Sheep, goats, a horse, ponies, a donkey, cows, pigs, many types of rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, peacocks and many other species of birds… this is just a sample of the animals that are cared for until the end of their lives at our local kinderboerderij/animal petting farm.

Stichting Kinderboerderij Wassenaar, is about a 10-minute walk from ASH, located on the Rodenburglaan 80, in Wassenaar. This organization of volunteers runs strictly from donations and by funds from sponsors. The kinderboerderij also offers work to ‘clients’, who are affiliated with the Philadelphia Care Organization, which provides support and advocacy for people with disabilities.

On Wednesdays after school, CAS students also volunteer their service with the kinderboerderij. Every student involved loves this opportunity to serve in the local community and to work with the animals. Some of their tasks include feeding and caring for the animals, cleaning the animals’ living areas, and general maintenance of the garden space such as manually cutting grass.

Kaja, a 12th grade full IB student, says that working at the kinderboerdrij is definitely fun, but it is sometimes a challenge. “It doesn’t seem hard, but when you have never done these kinds of tasks before, it can be demanding.” She leaves after 90 minutes of work with a huge sense of accomplishment… and with some sore muscles too! Kaja thinks that she is really learning some wonderful skills; she believes that she will be able to transfer the garden maintenance skills to her own garden one day!

Abbie, who is also a 12th grade full IB student, plans to continue working at the kinderboerderij even after she has finished with the CAS program. She has had limited contact with farm animals before this opportunity, but she now feels more comfortable around her new ‘friends’. They have even given special nicknames to some of their favorite animals. Abbie said that she would really recommend this activity to other students, especially to students who love animals.

Lennert Westmans, the manager of the kinderboerderij, is extremely supportive of the ASH CAS students’ involvement. “He is an excellent supervisor. He shows us how to perform the given task, he gives us tips, and yes, he is a patient man!” says Kaja. She continued, “He seems to always know exactly how much we can accomplish in 90 minutes!”

If you are looking for an animal pension while you are away on vacation, the kinderboerderij may be just be the answer! They can care for your rabbits, guinea pigs, small birds, and your pets from the rodent family. (They cannot take your cat or dog.) For more details, view the following web page http://www.kinderboerderijwassenaar.nl/index.php/vakantieopvang

or contact the kinderboerderij directly.

The kinderboerderij also sells some homemade products, such as:

• Honey, at 4 EUR per jar, made from their own bees!

• Wooden birdhouses, which come with paints and brushes to decorate yourself.

• Various art pieces

All proceeds support this non-profit organization.

You are welcome to visit Stichting Kinderboerderij Wassenaar any day of the week. Your children would love it too! The opening hours are as follows:

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:30

Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 - 15:30

Recognized holidays: 10:00 - 15:30

Website Address: http://www.kinderboerderijwassenaar.nl/

Telephone: (070) 511 8933