Sensory Series brings animals to families

Military life can pose difficulties on families. When members of a family have exceptional needs, the challenges can grow more as parents strive to help their family member thrive in spite of the presence of a special needs condition. Military families do not have to meet this struggle alone, however. To connect families and give children the chance to interact with animals and each other, the Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program partnered with Scarlet and Gold Riding Club and Possumwood Acres to bring the Sensory Series at the Scarlet and Gold Riding Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, June 26.

“We do this for children who might be on the autism spectrum and children with other exceptional needs,” said Daryl Witt, EFMP Training, Education, and Outreach specialist. “They get their senses engaged by petting and feeding the animals. It also allows for families to network with one another and build a support system.”

The networking helps families in knowing they are not alone in their challenges. The EFMP serves to coordinate educational and healthcare resources for Marine Corps families so care remains accessible and organized.

“We work with other organizations within the community so we can bring events that are fun and helpful to them,” said Witt.

Partnering organizations in attendance expressed the desire they have to support families and introduce them to available opportunities for assistance and support within the community.

“We want to teach the public about the local wildlife here and give them the chance to interact with it firsthand,” said Mackenzie Condon, Possumwood Acres volunteer coordinator. “That is not something people get to do every day, so this is a special opportunity for us and them.”

A possum, rabbit, and owl were among the animals represented from Possumwood Acres for children to engage with. In addition, horses from SGRC were also present for children to pet, feed and help wash.

“This is a great way for us to support our military families and give the kids the chance to personally interact with them,” said Karen Hancock, SGRC community relations coordinator. “Many of these kids have not had the chance to see these kinds of animals before. The interaction they have with them can profoundly reach them.”

The effects of the interaction with the animals was observed by parents as well as volunteers.

“We take how we can communicate verbally for granted sometimes,” said Karissa Alexander, mother in attendance. “My son responds to different types of touch and texture. It speaks to him in ways that many of us may not understand. He will talk and ask questions as he engages with the animals. It opens up an avenue of communication that is special and one I do not always get to see.”

For more information on the EFMP, visit www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/efmp.