Promoting civic awareness is important in the development of today's teens. Each Saturday boys from the Village take part in a community service program including a variety of activities such as helping neighbors with lawn work and home projects, assisting farmers with their crops and cleaning local streets. One of the goals of the program is to instill the meaning of character into our teens. An emphasis is placed on traditional moral values, coupled with honesty, integrity and the true meaning of hard work. Raising its own chickens, eggs, pork, beef and horses provides ample opportunity for teaching these traits.
Every teen is taught horsemanship and required to take a short trail ride.
We have found that the fear of the unknown often keeps a teen from attempting to do something outside their realm of experience. Requiring that they participate in this program whether they continue or not is often the catalyst to finding new skills and talents. The young men and women are given the opportunity to work in the barns learning about and bonding with the horses. This also teaches work ethic and responsibility. There are many stories to tell about how a horse has made the difference in a teen's life.