Teen Individual Program

The Teen Individual Program (TIP) services teenagers with disabilities between the ages of 13 – 17 and was created to meet the needs for additional vocational training options within the community.  In Pennsylvania transition planning begins at age 14 and is an important benchmark in a teen’s life.  This is an exciting opportunity for teens to explore the vocational areas of working on a farm.  

TIP enables teens with disabilities to participate in animal-assisted and nature-based activities for one hour a week for 6 weeks.  Each participant is matched with a trained volunteer by the Program Manager.  The program enables teens to gain independence and confidence while performing traditional backyard tasks such as barn chores, gardening, grooming, feeding, and exercising the animals. They also engage in activities designed to cultivate communication, socialization, safety awareness, and most importantly, FUN!

.  Participants who require a support person at school such as a nurse, PCA, ABA, TSS, etc. to be successful medically or behaviorally must provide a similar support person at The Barn during their TIP sessions.

All participants new to the Teen Individual Program must come in for a tour and a Family Barn Visit with the Program Manager to determine if the program is appropriate, best assess the participants’ needs, and learn more about them to pair them with their volunteer!

  • Fall 2025 Dates

    • Session 1:  August 25 – October 3
    • Session 2:  October 6 – November 14
    • Wednesdays from 2 – 6 pm, hourly
    • Ages 13-17.
    • APPLICATIONS will be posted 6/13/25.

Sign up is on a first come, first served basis! Acceptance into the program is based on review of the TIP application, a Barn Tour, and an on-site visit at The Barn at Spring Brook Farm with our Program Manager.

Cost for one Teen Individual Program session is $250.

A non-refundable deposit of $50 is due at the time of the application.  (We will post the link for payment once dates are finalized.  Thank you for your patience.)

If you are in need of financial aid for the Individual Program, fill out the 2025 Programs Request for Financial Aid Form.

Tours and more information are available by contacting us.