The Lessons Children Learn From Animals

Animal Day at FireFly Ridge

Goats Sunny and Stormy show the campers their teeter-totter!

Every Wednesday at Larchwood Farm Nature Camp, we pack up our things, put on our hiking shoes, and head out on a big hike to our neighbouring farm FireFly Ridge. Once there, we spend the day with the owners, Andrea and John, and their dozens of horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, and chickens. Campers have the chance to get up close with the animals, and it’s not uncommon to have a goat jump into your lap or have the horses eat treats right out of your hand. We harvest eggs from the chicken coup, John gives everyone a lesson on honey bees, and campers even get a chance to taste-test local honey. 

Though the main goal of the day is to have fun, spending time with animals is inherently therapeutic and it’s been shown that children who spend time with animals show reduced symptoms of anxiety, increased immune function, decreased loneliness, and increased happiness. Additionally, children can learn valuable lessons from animals, including responsibility, personal space, patience, social skills, and compassion. 

Campers take turns petting one of John and Andrea’s many friendly horses!

 1.    Responsibility. 

Many animals rely on humans for everything; food, water, shelter, and love. On our weekly trip to FireFly Ridge, children learn what the different animals eat and take turns feeding them. John and Andrea disclose the time and money it takes them to look after the animals, and demonstrate to the children what kind of equipment/environment each animal needs to thrive.  

2.    Personal Space

Many animals require a lot of personal space and a gentle touch! At FireFly Ridge, our campers learn to approach animals slowly and to look for signs that the animals are uncomfortable, so that we can back away and give them space. Children too may feel uncomfortable being close with the animals, and will come to appreciate the fence or barricade between them. 

3.    Social Skills & Self-Confidence

Animals are a great non-judgemental audience for children to practice their social skills! An animal doesn’t care if you look different or sound different than other children. They want love just as much as we do, and are a great listening ear for children who are shy or need extra practice with social skills. In turn, practicing social skills in a low-pressure situation may boost children’s self-confidence. 

Growing Up Wild

My name is Paula, I am a second-year occupational therapy student from the University of Toronto. I am so excited to be spending the summer at Larchwood Farm with Alanna, her family, and two other OT students, for my final fieldwork placement.  

Me (right) and my older sister (left) on a family camping trip somewhere in Ontario.

Growing up in Toronto, my parents emphasized the importance of nature and the outdoors through camping trips, gardening, and travelling. Every summer we would pack up our minivan to the brim and head out on a family road trip to a new provincial park somewhere in Ontario. We frequented Algonquin, Killbear, Bon Echo, and Killarney, and explored smaller parks like the Pinery, Charleston Lake, and Bonnechere. My sister and I would spend hours collecting cool things we found on the forest floor, pretending we were animals or explorers. In the evenings, my dad would take us out fishing or my mom would take us to a nature education show hosted by the park to learn about the park’s animals and plants.

These experiences instilled a love for the outdoors that will likely last my whole life. As I get older, I am finding new ways to engage with the natural world around me, like trail running and rock climbing, while staying grounded in the lessons and values I developed as a young child exploring nature.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as everything in the city began to shut down and school moved to an online format, I realized how much I value being outdoors and outdoor spaces. Wracked with anxiety about the pandemic and tired of screen time, I would explore the parks around my home in Toronto, either trail running or walking my dog. I would devote weekends to rock climbing around Grey County, climbing with friends and exploring parts of the Bruce Trail. Spending time outdoors was my escape from the very scary reality of living through a pandemic, and gave me a sense of peace and tranquillity during uncertain times.   

Me now, exploring one of the many hiking trails in Grey County.

When given the opportunity to have my final placement at Larchwood Farm, I jumped that the chance to combine my knowledge and skills as an occupational therapy student with my love for the outdoors and nature. I hope to instill the same love and appreciation for nature with the kids I work with, and hope they are able to find solace and freedom in spending time in the natural world.