FARM

For many years, Southern Christian Children’s Home has owned 200 acres of land, including a 7-acre pond, in Solgohachia, which is located just outside of Morrilton. It’s here that children learn about nature and animals, as well as chores and dependability, with our H.O.P.E. Academy (Helping Others Prosper Everyday)/Alternative Learning program.

There have been a variety of animals raised on the SCCH Farm over the years, from llamas to chickens. Currently, SCCH has ducks, chickens, cows, dogs, and horses on our land. We’re also preparing for the children to raise rabbits, goats, and lambs throughout 2022.

The children raise chickens as part of the small animal program at the farm. As a new learning experience this year, the chicken eggs will be incubated. This is just one of the ways the farm offers opportunities for knowledge and discovery.

Seventeen-year-old Zavier is responsible for feeding the chickens, gathering, and cleaning eggs. He especially loves his one-footed chicken.  Zavier says that learning to care for the chickens has taught him to care for others as well.

Goats may be a lot of work, but our children consistently request to take care of these animals. An afternoon in the sunshine surrounded by playful goats is time well spent in the eyes of young people. It’s also a chance to learn patience and gentleness as they trim the goats’ fur for the county fair and periodically clean the pens.

Many of our gracious SCCH supporters have helped add rabbits to our list of small animals at the farm. These cuddly and furry animals will be raised to show at the County Fair. We have Rexes and New Zealand breeds, and they instantly make friends with our children.

SCCH owns over 30 cows and 2 Gelbvieh bulls. Through our cattle operation, we’re able to educate children on campus about responsibility and dedication, and we have fresh beef year-round.

Many of our horses, though older, are instrumental in productive individual and group therapy sessions and equine education. We have Ellie, the newest member of the equine family, who’s friendly and sweet. The children adore this horse. And there’s also Bill, our smallest horse, who has a big personality! He loves attention and is full of energy.

“Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane? Do you make him leap like the locust?” Job 39:19-20a

Before summertime, children are encouraged to choose an animal that they will raise, care for, and show at the Conway County Fair.
Their personalities shine through with their selections.

This year, the children have selected lambs, poultry, rabbits, and dairy goats as their projects to take to the fair. During the summer, they will have a goal to work towards, and the chores involved will be beneficial to their development and ability to meet challenges as a worker and as an individual.