Last month, the Class of 2033 visited The Gentle Barn, a Simi Valley sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals, as the culminating experience of their Wellness Week program.
Before the trip, students participated in Sierra Canyon’s 5th Grade Wellness Week, a program focused on healthy habits and students’ social, emotional, ethical, and holistic well-being. Through activities centered on mindfulness, nutrition, teambuilding, and guided reflection, students deepened their understanding of personal wellness and the ways compassion can shape the communities around them.
At The Gentle Barn, students connected with the stories behind rescued animals, feeling firsthand powerful examples of resilience, healing, and trust. They brushed cows, fed horses, and cuddled turkeys—interacting with each animal in ways that fostered patience and care. Students also wrote heartfelt letters of kindness to the animals and shared them aloud, infusing the visit with a personal, meaningful layer.
As the final field trip of the school year, the experience allowed students to reflect on the values explored during Wellness Week in a setting that made those lessons feel real. At Sierra Canyon, experiential learning gives students the opportunity to practice those habits of well-being in ways that are lived rather than just learned.
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