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Youth Programs

Return to Freedom conducts group programs specially designed for children, teens and youth at risk.

A large part of Return to Freedom's educational efforts focus on programs for young people. They are our future and they deserve our best.

We work with a variety of youth groups and organizations to create experiences that can last a life time. Specialized programs have been developed for youth at risk and victims of domestic violence as well as programs that focus on the arts and creative expression.

Our dedicated team can assist you to develop unique programs that are specially tailored to meet the special needs and objectives of your group.

Each program focuses on the natural order of communication and social structure. These are powerful tools that demonstrate the qualities of leadership, integrity, trust and community that can form effortlessly within any society.

Children's Sanctuary Tours:

Experience a vital link to our living history: America’s wild horses! Learn about the origins of the horse in America, how they shaped American cultures, what they face in the world today and what kids can do to help them. Through stories, games, and interactions with Return to Freedom's horses, these tours will focus on herd behavior and general horse knowledge. A visit with "Spirit," the horse who inspired the Dream Works animated movie, is included. Light refreshments will be provided before and after the tour. Suggested minimum donation $25 per adult, $10 for children under 12. 10am-12pm Please check our calendar for dates and times.

Youth Month:

August is Youth Month! All of our programs, tours, and clinics will be geared specifically towards children. We will also have a youth volunteer day where young people can lend a hand on projects around the ranch. On this day, kids will work during the day, get a special tour of the wild horse sanctuary in the evening, then camp overnight at the wild horse sanctuary! The next morning we will interact with a few special horses at Return to Freedom, and express our creativity, by painting ponies with non-toxic paints. Tours are a suggested donation of $20/adult, $10/child. Please check our calendar for dates and times.

Kid's Day at the Ranch:

Come along with your kids to help out for a day. Learn about what it takes to run a wild horse sanctuary: feeding, manure scooping, herd observation, feeding rescued pot-belly pigs, groom a tame burro, and more. Light refreshments and snacks will be served, please pack a lunch for you and your children.  Recommended for children ages 6-16. This program sells out every year, so sign up in advance. Recommended donation $45 per child/adult pair, $15 for each additional child (a friend or a sibling) 10am-3pm 

Youth Volunteer Work Weekends:

Join the staff at RTF as we push up our sleeves and tackle various projects around the ranch. Arrive early Saturday morning. We'll work all day, set up camp in the afternoon, and go for a hike into the hills to visit the herds in the evening. When the sun sets, we'll share stories and dinner around the campfire. Sunday morning, participants break down camp and head back home. Please check our calendar for dates and times.

Programs for Youth at Risk

Many of the young people that come to Return to freedom live in the inner city, far from the joys of open spaces and green grass. By interacting with horses and with one another in a natural environment, young people learn compassion and stewardship for all living creatures that share our precious planet.

Programs for Creative Expression

Other programs, developed in conjunction with our advisory board and partners, involve creative learning tools that include visual and performing arts. Young people from a variety of different cultures are invited to the American Wild Horse Sanctuary for one-day and weekend retreats. Through the day, the youth are taught leadership skills, while using art and music to empower their experience and positive expression.

To Set Up a Program

To design a program or retreat for the young people that you work with, please contact us. We'll be happy to hear from you.

Our Partners

Return to Freedom is proud to have provided programs for a variety of organizations such as

Our Youth Program Advisors

We invite you to meet the dedicated team of men and women who facilitate the youth programs at Return to Freedom.

Diana DeMayo
Diana received a B.F.A. in Drama from the North Carolina School of the Arts. She has been a youth counselor and taught dance and drama at Wesleyan University's Center for Creative Youth Program (CT), and a founding member of the Mojo Ensemble (Los Angeles). Diana is spearheading the Return to Freedom Youth program, where youth from all backgrounds can experience and embrace their own creativity through the arts and nature.

Clifford Berrien Music Teacher

Clifford is currently completing his degree in Music therapy from the University of Arizona. Following his early studies in trumpet and bass, he went on to learn percussion from master African drummer Tony Duncansen. Clifford has enjoyed a playing career that has included jazz, reggae, rock, latin and world music. He is happy to share his talents and experiences with the Return to Freedom Youth Program.

Dannielle Isabelle Berrien Counselor
Dannielle received her degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Vermont. She is currently completing her Master degree in counseling from the University of Arizona. Danielle's experience began with her work in the Peace Corps.

Annette Romano Drama and Yoga Instructor
Annette Romano began teaching drama/writing classes to teenagers in the fall of 2000, serving a year-long artist-in-residency at the Street Kids' School at the Orion Center in Seattle. She currently teaches yoga to people of all ages and backgrounds, and has created and maintains a highly successful teen yoga program at Seattle's Juvenile Detention Center. Annette attended North Carolina School of the Arts, and the University of Washington. Her dream is to work with youth, particularly the disadvantaged, and to help them discover their unique voices.