On Aug. 21, nearly 40 LifeSet participants gathered for a special experience hosted by Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Mass Audubon, a nonprofit organization committed to protecting Massachusetts’ wildlife and habitats, connects people of all ages with nature through education, conservation and hands-on experiences. This event brought together youth, staff and volunteers in a way that left everyone feeling inspired.

Youth explored the farm, interacted with animals and learned about land stewardship through hands-on activities with crops, livestock and the natural environment. Sheep, goats and other animals provided not only a source of fascination but also therapeutic engagement and opportunities to build sensory and motor skills.

The event was made possible through the thoughtful coordination of Youth Villages staff from Marlborough, Woburn and Boston, who handled transportation and group support. Drumlin Farm tour guides Sarah and Katherine led two groups of LifeSet young adults and were thrilled by everyone’s curiosity, energy and positive interactions.

But the day wasn’t just about having fun; it was also about growth. Young adults learned about birds, animal diets and the realities of farm life. They also explored potential career paths in animal care, veterinary medicine and environmental stewardship. For many, the experience sparked new excitement for future opportunities, from jobs and volunteering to further education.

Just as important, the day offered space for connection in a relaxed and engaging environment. LifeSet young adults expressed how much they enjoyed the experience and shared their interest in participating in similar opportunities moving forward.

The success of this first large-scale farm experience has inspired plans for future events with Youth Villages. Mike Grace of Mass Audubon, regularly hosts youth summits and is eager to create more opportunities that blend learning, fun and meaningful peer-to-peer engagement.

“The Mass Audubon experience was an incredible success,” said Karlah Paul, a supervisor for the Youth Villages Scholars initiative. “The positive energy and excitement sparked additional interest and involvement in the peer-to-peers to come. We all look forward to the next one!”

When youth are supported, connected and given opportunities to explore, they grow in confidence and hope. And that’s exactly what this day delivered – a reminder that with the right support, the future is wide open. It was a chance for young people to discover new interests, imagine future possibilities and feel the power of community.

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