Youth who are showing signs of problematic behavior can engage in character building and experiential exercises.
Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield has announced today that her department’s Equestrian Mentoring Program is accepting interested participants.
“The Equestrian Mentoring Program offers youth who are showing signs of problematic behavior an opportunity to actively engage in character building and experiential exercises designed to empower them to make positive and healthy life choices,” Stanfield said.
The program has two components.
The first component includes a Saturday orientation held on Sept. 29 at the County Court Complex, 49 Rancocas Road, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The second component is a 10-week Equestrian Facilitated Program that meets on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. starting Oct. 4 through Dec. 13 (except Thanksgiving) at Gleneayre Farms in Lumberton Township.
The program concludes with a graduation celebration.
“The orientation consists of tours to the Burlington County Jail, a presentation by a former gang member turned professional boxer and interaction with our officers,” Stanfield said. “While students will not come into direct contact with inmates, they will experience firsthand what life is like in a correctional institution and this is an excellent opportunity for them to work closely with our officers.”
The program targets youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age. Youth may be referred by parents, chaplains, educators, youth service programs and local police departments. This program is for students who will benefit from long-term mentoring. This is not a riding program. Students are outside at times and need to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes or boots.
“The equestrian facilitated program at Gleneayre Farms uses horses and hands-on activities to teach students lessons about truthfulness, integrity, anger management and other topics that will help them develop essential life skills,” Stanfield said.
This is a free program is provided by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department through grant funding. For additional information, call (609) 845–2829.
To refer a student, complete the Equestrian Mentoring Program referral form at the following link http://nj-burlingtoncounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5897.
Forms can be returned to: Roxana Rivera, Burlington County Sheriff’s Department, PO Box 6000, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.
