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SPROUTS

Thursdays| October 15-December 10

 -or- 

Fridays| October 16-December 11


Sprouts Farm School(formerly Rescue Ranch School) is a unique learning experience for children ages 2-6, where farm life comes to life! Through weekly hands-on sessions, kids connect with nature, meet our rescued animals, and discover the joys of sustainable farming. Each week brings a new adventure with activities designed to inspire compassion, curiosity, and creativity.

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At Sprouts, kids are part of the action! From collecting eggs and helping with simple farm chores to planting seeds and exploring the garden, every activity is an opportunity to learn through doing. These hands-on experiences teach responsibility, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors—all while having fun and making lasting memories.

PROGRAM DETAILS

 

Ages: 2-6
Thursdays, October 15-December 10

or

Fridays, October 16-December 11

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10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

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$425 per student

15% sibling discount available

PRICING

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The cost for the full 8-week program, including all sessions, is $425 per student. All proceeds contribute directly to supporting our farm animal rescues, ensuring that each child's experience at Sprouts makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our beloved animals. Enroll your child today and join us in our mission of compassion and education at Winding Branch Ranch.

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Additional Details: ​​

- Sprouts is a caretaker attended program.  

- Each session is limited to 15 students. 

- Please read the acknowledgements section of the application below for more information.

Ready to join the adventure?

 

Apply now to enroll your child in Sprouts Farm School at Winding Branch Ranch and discover the joys of hands-on learning, compassion, and connection in a one-of-a-kind setting.

We can't wait to welcome you to our growing community of young explorers and animal enthusiasts!

Multi-line address
What session of Sprouts are you applying for?
Thursdays, October 15-December 10, 10AM-12PM
Fridays, October 16-December 11, 10AM-12PM
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

Sprouts Program Guidelines

Sprouts 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 Sprouts, 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

Sprouts 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

Sprouts 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 Sprouts, 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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