ALPACAS HELP REDUCE YOUTH VIOLENCE
By Daryl W. Goodrich, JD
Angel Wood Alpaca Farm, LLC
The Natural Courage With Alpacas program was co-presented by Angel Wood Alpaca Farm, LLC and nonprofit Project U.S.E. Sunday, September 8, 2008 as a pilot program to reduce youth violence. I designed this character building, innovative program as a community service for urban youth to experience overcoming violence causing fear with courage.
Six young girls supervised by the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and three daughters of my friends participated. For security reasons, pictures could not be taken of the DYFS girls. The three daughters were included for pictures and to make the two teams larger.
The program was presented in a pasture of Angel Wood Alpaca Farm. Four alpaca farmers led the teams using four super friendly alpacas.
The program lasted 3 ½ hours. It commenced with the girls coming face-to-face with alpacas. After instruction and practice, they then led alpacas one-on-one through an agility course. Each child was applauded for her successful completion. Braiding belts from silky soft alpaca yarn ended the program. The girls proudly wore their belts home.
The adult leaders and girls unanimously declared it a resounding success. They felt it worthy of repeating for other children!
When the alpacas first approached, the girls became quiet and wore serious faces. Two actually backed away. As the girls petted and hugged the alpacas, though, conversations started and smiles spread across their faces. I was impressed to see the two outwardly apprehensive girls join the others leading alpacas through the agility course. At the end of the day, big smiles captured all faces when “alpaca” was mentioned.
Red Bank, New Jersey is home for Project U.S.E. When I described the program to their Program Director, he was eager to participate. He selected the children and sent two instructors Sunday to build team spirit. We intend to expand this program to serve an even-larger number of urban children with an even-larger number of alpacas and farmer leaders. I would like this program to go national.
“Our many programs help children at risk build character. This alpaca program is innovative and opens new opportunities for the children we serve. We are excited to be part of its debut,” comments Tom Arnold, Program Director of Project U.S.E.
History shows violence is frequently used to resolve differences. Unless somebody intervenes, it will repeat itself causing more and more suffering and the destruction of mankind.
Wall Street and corporate America will never intervene since there is no profit in curing violence. As a retired New Jersey attorney, I am keenly aware our legal system has been unable to stamp out violence. Then, there is the global scene. How is international violence stopped?
I realize I only have meaning and value by virtue of the community in which I exist. I do not survive if society does not survive. Accordingly, I am committed to making a difference. I am passionate about reducing violence!
Violence is an outgrowth of fear. Fear imprisons love allowing violence to thrive. Courage empowers one to walk through fear into the loving arms of success and opportunity for all. Love is more than kindness, sharing, and forgiving. It is the absence of fear!
My wife, Frieda, and I love to take alpacas to 4H and other fairs where people are unfamiliar with them. After watching the unique interaction of children with alpacas, I realized alpacas create the perfect setting to experience the power of courage. They are also the perfect vehicle to build courage from self-confidence and hope.
Alpacas are about as tall as children. Their cashmere like fleece comes in seven natural colors. Each alpaca has a unique appearance and personality.
Large animals can appear intimidating when they approach you. As onlookers are encouraged to touch and experience the huggable, teddy bear like alpaca, they realize the alpaca comes over not to bite their ear off but rather for a hug. Alpacas have a “magic” that grabs your attention and captures your heart!
This alpaca magic builds courage that melts fear away allowing a child’s unconditional love to bond with that of the alpaca. This bond empowers children to comfortably guide an alpaca one-on-one with a lead rope through an agility course. Self-confidence grows into a big smile of accomplishment as they become aware they are no longer a victim of fear.
The Natural Courage With Alpacas program is not about me. It is about children and how Mother Nature’s finest – the alpaca can empower them to resolve differences with love and success for all.