Westport Teen Inspired By Baby Goat At Wakeman Town Farm

Information from Wakeman Town Farm:

WESTPORT, CT — Being present soon after the birth of the tiny goat she named Dollop, she could feel something shift in her. She was the first human to hold the baby goat -- helping clean its umbilical cord -- leaving a lasting imprint on one another. And over time, she found herself drawn to returning often to Wakeman Town Farm to care for the baby goat she would nickname Dolly.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Gerber had been reluctantly accompanying her mom to Wakeman Town Farm early Saturday mornings, helping with animal chores for alpacas, sheep, goats and chickens. She initially saw the Farm as hot and dirty, thinking her time there would have been better spent sleeping in at home.

As she cared for and fed Dolly warm bottles of milk, children from Wakeman Town Farm’s summer camp gravitated to Scarlett. She helped lead the goat encounters, showing the kids how to gently hold the baby goats and play with the naturally curious animals.

Scarlett especially bonded with Judy Panzer, Animal Ambassador at Wakeman Town Farm, who provides care for all the Farm’s animals. They shared in excitement for the first goat husbandry program and Judy became Scarlett’s mentor helping her embrace both the educational and fun aspects of the Farm.

Gradually, Scarlett’s ideal Saturdays changed from lazy mornings to active days at the Farm including helping with the weekly farm stand, special events and nurturing the gardens.

During a stressful time with school finals and applying to colleges, Scarlett found comfort doing homework with the goats and de-stressing in a natural environment. Soon she started to thrive, igniting a passion within her for growing both academically and personally.

Immersing herself in a hands-on experience that extended beyond the classroom, volunteering at Wakeman Town Farm helped teach her life skills including working hard, communicating and caring for others. It was an empowering process that transformed the high school student with a learning adventure for a lifetime.

“My time on the Farm showed me that seemingly mundane events can serve as a catalyst for the extraordinary,” Scarlett said. “In these crazy times, it’s so important to have a happy place and Wakeman Town Farm has become mine. From helping with the birth of Dolly, to caring for her and spending time together whenever I needed comfort, the goats -- and by extension the Farm – have become my happy place forever.”

Scarlett’s relationship with Dolly helped her get through junior and senior years of high school, eventually setting her on the path to graduation. The memorable goat experience also inspired the theme for her college application essay with a video. She believes the video essay took it over the top for getting into the college of her choice, Washington University for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Once viewing volunteering at the Town Farm as a concession to her mother’s enthusiasm, she became more open-minded and not judging without experiencing something. It strengthened her sense of community and connectivity to her hometown of Westport.

“It’s changed the way I see myself. I’m no longer someone who must be persuaded to deal with inconvenience. Instead, I’ve become confident as a leader who embraces new experiences and encourages others. Wherever I go from here, I will keep an eye out for the meaningful experiences that can appear in the most unexpected places,” said Scarlett.

It was Scarlett’s experience at the Farm that compelled her mother, Nicole Gerber -- a Wakeman Town Farm Committee Member -- and her husband Steven, to sponsor this summer’s goat program. With newly-born Nigerian Dwarf Goats joining Dolly, the Farm is now hosting Goat-Togethers to cuddle and play with the baby goats, available for children and adults. The small group experience is 30 minutes and registration for the baby goat activity is available on the Wakeman Town Farm website at wakemantownfarm.org.

“Scarlett’s experience at the Farm has given her a unique sense of purpose in life, being responsible for something other than herself,” said Gerber. “Getting outside of her bedroom and the house to be on the Farm, her values became greater and provided a real maturation process. Wakeman Town Farm is truly a community gem and the transforming experience for our daughter has made us love the Farm even more.”

Sponsorship for the summer program provides food, bedding, care, veterinary needs, pen maintenance and other requirements that keep the goats healthy and happy as well as teaching

the Goat-Togethers at Wakeman Town Farm.

“Visiting with baby goats is a wonderful experience for all ages,” said Panzer. “They are so playful and cuddling them is a heartwarming activity that is good for the soul. We are grateful to the Gerber family for generously sponsoring our goat program this year,” she added.

Wakeman Town Farm is an environmental education center and sustainable working farm. The 2.5-acre farm serves as a community hub featuring a multi-purpose farmhouse kitchen, organic produce and flower fields, and farm animals including goats, lambs, alpacas, chickens and rabbits. Through a dedicated core of volunteers, Westport’s Town Farm provides a range of programs, activities and events for all ages. Learn more at wakemantownfarm.org.