New home school program is big hit

What began as an idea to give local home school students an opportunity to learn outside a traditional classroom has quickly grown into a greater community effort at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds.

Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds owner Melissa Steward said she initially hoped about 30 children might be interested in participating in hands-on activities at the grounds. Within just two days of posting an interest form, more than 250 families representing more than 600 kids responded.

“We knew there were home school families in our area looking for different opportunities but I never expected this kind of response,” said Steward. “It showed us very quickly there’s a real need for places where these kids can learn hands-on, get outside, socialize and experience things they may not otherwise have access to.”

Barn Basics: learning by doing

The first program developed from that response was Level 1: Barn Basics, a small pilot class for home school students ages 9–17. The first sessions began Sept. 8 and filled to capacity shortly after registration opened.

“Barn Basics introduces students to the everyday responsibilities that come with caring for horses and maintaining a working barn,” Steward said. “Students don’t simply hear about the work — they participate in it.”

Students meet the horses at the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds while learning basic horse terminology, breeds and colors, barn and horse safety, feeding and watering routines, stall cleaning, horse behavior and the importance of respecting each horse’s individual personality and boundaries.

They put those lessons into practice by helping with actual morning barn duties including feeding, checking water and cleaning stalls. The program combines workbook-style learning with demonstrations, conversation and hands-on experience.

“Our number one rule is respect the horse,” Steward said.

“Being around horses is a privilege but it also comes with responsibility. I want the kids to understand these animals depend on us every single day. They get to learn it, see it and then actually do the work.”

Barn Basics is currently limited to ages 9–17 with intentionally small groups for safety reasons.

Homeschool Roundups

With hundreds of younger children and additional families asking to participate, Steward said, the grounds also created the Homeschool Roundup open to ages 4–17.

“Unlike Barn Basics, the Roundups are not classes. They are designed around fun, friendship and community, giving home school students an opportunity to get outside and socialize through Western-themed games and activities inside the rodeo arena.”

Children are separated into age-appropriate groups and participate in games, races, relays and other activities designed to keep them moving, interacting and having fun.

The first Homeschool Roundup was set for Sept. 25 from 10 –11:30 a.m. A second Roundup was scheduled for Oct. 11 from 10–11:30 a.m. as a special pre-party leading up to the 2nd Annual Harvest Rodeo on Oct. 17.

Preserving western culture

The larger vision is to use the Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds for more than rodeo events, Steward explained. She hopes the home school program will introduce more children to Western culture, the history of the rodeo grounds, agriculture, animals, responsibility and skills that are difficult to experience inside a traditional classroom.

Not every child has the opportunity to own a horse, she added. The cost, space and time involved can make horse ownership impossible for many families. The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds already has the facility, animals and environment to give children a chance to experience that world firsthand.

“Our horses all have their own personalities and the kids connect with them,” Steward said.

“There is something special about getting kids outside, away from a screen, working with their hands and being around animals. They may come here because they think horses are fun, but along the way they’re learning responsibility, confidence, patience and respect.”

The program also provides something equally important for home school families: community.

While children meet and interact with other students their own age, parents have an opportunity to connect with other home school parents in the area.

“Homeschooling has become incredibly popular but that doesn’t mean families should have to do everything alone,” Steward said. “If we have a facility that can bring these kids and parents together, teach them something new and give them some great memories, I want to find a way to use it.”

Community support is needed

Steward said she is currently donating her time to develop and lead the program with the goal of keeping these opportunities free for home school students. But the rapid growth has created a need for additional volunteers, equipment and supplies.

The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds is seeking community volunteers who can help organize activities, supervise groups and assist with future home school programs. An Amazon Wish List has also been created for those who would like to donate games, educational materials and supplies directly to the program.

“We have the facility. We have people who want to help. And we definitely have the kids who want to participate,” Steward said. “What we don’t have is a large budget behind this. If our community gets behind it, I think we can create some really special opportunities for these kids and keep them free.”

For Steward, the goal remains simple: give children an opportunity.

“I don’t know exactly how big this will become yet,” she said. “We’re starting small, learning as we go and listening to our families. I just want kids to have a chance to try something different, learn something new, make friends and make memories. If we can introduce another generation to the Western way of life while doing that, even better.”

The Coarsegold Rodeo Grounds is committed to preserving and sharing Western heritage while creating opportunities that bring families and the community together.

Through rodeos, youth programs, community events and hands-on experiences, the grounds continue working to introduce the next generation to Western traditions while creating a place for families to gather, learn and make memories.

Learn more at www.coarsegoldrodeogrounds.com

Homeschool Roundup Registration: form.jotform.com/262446267632057

Amazon Wish List: ref_=wl_share" class="autohyperlink">www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31R26YVS82L0C?ref_=wl_share