Fruit, Veggie Scavenger Hunt In Wyckoff Organized For Adults With Disabilities

WYCKOFF, NJ — An all-around great day was had by members of a Children's Aid and Family Services day habilitation program on Monday at Abma's Farm in Wyckoff, as they participated in a scavenger hunt on the premises and interacted with a variety of animals at the petting zoo, leaders of the Paramus nonprofit said.

Members of the nonprofit's STRIVE Community Recreation program, which provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enjoyed a visit to the farmers market and petting zoo on Lawlins Road.

First, the nine members went on a fruit and vegetable scavenger hunt through the farmers market. After they had finished, they made their way to the petting zoo to feed carrots to the rabbits and feeding pellets to the other animals, Director of Communications Sheila Riccardi said.

Slowly, the members wandered the area looking at, touching and feeding the animals, including ducks, cows, pigs, horses, goats and chickens, Riccardi said.

“The members used all of their senses to take in their surroundings and expand their understanding about the animals and their environment,” Director of Supports Maria Ashkenazi said. “They learned the way an animal smells, the sounds he makes, the way he feels and what he looks like. Abma's Petting Zoo offers a truly multi-sensory approach to learning, which is ideal for our members at STRIVE.”

STRIVE aims to provide fun enrichment activities in and around Paramus twice a week and on Saturday mornings, the nonprofit said.