Matches in Macon and Jackson counties had an awesome day at Coop Highland Farms with Jaime Coop in September (photos below). The day was chock full of hands-on experience, something we emphasize in our Big Futures program. The Littles were exposed to agriculture, entrepreneurship, physical activity (and its mental health benefits), and the importance of and ways to care for animals. Some of the kids had an opportunity to overcome shyness and their fear of large animals and talking to new people.
Bigs and Littles spent the day outside in the spectacular Nantahala National Forest one Saturday in October during the macroinvertebrate learning hike organized by Friends of Panthertown Valley. “When we get outside, we tend to make stronger connections by being in touch with ourselves a bit more,” said Brandon Fouts, BBBS Qualla Boundary Recruitment Specialist. “It’s always a nice thing to get outside and ground ourselves a bit.” 
BBBS Swain Graham Qualla Boundary had a great day in October at Darnell Farms and Walnut Creek Farm in Bryson City. Perfect weather, colorful leaves, and a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch. “They even got to feed the cows and brush the babies,” Project Manager Amy Green said.
And, Henderson and Transylvania County matches got a chance to walk through a corn maze and take a wagon ride earlier in October at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville!
