Testimonials
Here is what participants and parents have to say about Expanding Horizons Farm!
"I remember reaching out to Emma two summers ago and inquiring about our son Sebastian, who was 5 at the time, in regards to going to Summer Camp. Despite being younger than the typical camper age, Emma and her staff immediately welcomed Sebastian with open arms. He attended on a half day schedule and had the time of his life. When the opportunity came for him to attend the following summer, we jumped at it. Sebastian loved working with the animals and would tell us about them every day when he got home. He'd come home sweaty and covered in mud, but could not wait for the next day of camp to arrive. Sebastian was so eager to hurry out of the house each morning to see Ms. Marcy Moo and of course, his favorite, the chickens.
I know that God is using Emma in an amazing way and that Emma's love of children shines through each and every day at camp and it pours over into her counselors as well. They were always loving and caring, in addition to setting boundaries for Sebastian. I think that we found Emma at just the perfect time. Sebastian, who was diagnosed with autism and struggled with structure and interactions with others at times when at school. Emma's approach and ability to see Sebastian's strengths shined through. He loved the farm camp because he felt like an asset and important and not anything less than and this was not always the case in some of the programs he attended in the past. Although we have relocated to North Carolina, Emma, the farm, Johnny Cash(rooster) and Ms. Marcy Moo, will always have a special place in Sebastian's heart."
-Chad, 2024.
|
"I heard about Expanding Horizons Farm from another parent at my son’s school. I loved the idea of having my kids learn about farm life through hands-on experience with biblical teaching woven into my son’s days at camp. I was, however, concerned that my son would not be receptive to the biblical teachings at the farm. He was being skeptical and sometimes rude about church and any talk of God. Before going to camp, he seemed altogether hardened against the very concept of God. By the end of the week of camp at Expanding Horizons Farm, my son wanted to live on a farm and had a whole new understanding and attitude about God. He loved his time on the farm and his experiences with the animals and the other kids. When we go to church, pray, and talk about God now, my son is much more open to prayer and learning more about God. I can’t thank Emma and her team enough for the experiences my kids had at her farm." |
"I have always felt as though I am doing a huge disservice to my daughter for living within city limits. Emily, who is now 10 years old, has had a deep love and passion for the mountains, animals, and especially horses. My parents live and work on a ranch in WY which is where she learned to love this lifestyle. However, as you know, not everyone can live on a ranch. But God knew how to provide and fulfill Emily’s heart’s desires. I was lucky enough to hear about Emma and her amazing ministry from a co-worker. Emily was able to start horse riding lessons with Emma on the same day that she was planning to have her Harvest Festival at the Farm. We were invited to enjoy the fun later that afternoon. Emily was
immediately in love with the farm! It filled her little heart with so much joy seeing the horses dressed in costumes and being able to pet all the smaller animals. Emily was able to attend a week of summer camp with Expanding Horizons Farm this last June. She was so excited to go, it was like the night before Christmas for her. Emily got to go and be with friends and make pottery, learn about God, ride horses, have hot summer day water fights, hold chickens, etc.. She was never ready for me to pick her up. She would have been happy to stay the entire summer, even if it meant mucking stalls. Expanding Horizons is such an important ministry for kids like Emily. She has never wanted to play sports. She is easily stressed by any sort of conflict or discord. She is a sweet sensitive soul who thrives when she is with animals and finds her inner strength, confidence, and independence when she is among the animals. Emma, who is an amazing youth leader, immediately brings Emily out of her shell into an instance place of fun and joy! There was one day when Emily was riding Apollo, who happens to be half pony. Anyone who
has ever ridden a pony knows that they can be quite stubborn. Well, Apollo gave Emily a pretty hard time when she was trying to get him to do what she asked. She tried and tried, and Emma was also doing what she could to get Applo to move, but he was not in the mood that day. Emily
broke down into tears after the ride and Emma stood right by her side. Put her arm around her and sweetly and softly spoke words of encouragement and affirmation over Emily. She didn’t move an inch, until she knew Emily was going to be okay. It wasn’t three minutes later and the two were laughing and joking again. Even though Emily had teers that day, she still learned a valuable lesson to not give up, it’s okay to get frustrated, but to stand firm and overcome hard obstacles. Emma will ask Emily, “Who’s in control?” and Emily will quickly and confidently
reply, “I’m in control.” A teeny tiny little 10-year-old girl knows that she is in control of a huge horse, and it is all because of the experience she has had with Expanding Horizons Farm. I hope that hearing our story will encourage you to sew into this amazing ministry! I know I will."
Blessings,
-Heidi Frost, Dear Expanding Horizons Farm Supporters, 2024.
"I cannot say enough positive things about Expanding Horizons Farm, about Mrs. Emma, and the tangible relationship that my children develop with God after visiting her camp. Our kiddos attended her camp for the past five years or so, and it is truly their favorite part of summer break. Joy and self-confidence burst through my children because of the experiences they have every day at camp; whether pottery, or gardening, or caring for the horses and farm animals. Prayer and scripture flow from Mrs. Emma in such a real, true, and unique way; I know my kids can't get an experience like this from any other camp. Seeing God's handiwork in creation, giving praise for the small things, connecting with others over the big things... I am so thankful for Mrs. Emma and her amazing work with Expanding Horizons Farm. We feel completely blessed by her devotion, passion, enthusiasm, and kindness to all of God's creatures." |
|
|
"I would love to share the major positive impact your camp had on our daughters (now 9 and 6 years of age). Our family attends church regularly and for the past three summers, have attended Camp Timberline (a week long Christian sport like camp). Last summer was the first time they attended Expanding Horizons Farm camp and their camp experience really brought God to life for them through: music, crafts, fellowship and most amazingly, through the animals. Each day my girls came home excited about what they learned on the farm. They could not wait to go back the next day. They even asked to return for additional weeks. The best way I can describe their excitement is, the farm camp made God tangible for them. He is not just a big guy somewhere in a cloud, He's in the hard work of taking care of animals, in the camp counselors who love them and He is in the fun of music and crafts. Both my girl's faith grew the week they were at Expanding Horizons. It was a beautiful thing to see, and it made me thank God for it. Thank you all for being present, creative, accepting and fun for my children. It really made a difference." |
"My son loved going to Expanding Horizons Farm. He was always greeted warmly by Emma and the staff. There was clearly a lot of thought and preparation that went into creating the theme and lessons that were taught each week of the camp. I loved that my child was learning about God and His creation outside among the animals and the garden. It truly was a hands on learning experience..." "My children have participated in Expanding Horizons Farm camp for two years running. As a Christian parent I can sometimes get stuck biblically with application. It's all well and good to learn the ways of our Lord and teach our children right from wrong, but I think the bigger question in today's world is how do we decide to APPLY all that knowledge? |
"My kids and I can not say enough great things about Expanding Horizons! It has been so much fun and at the same time they have learned about Jesus and His kingdom through nature and life on the farm. Emma’s passion is so tangible that it catches like wild fire through the kids and even onto the parents. She has such an apparent love for Jesus and children. I feel so confident in my boy’s growth and care as they are with her and others on the farm. My boys were so excited to learn about the fruits of the Spirit when Emma brought in real fruit for each gift. They have remembered this lesson vividly and have talked about it with us many times. This has been such a highlight of their summer and we will continue to come back every year." 
|
|
I went to Expanding Horizons Farm camp for one year and then I helped Emma as a teacher. I loved coming to camp in both ways. As a camper it was fun to do 'God stuff' outside instead of just at church. I also loved having real animals and chores to take care of while we learned about God. I think learning is always better when you have examples of things and this camp gives kids that. My favorite part was singing and taking care of animals. I love Emma and her camp a lot." |
This camp is always so much fun! Even when we are hot and sticky in the summer heat, Emma makes it ok with water balloon fights! It's super cool to learn about God and about His plans for us and His animals while you are actually taking care of them. I think any kid would be lucky to go to Emma's camp. |
|
|
Expanding Horizons Farm has impacted my son's life in such a great way. He had fun while learning truths from God's word. One day Luke learned how to care for horses and creative ways to care for the things that he has been given. On that same day he was reminded who he was rooted in and what that means for his life. I would come to pick him up and find them worshiping and praising God. |
My son Gideon attended the Expanding Horizons Farm camp last year and loved it! The lessons about God, livestock care, farming and sustainability were so informative and fun. More than that, Emma’s testimony and thoughts as she did chores with the kids impacted my son in a huge way. I saw a huge leap in his character and spiritual development from only one week with Emma! The words “thank you” became a permanent and frequent part of his vocabulary (and were accompanied by a grateful heart). He also became more devoted to spending a portion of each day praying and “hanging out" with God. These changes have followed him through the school year and I’m excited to see how he how he'll grow this summer. I am so, so thankful for Expanding Horizons and Emma!" |
|