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Cultivate: A Hands-On Homeschool Experience

Cultivate is a daytime program designed for homeschool students ages 7–14 who want to learn through real-world experience. Set within an active farm animal sanctuary, this program blends animal care, environmental education, and hands-on service to create meaningful learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

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Students will spend their mornings working alongside our team, caring for rescued animals, engaging with the land, and building practical skills that foster responsibility, confidence, and compassion.

Program Details

 

Ages: 7–14
Tuesdays, April 14 – May 19

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

$250 per student

15% sibling discount available

Why It Matters

 

At Winding Branch Ranch, we believe compassion is something that is practiced. Cultivate gives students the opportunity to step into that practice, learning how to care for animals, respect the land, and understand their role in creating a more thoughtful and responsible world.

Are You Ready to Cultivate?

Multi-line address
Does your child have any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of?
Yes
No
Will this be your child’s first time participating in a program like this (hands-on agriculture, animal care, or farm-based education)?
Yes
No

Community & Program Impact

The following questions help us understand the communities we serve and allow us to report program impact to the foundations and donors who help make these programs possible. Your responses are optional and will only be used in aggregate for program evaluation and funding support.

What language is primarily spoken in your household?
English
Spanish
Both English and Spanish
Prefer not to answer
Other
Does your child qualify for any of the following programs? (Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch, SNAP / Food Assistance, Medicaid / CHIP)
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer
What is your household’s approximate annual income before taxes?
Under $35,000
$35,000–$59,999
$60,000–$99,999
$100,000–$149,999
$150,000 or more
Prefer not to answer
Which of the following best describes your child’s race or ethnicity?
Hispanic or Latino
Black or African American
White
Asian
Native American or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
Multiracial
Prefer not to answer
Is your child part of a military-connected family?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer

Cultivate Program Guidelines

Cultivate takes place at Winding Branch Ranch, an active farm animal rescue and agricultural resource center. Students will be learning in a real-world sanctuary environment where animals live, heal, and receive daily care. Because of this, safety, supervision, and cooperation are essential to creating a positive experience for everyone.


By enrolling in Cultivate, families acknowledge and agree to the following:


Active Farm Environment

The sanctuary is a working rescue with uneven terrain, animals moving throughout the space, and ongoing care activities. Students must remain with their group and follow all staff instructions at all times.


Supervision

Cultivate is a caregiver-attended program. A parent, guardian, or designated caregiver must remain on-site and is responsible for supervising their child throughout the session. Caregivers may be asked to assist with transitions, participation, or reinforcing safety expectations when needed.


Animal Interaction

All interactions with animals are supervised by sanctuary staff or trained volunteers. The animals who call the sanctuary home come from a variety of backgrounds, and even well-mannered animals may react unexpectedly. Students will be guided on how to interact calmly and respectfully to ensure safety for both people and animals.


Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to treat animals, staff, and peers with care and respect. Running, chasing animals, climbing on fences, or entering animal areas without staff guidance is not permitted. Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in removal from an activity for the safety of the group.


Participation & Engagement

Cultivate is a hands-on program. Students are encouraged to actively participate in activities such as animal care, enrichment, and light farm tasks. While participation levels may vary, all students are expected to remain engaged and follow directions during program time.


Shared Responsibility

Winding Branch Ranch is first and foremost a sanctuary for rescued animals. Staff, students, and caregivers work together to ensure that all activities remain respectful, safe, and aligned with the well-being of the animals who call the sanctuary home.


Assumption of Risk

Participants understand that Winding Branch Ranch is an active farm animal rescue and outdoor environment. While every effort is made to maintain a safe and welcoming space, inherent risks exist, including uneven ground, weather conditions, insects, and the natural behavior of animals. By participating, families acknowledge these conditions and agree to follow all staff guidance and safety instructions.


Acknowledgment

By enrolling in Cultivate, families acknowledge these guidelines and agree to support a safe, respectful, and positive experience for all participants and animals.

Questions? Please contact Kristen Akers at kristen@windingbranchranch.org or (210) 245-0393

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