Here at Camp Catch-a-Dream, our OBJECTIVES are:
• To guide individuals, in developing leadership qualities and becoming good role models;
• To promote self-efficacy by creating opportunities for participation in challenging community service activities;
• To assist children in positive goal setting;
• To increase the self-esteem of the individuals in the program;
• To assist participants in l
earning alternative thinking strategies for self-control, anger management and problem solving;
• To increase communication with others;
• To build relationships, character & confidence. METHOD OF ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES:
Using inter-generational mentoring and horses, as an experiential tool, for emotional growth & learning for at-risk youth and/or their families:
• To teach the daily care & grooming techniques of a horse;
• To teach riding skills;
• To participate in family activities that promote better communication & improve relationships;
• To participate in camp & ranch activities, competitions and trail rides. Our specific purpose is to provide a program that will teach or guide challenged, troubled or disadvantaged youth & adults, to channel their energies in a positive direction. Our program provides equine education and vocational training opportunities for individuals hoping to pursue careers in animal science. The secondary purpose is to provide food and shelter for abused or neglected horses. By integrating abused or neglected horses into the program, participants are able to form a bond with the animals creating a mutual trust. By nurturing another living being, participants learn life skills, as well as nurturing skills; as a result they develop good self-esteem, self-confidence and self-discipline, to healing inner wounds and blossoming into responsible, sensitive people. An animal-human relationship creates a constructive foundation for communicative relationships with other people; thus, the development of empathy toward others.