They have successfully incorporated llamas into their lives. Both have Master's Degrees in Social Work and are licensed therapists. For the last 20 years, George and Sarah have taken troubled children and adults outside to pack with llamas...and it has been successful!
Take the time to learn more about their research regarding llamas as therapy animals.
Get Outside!
Challenge Adventures is a nonprofit organization that offers adventure programs for organized youth groups and other community groups. Our organization has provided exciting and educational outdoor programs in the North Carolina Mountains for more than 4,000 youth since 1989.
The program is specially designed for Girl Scouts, schools, camps, clubs, community centers and other youth-serving agencies or programs. We also provide special outdoor experiences for persons with develpmental disabilities, at-risk youth, special needs youtha and women's groups. Our adventure trips are fun and they also are a chance to learn and grow. Our unique program includes llamas as assistants and trail companions. The llamas carry the heavy gear, but also add a special fun dimension to the adventure.
Why Llamas as Therapy Animals?
Each llama in a herd has a defined role and responsibility. The herd leader keeps watch for danger and moves into a protective stance if a strange dog or similar animal approaches. The trail leader is the llama that the others trust to lead them on the trail, navigating around obstacles or crossing streams. If the trail leader is not in the front, they usually will not go forward. Other roles are the "scientist" (the one who investigates new or strange things in the environment), the "spiritual leader" (the one who makes sure llamas behave in a dignified llama-like manner), the "jokester" (the one who plays jokes on humans and other llamas), the "wise uncle" (who mentors younger llamas), and the "best boy" who looks out for the others when they are sick or just need a friend to be around.
The llama herd provides an excellent metaphor or example which can be used to teach the campers about teamwork and the need for everyone carrying out their responsibilities. Llamas seem to know when to lead and when to follow, a good lesson for life.
"Llamas are very loving animals; they don't care about your past; they take you for what you are and that is something we don't have to point out to these kids."
