Experiential therapies:

 Therapeutic Recreation

As part of our intensive residential care program, clients participate in structured therapeutic recreation and leisure groups up to four times per week.  These groups utilize recreation, including sports, games, physical education and other hands-on activities, to teach children how to interact with others in more positive ways.  In addition, therapeutic recreation and leisure provides opportunities for clients to develop constructive communication, sportsmanship, anger management, and other related skills.  It also helps improve their view of themselves and their capabilities.  Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure activities are based on the premise that leisure is a positive outlet for self-expression and is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. 

These groups are conducted under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.  This is a nationally recognized certification whose standards and testing are monitored by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. 

Additional information may be found by visiting:

American Therapeutic Recreation Association
National Therapeutic Recreation Society

 Challenge Course

The challenge course program is a therapeutic tool that provides physical, mental and emotional challenges. Each week, clients attempt to complete a task that requires them to cooperate with their peer group.  By providing a novel experience, clients are encouraged to find creative ways to solve problems, develop more productive modes of communicatation, and learn how to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.  The challenge course component provides an opportunity for personal growth at the individual level while also encouraging participants to respect the ideas of their peers.   

Additional information may be found by visiting:

Association for Experiential Education
Association for Challenge Course Technology

 Animal Assisted Learning

Animals have been an important part of the program at Windwood Farm Home for Children since it opened in 1985.  Currently, we have dogs, goats, pot-bellied pigs, and horses that are used in Animal Assisted Learning groups.  Activities range from feeding, grooming, and training to creating and building various structures for use by the animals.  The use of the human-animal bond is gaining recognition as an effective therapeutic tool.  By building on this bond, clients develop more appropriate boundaries, increased responsibility, and a better understanding of the needs of others.   

Delta Society
People, Animals, and Nature
Censhare
http://www.animaltherapy.net/ 

 Equine Assisted Learning

The Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program is the newest component of the therapeutic services provided at Windwood Farm Home.  These groups utilize horses as the therapeutic tool and are facilitated using a team approach.  The team consists of a therapist and an equine specialist who are both certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association(EAGALA). 

Individuals or groups are presented with a task they must accomplish with the horses.  Since each horse has an individual personality, there is no way to predict how the animal will react to any given situation.  Often times, horses will mirror what is happening with the behavioral interactions among the participants.  For example, if the group is not communicating well, most likely, the horse will not be cooperative.  This requires group members to think on their feet.  The experience is then discussed byt he group to enable participants to identify effective ways of approaching situations in hopes they can apply these skills to other areas of their lives.   

There are currently three EAGALA Level 1 certified staff members at Windwood Farm Home for Children.