Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch

Educational Mission The animals of Infinity Acres Ranch are at the heart of the educational mission of Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch, serving as partners in a variety of animal-assisted programs designed to promote learning, healing, and connection. ENABLE Day Support: The ENABLE day support program for adults with developmental disabilities provides hands-on opportunities in animal husbandry. Participants gain confidence, responsibility, and nurturing skills through interactive experiences that foster compassion, environmental awareness, and respect for all living creatures. Animal-Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Interactions are proven to enhance emotional well-being and social development. Veterans Programs: Veteran-related events and programs highlight the mental health benefits of therapeutic animal encounters. Individuals managing PTSD and other related conditions often find comfort, calm, and healing through these meaningful connections with animals and plant based agricultural pursuits. Educational Field Trips: Students visiting the ranch on school field trips participate in engaging, curriculum-aligned activities that meet Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) objectives. These interactive lessons promote respect for nature, conservation, and environmental stewardship among both public and homeschool groups. Senior Outreach: Visits and exhibits at nursing homes spark joy and evoke long-term memories, offering emotional enrichment through the sensory and nostalgic power of animal interaction. Animal Adventure Summer Camp: Campers at Animal Adventure Camp build confidence and life skills as they learn about animal care, training, and teamwork. Guided by the Ranch’s 3 R’s—Respect, Responsibility, and Recreation—participants develop habits and attitudes that inspire positive actions and lasting appreciation for the natural world.

Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch offers a wide range of meaningful, community-centered services that benefit both the local area and the broader Southern Virginia region. Our core programming includes a state-licensed Day Support program operating five days a week for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing structured activities, life-skills training, therapeutic animal interaction, and individualized support. We are actively expanding our veteran-focused initiatives, including specialized services, therapeutic engagement opportunities, and the development of veteran employment pathways aligned with agriculture, animal care, and aeroponics. Each summer, we host two weeks of youth camp: one fully inclusive for children of all abilities, and one specifically tailored for children with special needs—ensuring accessible, enriching experiences for every participant. Beyond on-site programming, we bring education and joy into the community through mobile educational animal exhibits, hands-on experiential learning programs, and customized visits to schools, nursing homes, and community partners. These outreach services create meaningful connections, reduce social isolation, and promote learning, wellness, and community engagement across all ages and ability levels.