Farm-School Safety & Rules
Dear Parents,
Please read through this safety information carefully. We are absolutely committed to your child's safety while here on the farm. Let us know if you have any questions or special health needs.
—Farmer Phyl and Auntie Catherine
Shoes
Please make sure your child has sturdy, closed toe shoes with them for their farming day. Crocs are okay, though not best and we request that the children have socks to wear with them so that prickly and itchy grasses don’t get through to their toes. Flip-flops, sandals and “platform” type shoes do not offer appropriate foot support for many of the activities here at the farm and on the land.
Clothing
If your child is sensitive to prickly grasses, it would be good for them to wear long pants. Make sure children are wearing clothing it is ok to get dirty.
Sun Protection & Hydration
Please put sunscreen on your child before school on farm day. We also request that the children bring a water bottle and sun hat for farm day.
Animals
We have a few ways of summing up for children how to behave around farm animals. One is to tell them to be sleepy in our bodies, but awake in our minds. That is, to move slow and gentle and have quiet voices, but be wide awake and watchful of where you are at in relationship to the animals and other people. Not to walk behind the donkey, for instance. We ask them not to run or shout or make quick movements. This can be challenging for children who are full of energy and often get excited by the animals' antics. We also ask that visitor don't feed the animals as they have scheduled feeding times. And not to stick their fingers out (especially with feed in their hands) near the animals' mouths.
Hygiene
All children must wash their hands thoroughly with soap after visitng animals, after visitng the farm and prior to eating food.
Allergies & Special Health Needs
Please let us know if your child has any allegies or special health needs. We want to do our best to make sure children don't eat something that may cause them discomfort.
Tools
Tools must only be used for the tasks, and in the manner, they were design for. It is important that tools be picked up and put away when done with them. All pointed tools must be always have their points pointing down when the tool is set down. We must watch out for each other when using tools.
Tractors & Equipment
Children must stay away from all tractor equipment, whether running or parked.
Farm Visits & Supervision
We welcome visitors, but ask that children be supervized at all times. Please do not go inside any of the animal pens unless accompanied by, or authorized by, a member of the farm staff. We ask that driving on the farm be kept to a minimum and to be especially watchful for young children.
