Event: Pumpkin Patch
Date: October 19, 2024
Location: Animal Assisted Happiness, Sunnyvale, CA
Population Served: Foster youth ages 3+
This past Saturday, October 19, our foster youth celebrated the fall season at our Pumpkin Patch event at Animal Assisted Happiness. With the sun out, leaves falling and furry animals in sight, our event was full of fall fun!
Upon arrival, our youth were welcomed with bags filled with goodies and a map highlighting all of the pumpkin-themed activity stations throughout the area. Popular stations included pumpkin bowling, carving and painting. We also had other stations, such as a corn pit for youth to play in, a fall-themed photo booth, beaded pumpkin crafts, face paintings and many other games and activities.
In addition to enjoying all of the arts and crafts stations, our youth had the chance to interact with many adorable animals—petting guinea pigs and bunnies and even saying hello to goats. After enjoying the stations of activities, the Sunnyvale Library treated our youth to a cozy storytime as they cuddled with guinea pigs.
As our day came to a close it was time for lunch. Our youth refueled with whole grain sandwiches, wraps, veggie stick chips and fruits.
Events like these provide our foster youth with enriching experiences that contribute to their emotional and social development and create positive childhood memories. Interacting with animals, nature, arts and crafts and the community around them can reduce stress, improve mood, and build confidence. These positive interactions are essential in nurturing our youth’s resilience and self-esteem.
We extend our gratitude to Animal Assisted Happiness, Sunnyvale Library, staff and volunteers for LIFTING UP foster youth and making this event possible. We look forward to continuing partnering with local organizations like Animal Assisted Happiness to provide our youth with fun activities and access to nature.
If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring a youth-related event, please contact our development department at development@childadvocatessv.org.
