Valor Farm is Therapy Disguised as Life
For teen boys who are becoming more aggressive, rebellious, or depressed, Valor Farm program of Square One Ranch presents a field of opportunities to put their hands to unfamiliar, but productive tasks, to develop abilities and independence in a positive and appropriate manner, and to explore “uncharted” territories of thought, belief, attitudes, and identity in a secure and defined set of real world boundaries.
Valor Farm is just that ... a farm! A farm and ranch setting naturally harnesses a boy’s sense of adventure and independence, as well as his desire to find and prove himself.
At Valor Farm boys will be involved in all kinds of natural responsibility and character building tasks, chores and activities that are commonly found on a farm. There are fences to build and to mend. There are stalls that need to be ‘mucked,’ refreshed and repaired. There are building and wood working projects. There are horses to feed, to groom and care for, to break and to RIDE. There are cows that need to be managed, herded, and fed. There is a garden to be tended, and from which one can feast on the fruits of his labor. All this in a fun, laid back, but purposeful atmosphere.
When the chores are done and their attitude is right, this growing character and responsibility is rewarded at particular levels with adventures from a hike to an interesting location or a horse ride adventure, to a canoe trek, a camping trip or some other adventure we feel fits the occasion.
Not only is Valor Farm filled with skill and character building activities, and with the excitement of working with horses, opportunities to explore unfamiliar situations, and with the privilege of proving oneself to oneself, most importantly it is filled with deep “conversation.” Casual “conversation” while working can be VERY therapeutic, giving each boy a chance to open up in a very natural and unobtrusive manner. It also gives our “life coach” cowboys a chance to guide, reinforce, challenge, model, answer, and…. shhhh … c o u n s e l .
Valor means “extreme courage.” At Valor Farm we help boys cultivate the strength and courage to face their fears, look at and take responsibility for themselves, explore a new way of thinking and feeling, and most importantly bravely tackle life by the “horns” as a growing, virtuous, and exceptional young man.
Give us a call if you think this incredible opportunity sounds appropriate for a particular ‘tween’ or teen boy. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, if you would like to financially sponsor a boy or a particular activity or trip, we always need individuals, churches or groups to partner with Square One and with parents in this challenging transformational enterprise.