Shumbashaba Reflection 11 - 3 - 14

Shumbashaba Reflection 11 – 3 – 14

            On Monday, November 3, 2014 Shumbashaba Service Project was unable to volunteer at the stables due to rain. Therefore, the 6^th grade students and seniors held a meeting at AISJ to discuss and consolidate future plans, as well as, the proper way to interact safely with horses. We separated into three groups: environmental, horses/dogs, and trash pick up. I worked with the group interested in volunteering with horses/dogs, as this is the area I have the most expertise in. Every Monday session, the group of 6^th graders alternate. So, I gave an introduction on Shumbashaba and our role while working ethically with horses, to this fresh new group. Repetition of lessons is necessary between 6^th grade groups, because they alternate each week. Clear communication and collaboration as a team will allow our service project to run smoothly and effectively. There have been no problems that have occurred. Basic grooming, safety, and general interaction with horses were discussed to answer any questions. I answered the questions to the best of my knowledge. I elaborated where I knew the information. My challenge here was trying to explain to the 6^th graders that were interested in working with the dogs in Shumbashaba, that these dogs are owned privately. The dogs are not shelter rescues; so, there’s not much interaction as far as volunteering goes. Possible upcoming proposal to the Shumbashaba owner, Sharon, could be to groom the dogs on the property. However, this would require the purchasing of grooming materials, which would either need to be funded by AISJ, Shumbashaba, or the volunteers. In addition, to help the environmental group complete their task of creating decorated white boards for each horse’s stall; we each created our own design and painted it on the border of the white board. These boards will be collected and brought to Shumbashaba to hang on each horse’s stall, at its completion. The purpose of these boards is to allow the staff to write necessary chores or reminders for each horse’s need. I feel meetings, such as this one today are very constructive as they allow the 6^th graders to get an idea of what we will be accomplishing this year and what is expected of them. Pictures of our previous visit to Shumbashaba are included.