Infinity Acres Ranch, a 501(c)3 educational non-profit located in Ridgeway, recently released a sampling of summer activities. The events are open to the community, and aim to raise money for the ranch.
The first is a 5k Ranch Run on May 4. The route loops around the ranch, offering participants interactions and photo ops with animals. Early registration is $25, and registration on the day of the race is $30.
Funds raised through the event will benefit Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch education activities and animal-based assisted therapy.
“We have people dress up as Star Wars and have animals out on the trail, the runners go through the woods, they go through the animal pastures, and you can’t do that anywhere else,” said Laura Steere, who owns and operates the ranch along with her husband, Rick Steere.
An Animal Adventure Camp, for ages six to 17, will be held throughout July, with the first session set for July 8. The program’s cost is $300, but qualified families can sign their children up for free. The day camp offers animal experiences, crafts, and games for children.
A pond concert series also will be offered this year, and the Steeres plan to attend community events, such as the recent Books and Bunnies Easter celebration held at the Smith River Sports Complex. The ranch will also be putting a gem mining truck on the road.
The two also discussed the ENABLE program, which serves adults with intellectual disabilities by allowing them to come work on the ranch each day. Participants use animal husbandry to provide a person-centric approach, and work on their fine motor skills, teamwork, and self-esteem.
The end goal is to enhance participants’ quality of life, Laura Steere said of the daily cheer of ENABLE participants. “At Infinity Acres, with these people, I feel safe, and I feel loved, Team Infinity.”
The couple also talked about the success of the Special Prom. Laura Steere said the crowd at the venue – which was the Virginia Museum of Natural History – was at capacity. She noted several steps were taken to make the event comfortable, such as calming areas for prom attendees and ensuring that the guests of honor were the first to have their choice of food at the event. Volunteers came together to ensure the night went off without a hitch.
The prom “isn’t about our volunteers or chaperones to sit around and have a meal. This is all about our special guests of honor,” Laura Steere said.
The ranch offers programs that specialize in helping adults with disabilities. In addition to the various programs, tours also are available. Ranch hours for schools, organizations, and churches are also available. Infinity Acres also offers mobile exhibits and entertains birthday parties for those looking for an experience that will travel.
Family members and health professionals interested in signing up can do so by calling (276) 358-2378. Transportation will be provided by Infinity Acres Ranch, and the program will be daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The ranch is currently accepting volunteers to help with both the ENABLE program and the care of ranch animals. A volunteer form can be found on the website, and interested parties will need to complete a screening process that includes a background check.
The ranch also hopes to fill three part-time zoo caretaker positions.
Can you tell me more about the mining opportunities for kids?