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The Educational Farm in Moshav Avne-Etan in the Golan Heights was originally started as a therapeutic farm. All staff members completed zootherapy studies in different education facilities throughout the country.

 

After seeing the success in this field and understanding the large potential to be realized from the connection between people and animals, the farm broadened its activity to include tourists as well as organized groups.

 

The theme of the farm is: Understanding Others and Accepting Those Who Are Different  and all of the activities here are based on this phrase.  The purpose of our facility is to look at ourselves from a different point of view, and to understand human behavior through hands-on work and interaction with the farm animals.

 

Understanding that animals have different emotions, feelings and logic, then we do is simple to comprehend. Accepting our fellow man and his different emotions, feelings and logic is more difficult.

This is exactly the point where the farm's activity is targeted – focusing on the inter-action between man to animal and between man to man.

 

How does it work?

 

The farm has farm animals only.  Visitors are divided into small groups of up to 15 individuals.  Each group is accompanied by a guide.

 

The groups get different tasks including: leading and feeding the sheep, goats, cows, weighing the lambs, horse back riding and more.

In order to succeed the visitors need to understand the character of each animal, to see the world through its eyes and to build a strategy of carrying out the tasks. The activity is conducted in relation to sub-themes including leadership, teamwork, social-status and more.

 

During the activities the group members alternate so each participant has the opportunity to complete two to three different tasks with different animals.  At the end of the activity all groups come together to analyze the experience, compare to human behavior, and form conclusions.

 

The farm activity is suitable for all groups, types and ages. The activities are tailored specially for each group according to its individual character, abilities, and needs. 

 

 

 

 

The available activities at the farm:

 

1. Permanent schedule - a weekly activity two hours long. Designed for schools and other organizations.   

 

2. Activities for organized groups – a one time activity for high schools and elementary schools, soldiers, organizations and     various bodies..

          Full activity - three hours. Up to 100 people.    

          Short activity – 1.5 hours.  Up to 150 people.          

 

3. Special-Needs groups

The farm is completely designed for special-needs groups.  The Educational Farm is one of the few places were special needs individuals can experience active interaction with animals and carry out the same tasks as any other person. This program is specifically made for each group.

 

4. Who is the animal in you?

A workshop with a different way to see ourselves.  A full day, including lunch. Up to 20 people.

 

5. In the Ways of Our Fathers -

A program for the religious/hareidi sector. Similar to the regular    activity but based on subjects taken from the torah or mitzvoth. For example, Tahara Signs (Animals permitted for food), Yakov's flocks, deepening knowledge of animals for better Torah understanding, etc.

 

6.  Family visit-

Open visit. Directly interacting with the animals by feeding, milking, pony riding, guided explanations and workshops.

Available only during holidays and must be reserved in advance.

 

For each of the above programs there is the option of an Israeli meal- making pitot with olive oil, zatar and vegetables.

 

The farm is closed on Shabbat and Jewish holy days.

 

A pleasant and educational experience is guaranteed.