Learning Experiences
Welcome to Campbell’s Lane Farm in Preston, Maryland — a small working farm where kindness, curiosity, and connection guide everything we do.
At the farm we often talk about “moving at the speed of kindness.” It means slowing down enough to notice what is happening around us — with the animals, with other people, and even within ourselves.
In our busy world, we are often encouraged to move quickly, talk loudly, and rush from one activity to the next. But when we slow down and approach the animals with kindness and awareness, something important begins to happen.
Moving at the speed of kindness helps our bodies and nervous systems stay calm and settled, allowing us to be fully present with the animals, the people around us, and the moment we are in.
Donkeys naturally live this way. They are thoughtful animals who pay close attention to their surroundings and respond best to calm energy, gentle movement, and clear intention. Because of this, they become wonderful teachers for both children and adults.
Campbell’s Lane Farm is not a petting zoo. It is a working farm and learning environment where children are invited to engage with the animals and the land in thoughtful and respectful ways.
As children spend time with the donkeys, they begin to notice small things — the way a donkey’s ears move when they are curious, how their body relaxes when they feel safe, and how they often come closer when we approach quietly and respectfully.
To help children practice moving at the speed of kindness, we invite them to remember three simple things:
Slow Your Body
Move gently and calmly so the animals know you are safe to be around.
Notice What the Donkeys Are Telling You
Watch their ears, their eyes, and how they move. Donkeys communicate in quiet ways, and when we pay attention we can understand them better.
Lead With Kindness
Treat the animals, the land, and the people around you with patience and respect.
When children practice these simple steps, something wonderful often happens — the donkeys respond with curiosity, trust, and connection.
The Learning Journey at Campbell’s Lane Farm
Our homeschool experiences are designed as a series of visits where children gradually build confidence, awareness, and connection with the animals and the farm environment.
Each session introduces new ways to practice moving at the speed of kindness while learning about donkeys, nature, and life on a working farm.
Your group will have a 2 hour experience at the farm including...
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time with the donkeys - brushing, petting (hugging!) and observing
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group reflection and sharing
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painting rocks for our Kindness Garden
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time to eat a lunch or snack which you bring (outdoors, weather permitting)
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tractor-pulled bathrub rides (weather permitting)
Cost: $300 for up to 20 children & adults. Additional participants are $10 per person. Carried babies (not walking) are free. Payment is due for group within one week of reserving a date, or one week before your date, whichever is earliest.
Hours: Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Other days may be available on request.
**We are able to offer this experience rain or shine and will move the donkeys and group into our large, open Event Barn in the event of inclement weather.
Session Topics
Session 1: Donkey Meet & Greet - Learning Donkey Language
Before spending time with the donkeys, children learn how to properly introduce themselves.
In this first visit, children meet the donkey herd and begin learning how donkeys communicate through body language, movement, and energy.
As we enter the pasture, children are invited to slow their bodies, observe the herd, and allow the donkeys to notice them first. Together we watch the donkeys’ ears, eyes, and posture to begin understanding what they might be communicating.
Children quickly discover that when we move calmly and respectfully, the donkeys often become curious and may come closer to greet us. This becomes a wonderful example of moving at the speed of kindness in action, where patience and awareness help build trust between people and animals.
This first session helps children feel comfortable around the donkeys while developing observation skills and respect for animal communication.
Session 2: Walking with Donkeys - Building Trust and Calm Leadership
After children understand how donkeys communicate, the second session focuses on building a relationship with them.
Children spend time grooming the donkeys and learning how to walk alongside them. As they interact more directly, they begin to notice how donkeys respond to calm guidance, gentle cues, and clear intention.
This session continues the practice of moving at the speed of kindness, as children learn that rushing, pulling, or forcing rarely works with donkeys. Instead, patience, awareness, and steady leadership help the donkeys feel comfortable and willing to participate.
Through this experience, children begin to understand how trust is built — both with animals and with people.
Session 3: Partnering with Donkeys - Kindness in Action
By the third visit, children have begun to understand how donkeys communicate and how trust develops through calm interaction. In this session, they begin to experience what it feels like to work in partnership with the animals.
Children will spend time grooming, walking with, and guiding the donkeys while continuing to practice moving at the speed of kindness. As their confidence grows, they begin to notice how their own energy, attention, and patience influence the donkeys’ responses.
This experience helps children discover something important: animals respond differently depending on how we show up. When we are calm, present, and kind, the donkeys often respond with curiosity, cooperation, and trust.
Children also learn that caring for animals means paying attention to their needs — noticing when they are relaxed, when they need space, and when they are ready to engage.
Through these moments of partnership, children begin to see themselves not just as visitors to the farm, but as participants in the life of the herd.
This session deepens the understanding that moving at the speed of kindness is not only about how we greet the animals, but about how we show up in relationship with them.
Request a date for your group's visit
Please complete the following information so we can help you plan your group visit. You should hear from us within 2-3 days (or sooner). If you have questions, please email donkeycuddling@gmail.com.
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Groups visits are generally available on Tuesdays 10:30-12:30 & Wednesdays 1:00-3:00.
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Please list your 1st, 2nd & 3rd date choices.
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Payment is due for the group within one week of confirming reservation, or one week before the scheduled date (whichever is earlier).
