Volunteer Manual by StorybookFarm22

Volunteer Manual

Table of Contents Welcome Letter

About Storybook Farm

Staff and Leadership Information

Organizational Guiding Principles

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Benefits and Experiential Roles

Programming

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteer Expectations

Volunteer Traditions

Volunteer Records and Experience Documentation

Map of Storybook

Personal and Group Goals

Welcome to Storybook Farm, Volunteers make a direct impact as part of our community united to change childhoods. They play a vital role in helping give kids what they need in life to succeed: confidence, resilience, and independence. You’re part of a fantastic group of college students with diverse backgrounds, heartfelt commitment, and a big desire to help! We’re thankful for you and your eagerness to share the chapters that make up your story. You add to the culture and texture of Storybook Farm making it a unique and special place where childhoods are forever changed. The first years of every child’s life should be filled with opportunities to explore, to wonder, to look ahead, and to feel connected, but for millions of children in the United States these opportunities are replaced with pain, anxiety, sadness, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Without your help many of the children who attend our programs would experience no other type of childhood than one burdened with these hardships. To our kids, you’re a superhero. You’re the cool character they want to be when they grow up. You’re the adventurous ally ready for exploits with Prince Charming and the Mad Hatter. Pretty quickly you’ll find yourself immersed in wonder and whimsy and wish you could be a kid again. When you’re at Storybook, that’s just what we want you to be - a kid, but a responsible one. Please thoroughly read this volunteer manual. It has been prepared to acquaint you with Storybook and provide pertinent information for your role as a volunteer. We like to say there are a lot of moving parts at the Farm. This road map will help ensure you, the kids, and the animals stay safe. Time is one thing we all are given equally each day. We know you have many choices to volunteer your valuable time, so we greatly appreciate that you chose Storybook! See you on the Farm! Dena Little Founder and Executive Director

About Storybook Farm Twenty years ago, we asked the question, “What does it mean to have a high-quality, healthy childhood?” We believe it means there’s time for play, education, friendships, and a gradual discovery of the world. But what happens to children whose childhoods have been marred by hardships, trauma, and tragedy? At Storybook Farm, we’ve studied that question and answered it by developing innovative, evidence-based, and high-impact animal and nature-based programs that strengthen andprotect youth development. We give kids space to be kids again. We provide a wonderland of adventure and learning, and relationships with animals and nature that promote self-esteem and self-confidence. This, in turn, strengthens a child’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. We provide a safety net where they can thrive through hardship, not just survive. From the first day we opened, not a single family has paid (even a penny) to participate. This commitment guarantees that every child has an opportunity to flourish from the power of nature and the human-animal bond, regardless of their age, ability, ethnicity, family background, environment, or circumstance. They also flourish because generous people like you provide their time, expertise, and funding to support this noble mission.

Staff and Leadership Dena Little | Founder and Executive Director Dena manages the mission and vision of the Farm. If you have any questions or need more information about opportunities with animals, fundraising or non-profit work, please contact her via email at dena@hopeonhorseback.org.

Dayna Justice |Program Manager Dayna is your point of contact. If you have any questions or need more information about leadership and internship opportunities or how programming rolls, please contact her via email at dayna@hopeonhorseback.org or phone/text at (334)-734-0343.

Terez Strickland |Farm Manger Terez is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of the Farm including the health and well-being of the horses, maintaining facilities, and managing part-time staff.

Cris Johnsick |Advancement and Event Support Cris is involved in planning, organizing, and executing fundraisers, community outreach programs, and family events along with cultivating and stewarding donors.

Storybook Farm Volunteer Experience Culture Statement Volunteers are the horsepower, equipped and dedicated to changing childhoods. With hard work we will experience the value of service and through teamwork we will grow in compassion and understanding. When you volunteer at Storybook Farm, you’re giving kids one of the greatest gifts of all — your time. Whether you’re spending one-on-one time with the children, assisting on the Farm, or helping out at events, you’re making sure kids feel loved. For that, everyone here at Storybook Farm is incredibly grateful, especially the kids and animals.

Our Staff’s Commitment to You We couldn’t do it without you! We truly appreciate your dedication to the Storybook Family, your service and your heart to help change childhoods!

So, we will: 1. provide you with passion, loads of great information, training and assistance so you can be super successful in your volunteer position 2. provide you with guidance, goals, and feedback 3. respect your skills and individual goals and needs 4. be open-minded and receptive to your comments and suggestions 5. treat you as a valued team member along with staff, equally important in our goal to help children discover compassion, connection, and a sense of belonging

StorybookVolunteer Benefits and Experiential Roles Benefits

Your heart makes the difference. Storybook is the place where you can make childhood better. Your hard work and commitment will help us build capacity and provide invaluable programs and services that meet critical community needs. Volunteering can be an incredible, rewarding, and memorable experience when everyone is working together to achieve the mission. We know you’ll be a superstar, so regardless of what area of programming you volunteer with, you can expect to: • make the world a better place for the children • build meaningful contacts • enrich your academic experience outside the classroom • test career waters • develop a sense of purpose • increase personal awareness • receive academic credit • build your resume with skills and experience • attend special family and donor related events • receive formal and informal recognition from Storybook Farm’s staff throughsocial media shoutouts and “high five” perks • be provided with opportunities to advance into leadership volunteer roles

Experiential Roles Whether you enjoy the spotlight by being a main character or behind the scenes helping everything come together, we’ve got just the spot for you. Storybook Farm offers eight ways to get involved. Your role will be as one or more of the following: 1. Session and Field Trips 2. Animal Care 3. Grounds and Landscape 4. Nonprofit/Administrative 5. Intern 6. Work Group 7. Auburn University’s IMPACT 8. Special Events Volunteer

Session and Field Trip Volunteer • First-timer (new volunteer) True Blue(multiple semester volunteer): You help kids in a one-on-one setting or in a small group as they experience all areas of programming. • Instructor: You are a True Blue Volunteer who has been selected to lead the lesson plans in one of the six areas of programming. • Program Narrator: You’re the wizard behind the curtain keeping all the balls in the air, with the help of the staff, of course.

Animal Care Worker Love animals? Missing your furry friends because your apartment has a no pet policy? You can help care for the stars of the show! A typical volunteer shift working with the animals willinclude responsibilities such as feeding, bathing, walking dogs, grooming, poop scoopin’, and just plain ol’ loving on all the animals. The opportunity to meet your next furry friend might be right here at Storybook Farm!

Grounds and Landscape Worker Do you see grass and want to cut it? See a garden and want to tend to it? Our 51-acres are calling your name. You’ll not only be helping keep the Farm beautiful for aesthetic reasons, but even more importantly, your efforts will ensure the kids and their families can relax and destress.

Nonprofit/Administrative Volunteer In this role, you’ll engage in hands-on philanthropy and have the opportunity to learn about problems faced by members of the community with whom you may otherwise have little or nodirect contact with.

Our Spring, Summer, and Fall Internships allow students to explore career options and develop transferable, career-related skills and knowledge, as well as complement academic studies with first-hand, professional experiences. During an internship, students can: • apply classroom knowledge and learning to a workplace experience • acquire transferable professional skills like communication, teamwork, time management, interpersonal skills, and goal setting • learn directly from experienced professionals • define academic interests and long-term career goals • network and develop professional contacts, mentors, and references

We only select students with a can-do positive attitude who are driven to meet the mission of the Farm, dependable, and compassionate. Could this be you?

Internship An internship at Storybook Farm is an opportunity for college students to have supervised, educational and practical experience in a career field of interest, as well as to expand nonprofit knowledge and build skills. Unlike volunteering or part time jobs, internships include intentional mentoring, networking, and skill development, as well as opportunities to learn more about a specific field. Our Spring, Summer, and Fall Internships allow students to explore career options and develop transferable, career-related skills and knowledge, as well as complement academic studies with first-hand, professional experiences. During an internship, students can: • apply classroom knowledge and learning to a workplace experience • acquire transferable professional skills like communication, teamwork, time management, interpersonal skills, and goal setting • learn directly from experienced professionals • define academic interests and long-term career goals • network and develop professional contacts, mentors, and references We only select students with a can-do positive attitude who are driven to meet the mission of the Farm, dependable, and compassionate. Could this be you?

Work Group Volunteer We can’t do this alone. We are a lean team that relies on “force multipliers” to help accomplish our mission. Great workplaces know that giving back to the community boosts employee morale, deepens a sense of purpose, and fosters workplace pride. Storybook Farm is just the place for great workplaces to give back to the community, boost employee morale, deepen a sense of purpose, and foster workplace pride. Work days occur once per month on pre-designated weekends.

Auburn University’s IMPACT Storybook Farm has been blessed to be a community partner with IMPACT, Auburn University’s largest year-round community service organization, for over a decade. Project Coordinators facilitate groups weekday afternoons during spring and fall semesters.

Special Events Volunteer We love to celebrate at Storybook Farm! Whether it is our signature fundraising event, Kentucky Derby Day, or the Peter Pan event, our participant and family-focused event, we need your help. Consider rolling up your sleeves and joining the fun and festivities!

Storybook Farm Programs We provide six programs that uniquely connect children to experiences that foster confidence, independence, and reintroduce a sense of normalcy to childhood. From painting with pups to riding horses backwards, you will help a child discover and dream.

1. Hope on Horseback What? Based on their ability, physical or emotional challenges, each child is paired with a horse or a pony that is their horseback riding partner for the semester. Kids play games on horseback that aid in the development of fine and gross motor skills, balance, communication, and riding skills. Why? Horses give children a sense of empowerment and confidence that helps them cope with situations in their home life and at school. 2. Horse Sense What? Horse Sense is an unmounted program where children learn how to be safe around a horse, provide care, and experience the unspoken language of trust. Why? Children can make an undeniable connection that leads to responsibility, patience, and understanding.

3. Short Stories What? Short Stories is our mini unmounted program that centers on relationships with our miniature herd of horses and donkeys. Why? Miniature animals remove the intimidation factor, build confidence, and enable children to take control.

4. The Secret Garden What? Horticulture educates children about nutrition, plant life cycles, and the natural world around them. Why? Children love to play in dirt, but they LOVE to feed Prince Charming a carrot grown in the garden! This program encourages patience, fine motor skills, STEM skills, and healthier eating habits.

5. Storybook Tails What?Storybook Tails offers children the chance to confidently read books aloud, try new science experiments, and navigate agility obstacles, dogs in tow. Who doesn’t love snuggling up with their pup and reading a good book? Why? There is a powerful connection made between a child and a canine. Dogs provide children with unconditional love and non-judgmental support.

6. The Discovery Trail What? The Flat Stanley Discovery Trail is designed for kids to safely explore nature, express themselves creatively, and engage their natural inclination for adventure. Why? Spending time in nature has clinically been proven to release stress and anxiety.

Storybook Farm Programs Program: Hope on Horseback The horseback riding program requires as many as three volunteers per child. The responsibilities include being a horse handler, sidewalker, or spotter.

Horse Leader/Handler You must be able to lead and control your assigned horse in all situations inside and outside of the arena. • You must be able to walk and lead a horse in 45 minutes shifts. • You are responsible for bringing your designated horse to and from Paddington Station Arena, untack and groom, and help supervise other volunteer help. In Paddington Station Arena • Enter and exit with your horse from the eastside walkway • Walk your horse to the mounting block area • Tighten the girth, adjust and lower the stirrups • Move reins up neck to ensure they are not in the way • Face the horse while the child is mounting • Most riding sessions are conducted at the walk, but some of the riders will trot, especially towards the end of the semester • At the trot, you will speed up your walk to a slow jog– avoid running • Use voice commands (whoa, walk, trot) to aid in transitions After the Riding Session • Run stirrups up • Exit through the eastside gate • Untack your horse • Put saddle pads in the laundry area and return saddles and bridles to staging area • You should be well versed in the various moods and reactions of horses, especially with the horse currently being used for riding lessons. Any perception of a change in attitude orbehavior of the horse needs to be communicated with the riding instructor or other staff.

Horse Handler

When working with the horses: •Use designated grooming tools stored in the feed room •Always have the halter on while grooming and tacking in stall or in wash bay • Watch for miscellaneous items in the barn and return them to their homes • Ensure that children are not left alone with their horse

Sidewalker • Make sure your rider does not run or shout in the barn and around the riding arena • Wait with your rider while the helmet is fitted and then accompany your rider to their horse or to the arena • Always accompany your rider in the stall for grooming or petting • Do not feed treats to the horses In Paddington Station Arena • Your complete responsibility is to ensure the safety of your rider • Use the “arm over the thigh” hold unless otherwise instructed • Stay beside rider’s knee and do not hold rider around waist • Continually watch to ensure that your rider is balanced in the middle of saddle • If a rider starts to slip to one side, stop the horse and push the rider back • If necessary, change sides one sidewalker at a time - do not leave a child unattended • The left sidewalker is responsible for emergency dismounts • Allow riders time to process directions and then reinforce instructions if the rider seems confused. • Help keep riders focused on lesson plan • If two sidewalkers are present, one should be the “designated talker” to avoid confusion and too much input

Spotters Spotters assist their riders at a close distance. Spotters do not physically hold their riders; instead, they walk within reach and offer assistance when needed. Spotters serve as a friend to the rider and encourage them.

Cheerleaders Cheerleaders stand on the sidelines outside of the arena and root on their rider! This is for advanced riders that can complete horse activities independently.

Arena Assistants Your job is to be another set of eyes and hands for the instructor. You help facilitate games onhorseback and other activities.

Volunteer Expectations Morning / Afternoon Session Day • Please park in the large pasture area in front of the log cabin house • Proceed to the front doors of the Papa Bear Horse Center • In Wonderland, you will find a sign-in sheet, please initial the correct areas and make a nametag • Gather in Wonderland for a team meeting to discuss activities and protocols for the day • Enjoy snacks, drinks, and fellowship with the other volunteers until programming begins • You will meet up with your child or children just outside the Papa Bear Horse Center or in Whoville

Field Trips • Children will arrive by bus, van, or individual transportation • Children are divided into groups depending on the number of participants • Programming is facilitated in stations that the children rotate through • Volunteers are assigned to either an activity or one of the groups of children

How You Represent Storybook Matters As a volunteer, you are the face of all that we represent: our service goals, our values, our passion. Everyone shall abide by and conform to these professional standards: • Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically while in the performance of their volunteer duties • Volunteers shall treat all Storybook Farm employees, volunteers, and community members with respect, courtesy, and dignity • Volunteers shall not discriminate and shall be respectful of ethnic, personal, and cultural differences

Conduct with the Children For the children, Storybook is a fantasy land where they can escape the hardships they face inthe real world. Our intent is to create a warm, encouraging atmosphere for all - families, children, volunteers, interns, staff, and animals. We support a wide variety of kids who have ranging needs and abilities. Please let us know if there is a particular group or age range that you feel the most comfortable with or that you feeluncomfortable with. We want to make sure that you are able to form a connection with the kids

you are helping. If you have experience or knowledge about working with a specific population of children, please let us know that as well. Monkey see, monkey do! Remember that children watch your behavior and mannerisms and will try to mimic them on and off the Farm. The children and animals can pick up on negativity and that’s the last thing we want. Be yourself, be unique, but also be aware.

Child Safety Child safety is our top priority. Some children may be nervous around animals or they may think that our big horse, Prince Charming, is like their little dog Toto and treat him as such. Like animals, children can be unpredictable. Make sure you CLEARLY state what the children are expected to do and HOW to do it. Be explicit in your directions: for example, instead of “feed Tom Sawyer a treat” maybe say “when you give Tom Sawyer a treat, make sure you hold your hand flat like this (demonstrate). Now you try!” Many of the kids that come through have never been to a farm and it is safe to assume that they do not know how to act until you teach them. Be aware at ALL times of the children you are responsible for. We want the children to have funat Storybook, but we also want to keep them safe. Let’s set them up for success by teaching them our procedures before doing anything else.

Horse Safety Without the animals, Storybook Farm would not exist. But not everyone is familiar with large animals so here are some tips. • To maintain safety around horses, be aware of their multiple blind spots especially around the rear of the horse. Always make sure the horse knows where you are by speaking to it or keeping a hand on its body as you move around it. Because of the horse’s restrictive vision, it’s up to you to ensure the horse is aware of you. • The safest way to approach a horse is at an angle from the side where they can clearly see you. • Never stand directly in front of a horse or behind a horse. • Watch for warning signs. One of the clearest signs that a horse is upset is when they lay their ears flat on their head. This is known as pinning their ears. • Avoid surprises. A few examples are running, loud or strange noises, foreign objects like plastic bags, unexpected physical contact, things that resemble snakes, and the wind. • When leading your horse always use the lead rope which is attached to the horse’s halter and never grasp the actual halter. The lead rope gives you room to move if your horse becomes startled.

• Never wrap the lead rope or anything else attached to your horse around your hand or any part of your body. Consider the size and strength of your horse and avoid anything that could lead to them pulling, dragging, or kicking you. • When you are feeding your horse a treat, always put the treat in the palm of your hand and keep your hand flat. • Always turn your horse so that they are facing towards the gate or door before turning them loose. • A great way to tell what a horse is feeling is to notice the expression in their eyes. If a horse is nervous, they’ll be wide-eyed. If a horse is calm and relaxed, their eyes may be half- closed. • Stay calm horses pick up on emotions like fear and anxiety • Stay out of tight spaces • Close gates behind you • Follow proper distance between horses when leading them. If you are uncomfortable, inexperienced in a particular area/task, or have questions, PLEASE ask for help before proceeding. Just like children, animals can be unpredictable! Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Problem Solving Procedure While working at Storybook, you will interact with many different people...therefore many different personalities. We understand that not all personalities match and sometimes conflict may arise. At Storybook, we want there to be a positive atmosphere all around - the kids and the animals will pick up any negativity and take it on themselves. Here are a couple things to remeber to mitigate any problems: • Do have an upbeat attitude like Paddington Bear. • Don’t be the Evil Step Sisters - include everyone and try not to isolate others. • Do give others a chance and have an open mind like Pollyanna. • Don’t be a negative nelly like Eeyore. Here are a few dos/don’ts for problem solving: • Do try to work things out first. Maturely express your feelings and listen to what the other person has to say. You don’t have to become Anne Shirley and Diana Barry, but at least have a pleasant co-volunteer relationship. •Don’t run away from the problem like Daisy Buchannon. •Do notify SBF Staff if someone is being a Draco Malfoy even after trying to work things out. •Don’t be like Emma Woodhouse and go behind the other person’s back and gossip.

Volunteer Traditions Attendance

Storybook Farm maintains records on each volunteer throughout the semester. Records include dates of volunteer service, positions held, duties performed, evaluation of volunteer performance, training attended and awards/recognitions received. Volunteer attendance is important to the execution of each of our programs. All volunteer hours are pre-arranged for a specific day and time. You are critical to the kids’ success and they rely on you to help them during their experiences at the Farm. Volunteers should notify the Coordinator within 24 hours if you are unable to be present on your scheduled day. Bonjour! Hola! Hello! Google Classroom is our platform of communication for volunteers and the SBF Volunteer Coordinator. Please download the app and check Google Classroom regularly for updates, scheduling information, and weekly lesson plans. If you are not in the Google Classroom chat, ask a staff member for more info.

Recording Volunteer Hours

Individual volunteers are responsible for the accurate completion of timesheets. If you require confirmation of your service hours, please submit paperwork at least a week prior to when it’s due.

Tardiness

The team meeting will start 5 minutes after the designated start time for volunteer arrival. If you are more than 5 minutes late, you will wait outside Wonderland doors and meet with the Coordinator separately. If you know that you will be late, please notify the Coordinator immediately. It is important to be on time to receive your duties for the day and prepare for programming. If you are a chronically tardy, there will be consequences.

Confidentiality

Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary and privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this informationinvolves staff, volunteer, family or other persons involved in Storybook Farm business overall. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with Storybook Farm.

Cell Phone Use The kids are your main priority. For safety concerns and courtesy, please refrain from using your cell phone and smartwatch during programming. You may choose to leave your cell phone in your car or the Whoville closet.

Media Conduct But first, lemme take a selfie... wait! Please note that some of our children cannot have theirphotograph taken for safety and personal reasons. Our marketing team will capture content for digital and print materials. If you would like to obtain any photographs taken of you or others, please contact a SBF Staff member to arrange the details. Any photos accessible on our website or social media accounts are approved for personal use and may be shared or reproduced.

Dress Code Volunteers are representatives of Storybook Farm and are responsible for presenting a positive image to families, donors and the community. Everyone should dress appropriately for weather conditions and performance of duties. They should wear a name tag (provided by Storybook Farm) at all times. Volunteer attire depends on the climate, but the general rule is neat, clean, and workmanlike. Shoes must be comfortable and safe with closed toes - no high heels or sandals. Please wear your Storybook Farm t-shirt during programming.

Parking Please park in the front of the property. You should see other cars parked - just follow their lead and make sure the driveway is not blocked. Please do not be Lightning McQueen when pulling in/out of the driveway!

Weather In the case of expected bad weather, we will inform the volunteers of cancellation via a Google Classroom Announcement. If it is just rain, we will continue to have programming like normal-we will just move the activities inside and it will end earlier than scheduled. No horseback riding will take place on the days when it is raining. For hot weather, we will try to have programming take place in as much shade as possible. For cold weather, we will move as many activities as we can indoors. We have to take into consideration the wind speed on horseback riding days. Horses can adversely react to the wind, therefore if it is too windy we will not be able to horseback ride; We will still have programming and continue with regularly scheduled activities.

Volunteer Records and Experience Documentation We would love to write recommendation letters for those that have completed at least two full semesters of volunteering. Please also give us a minimum of two weeks notice before the documentation is needed. When asking for a letter of recommendation, please provide the following documents: • Company/school/reason for the request (ex: grad school at Auburn or a specific scholarship) • Resumé/CV • Academic Transcript (a screenshot of the unofficial transcript is acceptable) • A list of clubs or extracurriculars you are involved in • Your goal for the future (ex: become a vet tech)

Aerial View of Storybook Farm

Name:

My Goals Personally What would you like to learn?

After you stop volunteering, what would you like to be able to share with others that you contributed to the kids?

What’s one or two of your “super skills” or talents, or areas of experience that you’re excited to put to use as you volunteer?

As a Group

By the end of the semester, I hope we have achieved: