LESLEY DARMAN EQUINE & SMALL ANIMAL THERAPY PROGRAM

Patty Hillkirk’s sister-in-law Lesley Darman supported Camp Dreamcatcher in many ways and for many years. After her death this past December, her wonderful co-workers at Drury Design Dynamics decided to create a fund in Lesley’s memory to support equine assisted mindfulness therapy and animal assisted therapies.

Standing Hope Equine Therapy will be facilitating the equine therapy program. They offer a combination of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Equine Assisted to address treatment goals. In collaboration with Camp Dreamcatcher, facilitators at Standing Hope will work with groups of children and teens during the Camp Dreamcatcher camp session. Activities with the campers will focus on basic principles of mindful awareness and breathing meditations with an aim to facilitate examination of thought patterns and consequential thinking.

Lesley Darman was a great friend and supporter of Camp Dreamcatcher since its inception. In the past 10 years alone, her drive results helped send 74 kids to camp. Her passion for Camp Dreamcatcher was only equaled by her love for animals and animal protection. This program is a tribute to Lesley, in memory of a wonderful and loving friend.