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 OASIS evolved in 1997 when trustees of Connie Maxwell studied the farm’s land usage with an aim of good stewardship. Research validates the positive role of animals in child development. The incidental learning associated with caring for animals and working with what the soil can produce is significant. The inherent value is both therapeutic and practical in nature.
Children need positive outlets where their time and energies can be constructively engaged. When such outlets are available, there is less need for clinical responses to behaviors and less room for boredom. A young person’s self esteem is enhanced when they believe they do something well and that something or someone is depending on them.
With a program as Oasis, Connie Maxwell has several things going for it: 1) it believes in making good things happen for children; 2) it has ample acres of farm land; 3) it has a broad and lengthy experience in raising animals and growing crops; and 4) it has an excellent working relationship with the community and local school systems, essential attributes for making the “community element” of Oasis work.
Oasis capitalizes on these positives. It is small enough to be manageable but large enough to accomplish its purpose. Focusing on animals and special crop productions, its scope has something for each age group and appeals to both boys and girls. Under able and creative adult leadership, young people have major involvement in planning and executing the animal/agriculture program. Several “out-of-the-ordinary” features should increase interest and enlarge the appeal to students and the community.
With its emphasis on learning and fun, school classes make regular treks to the farm to observe first hand dimensions of the program which relate to their studies. Imagine the pride generated in a Connie Maxwell student who shows a group of school peers a program that is successful because of his or her input and effort. Oasis is a dynamic effort that will evolve and change.
Contact Brad Martin: OASIS Farm Program
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