Wetheriggs Animal Centre at Thorpe Farm, County Durham, is launching a summer school to solve the problem of how to keep children entertained during the six-week break.
The animal rescue sanctuary is starting a programme which should prevent parents from having to hear that all too familiar cry of “I’m bored” while school’s out for summer.
Designed to appeal to young animal lovers, Wetheriggs is offering children the chance to become a Keeper for a Day.
Wetheriggs was facing an uncertain future when its previous home in Penrith was put on the market, until the owners of Thorpe Farm Centre at Greta Bridge, County Durham, stepped in to save the day.
The rescue centre is now home to around 1,000 animals, including rare breed pigs, llamas, pygmy goats and miniature donkeys along with guinea pigs and rabbits in the petting area.
Wetheriggs director Terry Bowes said: “Our Keeper for a Day scheme is a great opportunity for children to go behind the scenes and get some hands-on experience of looking after our animals. We tailor the day to each child so, if they love donkeys and ponies, they can be keeper for that section.”
Terry is also running a forest school at the site, as Thorpe Farm has acres of heritage woodland for children to explore. Influence in the Forest days can be booked by clubs and organisations while the Keeper for the Day can be booked by individual members of the public.
He added: “We’ll be doing all the things that many of us remember enjoying as a child like whittling or building dens and yurts in the wood. English Heritage recently urged youngsters to work through a to-do list of activities before the age of 11-and-three-quarters and our forest school will mean they can tick off many of those.”
Wetheriggs summer club is £35 per day for a first child and £15 for any additional children.
Booking is available on 01833 627 444 or 07764352835