisfaction and mindfulness. It also enhances sense of purpose, patience, and hope
Animal-Assisted Learning: Daily care of animals teaches responsibility, empathy, and the rhythms of nature. The non-judgmental presence of animals creates a safe space for social and emotional growth.
Nature Immersion: Through hiking, forest play, and working directly with the land, participants experience their vital connection to the natural world and their role as caretakers of it.
Skill Development: Building with hand tools and learning basic power tool safety. Increasing self-efficacy, problem-solving confidence, and sense of agency
Emotional Wellness: We integrate modern neuroscience with time-tested practices like yoga, nature play, and mindfulness to help youth develop self-regulation and emotional resilience.
Exploring our National Park:
Creative expression:
