Programs Rooted in Healing, Compassion & Connection

More Than a Sanctuary

The Haven at Skanda is more than a rescue sanctuary for farm animals — it is also a place for education, community, personal growth, and healing.

The animals at Skanda have overcome neglect, abuse, fear, and hardship with incredible resilience and trust. Through spending time with them, visitors often discover powerful lessons about compassion, emotional wellness, confidence, and hope.

Many of our programs are designed to support children, families, and individuals who may be navigating challenges of their own, while creating opportunities for connection in a safe, peaceful, and supportive environment.

Programs may include:

Skanda offers year-round youth programs designed to encourage empathy, leadership, emotional growth, confidence, and meaningful connection with animals and nature.
Through hands-on experiences with rescued animals, children are given opportunities to build trust, strengthen social skills, develop self-confidence, and explore new possibilities in a safe and encouraging environment.

Youth Programs

These week-long day camps are open to any child age 5-13 who wants to experience the magic of the farm and the love & innocence of the animals. Campers may attend for one week or multiple weeks.

Only 12 spots per week.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3pm
Fee per week: $400
(Once you register, you will receive an email with a link for payment. Fees are nonrefundable.)

Registration can be found on our Facebook page.

Summer Camp

Girls Leadership Programs

In spring 2020, with generous funding from the Women’s Fund of Central New York, The Haven at Skanda launched its Girls Leadership Program. The program’s mission is to shift the way girls—and all people—perceive leadership. Phase One focuses on guiding girls to discover their inner strength, resilience, and truth, helping them find a calm, quiet space within from which leadership naturally grows. This foundation of integrity becomes the seed from which they can draw strength for life.

We are inspired by the potential this program holds and look forward to sharing more soon. Stay tuned!

The Haven at Skanda is deeply grateful to the Girl Scout troops who dedicate their time to caring for our animals and gardens while learning to advocate for animals. We are thrilled to offer the Skanda Fun Patch, created by Skanda volunteer and Girl Scout Gold Award candidate Catherine Rizzo, featuring a design by her sibling Sammi, with production support from their mom, Skanda volunteer Sonja, and Metis Consulting Group. Find instructions here on how to earn the Skanda Fun Patch.

As a Community Partner of the Girl Scouts of NYPenn Pathways, The Haven at Skanda offers badges in animal awareness, advocacy, and gardening. Contact us to schedule a unique Girl Scout experience at Skanda!

Girl Scouts at Skanda

Many children and adults who struggle in traditional environments find meaningful breakthroughs through experiences with horses because the connection is rooted in presence, trust, and nonjudgmental interaction.

Research has shown equine-assisted learning can help:

The connection between humans and animals can be incredibly powerful — especially with horses. Skanda’s Equine Assisted Learning programs provide opportunities for emotional growth, self-awareness, confidence building, and healing through guided interactions with horses in a calm and supportive environment.
Because horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language, they often help individuals better understand themselves, regulate emotions, strengthen communication skills, and build trust and resilience.

Equine Assisted Learning

Programs may include:

Self-Care for Women & Retreat Experiences

Skanda also offers opportunities for rest, reflection, healing, and reconnection through self-care experiences and retreats.
Surrounded by nature and rescued animals, participants are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience the peaceful environment that makes Skanda so special.

We are inspired by the potential this program holds and look forward to sharing more soon. Stay tuned!

Skanda’s winter outreach initiatives help support horses and animals in need during the colder months while bringing the community together through compassion and generosity.
Programs like Horses for the Holidays help provide resources and support for animals while encouraging community involvement and awareness.

Horses for the Holidays & Winter Support Initiatives