VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Summer 2011
BiNA Farm would like to extend a huge thank you to our friend and supporter, Christian Honan. Christian became acquainted with BiNA Farm through Sue Schuab, who is one of our long-time, regular volunteers. Christian came to volunteer with Sue and experience first-hand about the BiNA mission and see for himself how the horses help the students who come to us.
When he learned of our desire to create a sensory trail at our Sherborn location, Christian rose to the challenge and offered to build the trail himself as a way to fulfill his Eagle Scout Leadership Project.
A sensory riding trailis a rich learning environment of woodland paths that consist of slopes, turns, varied footing, natural sights and sounds, and man-made “sensory experiences.” This environment challenges the riders’ balance, stimulates their senses and encourages them to interact with the world around them. A sensory trail includes themed stopping points along the trail that offer riders the opportunity to see, hear, smell, touch and talk about the items they encounter. While navigating the trail, riders are not only invited to stop and encounter the sensory experiences, they must also concentrate on riding itself:steering the horse, maintaining proper positioning, transitioning into a half-seat when riding up an incline or stepping over logs, and leaning back in the saddle when riding down a hill.These activities address the rider’s balance, visual skills, left/right discrimination and language proficiency. In combination with the sensory experiences, these challenging equestrian components make riding the sensory trail a comprehensive activity.
Christian spent several months planning, measuring and drafting ideas for his project. He made several site visits to the barn and made extensive drawings of his plans for the trail and its multiple sensory stations. He also approached local businesses to solicit donations of materials needed to build the trail. He “broke ground” on the trail in mid-July and by the end of the month it was complete. Christian’s father, Todd, lent a hand clearing the overgrown trail, as did several members of Christian’s Eagle Scout troop.
The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Not more than 5 percent of Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. One of the requirements in earning the Eagle rank is a service project that the
Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project is the opportunity for a Scout to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community.
In addition to thanking Christian, BiNA Farm also wishes to thank the following businesses and individuals who donated materials for the project: Chase Lumber, Walpole Woodworkers, Wills Hardware, Leslie's Pool Supply and McGowan Plumbing
Winter, 2011
Maura Gilbert epitomizes the spirit of kindness and compassion, so on the rare occasion that she cannot make it to the barn to volunteer everyone misses her! For the past seven years she has been an outstanding volunteer and a very important part of our team. On any given day you could spot Maura bringing in horses, grooming and spoiling them. She may be doing barn chores, setting up games for the children or greeting the families at the door. You could find her engaging a child in a conversation while side walking or calming a pony while leading him, but you will always find her smiling :-)
It is also the things that you never see her do that are so vital to our program. Maura will quietly tell the instructor if a student or volunteer may need some special attention that day. Maura sees the world through her heart as well as her eyes. Her love for the children as well as love for nature is always apparent. We really appreciate her help! For all these reasons Maura Gilbert has become our truly amazing and dedicated Volunteer Coordinator.
