Contact with animals and nature brings a great deal of healing. Salem optimizes the rich resources of our environment for the good of the children.

HORSEMANSHIP

The Salem program incorporates Horsemanship instruction to teach children compassion, confidence and trust.

The many benefits of a healthy relationship between child and horse are demonstrated as children develop a sense of self-worth, overcome fear, build self-confidence, improve physical coordination, increase concentration. and learn self-discipline. For many, it is their first experience with trust--an important step toward healing.

GARDENING

Gardening is also an integral part of the Salem program. During summer months, children plant, tend and harvest their own little plots in the garden--another lesson in nurture, in delayed gratification, and in living relating to the environment with respect.

HIKING

Hiking the trails on Salem's 380 acres and exploring Wolf Swamp with trained naturalists brings kids into direct contact with another side of the natural world.

ACADEMICS AND THERAPY

Salem is fortunate to share ownership of Wolf Swamp, a rare arboreal bog which contains a plethora of plant, bird and animal life found nowhere else in the northeastern United States. Both the residential and educational programs make optimal use of this natural phenomenon for its educational and therapeutic benefits.