For our final outing of the summer, we went about an hour outside of Philadelphia for a full day at the newly opened Camino Farms, where youth could interact with animals, swim, play sports, do arts and crafts, and explore a setting completely different from the city.

Their staff set the tone from the moment we arrived, greeting everyone at the entrance with pom-poms and cheers. To kick off the day, youth got to pet baby goats, chickens and rabbits. One of the biggest highlights, though, was feeding 'Fig the Pig'. Some children stepped right up, while others watched for a bit before moving closer. For those who hesitated at first, getting close enough to feed a pig was a big deal, and their smiles afterward said it all.

Throughout the rest of the day, there was room for both big energy and quieter moments. After plenty of splashing in the pool, youth, Friends and staff went all in on a fun soccer game. And to wrap up the day, youth slowed things down, making bracelets or drawing whatever they wanted.

By the end of the outing, youth were calling it “the best day ever.” Some said they didn’t want to leave, and others declared they wanted to live there!

Days like this one introduce youth to places and activities that may not otherwise be part of their everyday lives. A child who approaches an animal slowly, decides to join a game or tries something unfamiliar is building confidence without being asked to think of it that way. To them, it simply feels like a really fun summer day with their Friends.

And that confidence can carry beyond the outing. Each positive experience gives youth another reason to trust themselves the next time they enter a new place or wonder if they should give it a try.

Camino Farms is owned by the family of our board member Katrina Ernst, and we’re so grateful to them and the entire staff for sharing this new space with our youth. They took care of every detail, including lunch and towels for the pool, and made everyone feel welcome all day long.

It was a fantastic way to wrap up summer and help youth head into a new school year with happy memories and a little more confidence.