ARMONK, N.Y.- If you told your children there were all kinds of friendly animals for them to play with at school, they might not believe you, but if they did, theyd probably be a little more willing to hop on the bus each morning.
Green Chimneys, a school in Brewster, N.Y., is a non-profit organization that offers programs for children with emotional, behavioral, social and learning challenges in which the children frequently interact with, and provide care for, animals.
Board member Jim Dempsey, who publishes a magazine called The Pet Gazette knows that the nature-based programs at Green Chimneys work by witnessing it first-hand.
Watch a child at the zoo or around dogs and cats, Dempsey said. There is an innate fascination with animals for children. They are part of the natural world around us and children like to discover their world especially when that world is different and fun.
Dempsey met Dr. Sam Ross, founder of Green Chimneys, over a decade ago, which eventually led to his joining the organization as a board member.
My business is publishing a pet magazine which led to my meeting Dr. Ross 13 years ago, Dempsey said. From that, and subsequent meetings, I was able to study what they do for children and when invited to join the board I was honored and flattered.
Dempsey stressed that Green Chimneys is not just a school but also offers a residential treatment center, animal-assisted and nature-based therapeutic programs, as well as community based support for youth and families.
The organization opened in 1947 and in that time, according to Dempsey, its no accident the organization has thrived.
Our students receive individualized academic and therapeutic support; participate in enriching skill-based and recreation programs; have unlimited access to nature and outdoor learning; and above all, they are in a safe, supportive environment where they can learn at an appropriate pace and experience personal success, Dempsey said.
Fellow Armonk board member Richard Priore says he sees dramatic improvement in these very troubled children who have lost direction of their lives and he knows theres a direct correlation to their experience with the animals.
Theres an old saying that I always like to use, idle time is the devils playground, Priore said. I think if you have too much free time, or youre in the wrong hands, you can fall into trouble.
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