Never before have youth had such freedom of exploration in choosing their own path, however, the most pressing problem in education today has become student disengagement. When it comes to guiding students towards finding rewarding and meaningful paths, public schools and societal resources are falling short.

Research is showing that for many disengaged youth, the lack of direction is a good deal troubling. They report an inner life of anxiety and a sense of feeling trapped in a life that is not under their own control. They feel discouraged by the meaninglessness of their daily activities.

Studies are also showing that disengaged youth suffer from a wide range of psychological and stress symptoms such as: sporadic feelings of panic, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, uncontrolled anger, social isolation, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse, and a host of other self-destructive tendencies.

The demoralizing effects of failing to discover a clear and authentic sense of purpose in life can last a long time, even a lifetime.

As many as  60% of youth may have engaged in some potentially purposeful activities, or they may have developed some vague aspirations; but they do not have any realistic plans for pursuing their aspirations.

Currently in our community, there is not a single program that is focused on directing youth towards finding their purpose in ANY career field. Research has shown, a program like this is essential to compliment general education, and will genuinely motivate youth into a lasting positive direction.  

Animal-related career fields need fresh young minds that bring compassion and understanding into the field, affecting desperately needed change in the way we treat and interact with animals.  

In animal-related career fields, no other program exists that helps youth explore and experience a variety of careers, and allows them to engage in conversation and learn from highly purposeful adults. Even horse camps focus solely on horse riding and care, there isn't a learning component that helps a person turn what they are passionate about, into goals and aspirations, or a career with purpose.  

**All of the referenced research statements, including the negative effects of a lack of purpose, and positive effects of finding purpose, was gathered from Psychologist and Stanford Professor, Dr. William Damon's extensive research into the effect of purpose on adolescents. Dr. Damon is also the Director of the Stanford Center for Adolescents, and is the one of the world's leading researchers on the development of purpose in life.