ANIMALS AT HIGH MEADOWS

Before High Meadows was a school and camp, we were a farm. The Franklin farm housed horses, cows, pigs, and chickens in addition to other farm animals. When the school was established in 1973, the founders decided to keep the “farm” as a part of the program. They felt it was important to teach children the significance of farm life and the history it played in early America. Children learn that wool comes from sheep and goats; that these items in turn become our clothing, bedding and important household items. They see that eggs are laid by the chickens, are collected and used in cooking, and not just purchased in a grocery store. They learn how to be safe around large heavy animals when they brush and groom the ponies and come to pony rides. They learn that kind, respectful behavior earns them trust and calm behavior from the animals.

Animal areas at High Meadows present a picture of what a typical farm might be like. The animals are treated with kindness and respect. They are well taken care of, receiving regular shots, wormings and veterinarian care. Their health and well being is of utmost importance, and they are not treated as pets. Our farm animals are not like dogs and cats, nor should human characteristics be attached to them. They acclimate to the changing weather, and our relatively mild Georgia climate is comfortable for them.