After School Learning Programs
Coming Soon!

A Place Where Kids Learn Through Connection—with Animals, Nature, and Themselves. At Buckeye Ridge Rescue & Retreat, our after-school program goes beyond homework help or screen time.

We offer an immersive, nature-based experience designed to inspire curiosity, responsibility, and emotional growth—by pairing children with rescued animals, creative projects, and real farm life.

Whether your child needs extra support, a safe place to unwind, or an opportunity to build confidence and compassion, we’ve created a program that welcomes every kind of learner—especially those who thrive outside the box.

What Makes This Program Different?

our program is rooted in

• Hands-on animal interaction with dogs, goats, mini horses, chickens, and more
• Creative learning through nature-based art, gardening, and storytelling
• Emotional intelligence building, teamwork, and sensory support
• Real-life responsibility in a safe, encouraging environment

Each day offers structure with flexibility, routine with freedom, and guidance without pressure.

Ideal For:

• Neurodivergent kids who thrive with movement, animals, or outdoor learning

• Students needing a calm and creative space after a long school day

• Kids building social skills, confidence, or responsibility

• Families looking for a values-based alternative to traditional after-school care

Schedule:

3:30 PM – Arrival, snack time, and outdoor transition walk

4:00 PM – Animal care rotation (feeding, grooming, barn tasks, enrichment games)

4:30 PM – Nature-based learning activity (art, journaling, planting, or animal-assisted reading time)

5:15 PM – Mindfulness moment: yoga, story circle, or quiet time with animals

5:45 PM – Wrap-up, reflection, and optional take-home project or journal entry

6:00 PM – Pick-up

This is a positive impact that most people do not realize and something you don’t get from medication. This makes the Pines a unique and valuable option for healing. Engagement with our carefully screened and trained animals help individuals address emotional and behavioral challenges through carefully planned and implemented activities.

Our animal assisted activities provide opportunities for recreational, motivational, educational and therapeutic benefits that aid in healing and enhancing the quality of life. Our programs are designed to help participants learn healthy and appropriate communication and problem-solving skills to enhance their everyday lives