Teens and Adults
At EquiCenter, magic isn’t only for kids. Our natural setting and nature-based therapeutic programming offer teens and adults—individually and in groups—programming options that teach individual responsibility, relationship, and communication skills and foster an appreciation for teamwork, self-discipline, and trust. Through our carefully developed activities, teens and adults help care for plants, produce, and horses who are, in turn, caring for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and first responders.
Equine-Assisted Learning
The goal of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is for students to take their experiential learning—building relationships with horses through hands-on, unmounted activities—and transfer it in practical ways to their everyday lives. People learn through relationships, observation, and feedback. Horses provide all three in an authentic way.
Summer Program
Equicenter’s Summer Program offers a dynamic weekly experience for youth 5+, combining hands-on horse activities, nature-based learning, and horticulture, all while fostering social and emotional growth. With sensory areas for regulation and flexible classroom activities, it’s the perfect way to gain horse knowledge and enjoy the outdoors this summer.
Social Squad
Social Squad is an inclusive social development program for young adults ages 18+ of all abilities. Through structured, themed classes, participants build interpersonal and life skills in a supportive peer environment. Each class focuses on specific social skills—such as communication, problem-solving, perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and building healthy relationships—through guided activities and discussion.
The program emphasizes real-world application, helping participants practice self-advocacy, navigate differences, and develop meaningful friendships. Many sessions include shared meals and refreshments to create a relaxed, community-centered setting that encourages authentic social interaction and skill-building.
Social Squad Cooking
Social Squad Cooking is a hands-on extension of the Social Squad program that combines social development with practical kitchen skills. Designed for young adults ages 18+ of all abilities, these themed classes focus on healthy food choices while teaching basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and meal preparation.
Participants work together to follow recipes, communicate, and problem-solve as a team. Preparing and sharing meals helps build confidence in the kitchen while strengthening social skills such as cooperation, patience, and respectful interaction.
Seasonal Horticultural Learning
The changing seasons brings opportunities for unique and changing programming:
Maple syrup production—Harvesting the natural sweetener produced by maple trees is a great way to learn about forest ecology, indigenous foodways, and modern syrup production. Through nature walks in our maple forest and demonstrations of tapping, boiling, and candy making, participants gain practical knowledge while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of outdoor programming.
Bees and Honey—Without pollinators, we couldn’t grow food and our ecosystem would be paralyzed. Honeybees are one of many pollinators that help our Farm thrive. By partnering with these incredible insects, we can learn about their essential function, share in their delicious honey, and learn about the history and science of beekeeping.
Food preservation—This six-part series offers hands-on workshops in food preservation, teaching participants diverse methods to extend the life of fresh ingredients. Topics include making fire cider, drying and freezing herbs, pickling, fermenting, and both water bath and pressure canning. Participants take home the preserves they make.
Farm & Garden Design—Participants learn to select and set up an at-home growing space of any size in this 3-part workshop series.
In Part 1: Site Selection, we'll focus on all the things to consider when picking out the location of your new growing space. In Part 2: Plant Selection, we'll cover considerations for selecting plants that will thrive in your unique growing space. And in Part 3: Design & Layout, we'll introduce design theories and layout practices that can be used to maximize your growing space.