a Typical Day at the Farm

Consists of residents rising at 6:30 AM for daily devotions. Living quarters are then cleaned and inspected. A quarter mile walk to the cafeteria on the school campus for breakfast begins at 7:30 AM. School begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:00 PM. At this time, depending on the particular day, residents could participate in a number of different activities. After school, an average day consists of quiet time; an hour or so of work detail; an hour or so of recreation; and then dinner. After dinner, depending on the day, any number of therapeutic, instructional, spiritual, educational, or wholesome experiential activities could be engaged in. Devotions are given before bedtime, then lights out at 10:00 PM. But, whatever settings the kids are in, wholesome interaction with Godly attitudes are modeled by spiritually mature staff and counselors. This is true discipleship.

A Typical Weekend at the Farm

Weekends consist of a morning of work detail on Saturday. The afternoon could host any number of activities–on/or off campus. Sporting events, music, field trips, swimming, fishing, movies, or simply hanging out and enjoying good conversation, are just a few of the things the kids can do Sunday is for Church, rest, and relaxation; yet, counselors are always eager to engage in helping any teen with anything from their spiritual life to homework.

Recreations at the Farm

In today’s secularized society, stressing to our teens the importance of finding the sacred in the secular is paramount. Where the sacred can not be found in the secular, our teens are encouraged to bring the sacred to the secular (Mark 16: 15). Mission Motorsports is just one of many healthy activities in which teens can involve themselves to bring a Godly influence to a social event. For some of the kids, being involved in a real competitive auto racing team provides wholesome excitement that yields many hidden benefits. And, since there are grade requirements in order to participate, incentives to excel in academics are given to those residents who desire to be involved.

The Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding Program allows teens to volunteer their free time to work with other children with physical and emotional disabilities during the weekly Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions. This offers our teens another opportunity to give of themselves.

Ultimate Frisbee seems to be the game of choice these days for both the teens and staff. It is great fun for boys and girls, and offers opportunity for good exercise and team cooperation. Teens participate in this group activity both on and off campus (when the teens have earned the privilege to leave camp, of course).

Our girls love all kinds of creative craft activities, such as designing and making items to sell at local fair booths, and special gifts for parents and family members for birthdays and holiday presents. This teaches the value of giving of one’s time instead of money. There just seems to be something special about a handmade gift.

And, of course, everyone gets into a good game of basketball, touch football, and other popular sports. Both the boys and girls love to spend extra time at the barn, helping out and working with their favorite horse.

Another option is our student newspaper, “The Sheep’s Pen”, which the teens design and publish as a group. This gives them another sense of ownership, which helps build their sense of community and self-worth.

Shepherd’s Hill Farm • (706) 779-5766 • Fax (706) 779-5736 • 2200 Price Road, Martin, GA 30557
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