Animal Advocate Foundations: Intro to 'Learn & Earn' - Kids

Dalby Farm is a 165-year-old, family owned educational farm dedicated to the care and preservation of endangered heritage breeds in Scituate, MA.
Today, the daily care of our animals and land is carried out almost entirely by members of our family. As our farm and our mission continues to grow, we believe the future of Dalby depends on thoughtfully sharing both knowledge and responsibility.

Through our Animal Advocate programs, we aim to educate the community about ethical animal care while creating meaningful opportunities for learning, stewardship and, over time, earning. This approach supports the long-term sustainability of our farm while expanding our ability to educate the next generation of compassionate animal advocates.

INTRO: Animal Advocate Foundations
Only 4 spots available in each group. 1 hour/week.
Ages: Recommended 8 - 12 years (Will work with older kids, please email to discuss!)
Duration: 1 hour per week (w/ optional 30 min. “free time”) | 4 week sessions*
Dress: Please wear seasonally appropriate clothing that can get dirty and please be in boots.

*This is a pre-requisite experience in Dalby Farm’s new Animal Advocate ‘Learn & Earn’ Pathway. *2 sessions / 8 weeks are required in order to be considered to future levels of the apprenticeship program. *

You can sign up for this program even if you don’t anticipate continuing on with a formal apprenticeship. We welcome all who want to broaden their horizons!

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This stage is about exposure, not execution:

• Learn how to be around, interact with and speak to animals (Presence & Respect)

• Observe the ongoing daily/weekly/monthly farm responsibilities (Foundations of Animal Care)

• Understand what advocacy means to endangered heritage farm breeds (Advocacy Basics)

Participants will:

• Experience Dalby’s animal-first philosophy

• Learn why animals aren’t entertainment

• Practice basic safety & presence rules

• Understand what advocacy actually means

• Anticipate what future levels require (reliability, respect, consistency)
  

Completion of this experience will = eligibility, not acceptance- into future levels. Must complete 8 weeks before becoming eligible for advancement. The 2 sessions do NOT need to be consecutive to count but they must be within the same year.

CURRENTLY TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR SPRING 2026
Wednesday afternoons in April & May. Must register by March 20th.

For caregivers convenience, drop off starts at 3:30pm*.
Program starts at 4pm. Pick up is at 5pm.
*Those who are dropped off between 3:30-4pm have “free time” to enjoy the farm.