Children from the East Riding could be forging some new furry friendships during the summer holidays this year.
Providing some creature comforts for youngsters is Alpacas at the Field, at Dunswell, between Hull and Beverley. Alpaca owner Julie Goforth provides alpaca trekking experiences and afternoon teas with alpacas, for families.
And for the break from lessons this summer, the animal adventures are being extended to local children as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Julie said: “Alpacas at the Field are thrilled to be hosting some HAF summer school activities this year and delivering fun outdoor activities for children aged 12 to 16 years.
“The sessions are Government funded for children in receipt of benefit-related free school meals. The sessions we are running are for the first four weeks of the school summer holidays, on a Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.”
Julie said: “Our farm environment setting can be somewhere the children can relax, relieve any anxiety or stress and socialise with other children. It is an opportunity for the children to get up close and personal with our very beautiful alpacas and learn lots about these very interesting animals.”
What a participating child will experience:
- Meet and interact with the friendly alpacas
- Learn how the alpacas are looked after, their behaviour and how each one has their own character
- Take part in feeding time and daily animal care routines
- Enjoy lunch that will be provided
- Try your hand at a bricklaying workshop
Julie said: “We appreciate every child is different and requires varying kinds of support, so we will endeavour to cater for all children’s needs wherever possible. If parents/carers are wondering if this is for their child, or if they have any concerns, we welcome them to contact us to discuss.
“We are located in Dunswell, just outside of Beverley and on a bus route. To book sessions, please book via the HAF link and search for alpacas.”