At a farm off Narrow Lane near Lexington, Kentucky, US, there is a little red barn (畜舍). The farm is mostly empty now. Jim Mahan and his family, who lived there for generations (世代),have moved to a different place in northern Fayette County.
But during the summer, the barn is filled with city kids who have come to enjoy the farm.
They're members of the Fayette County Livestock Club. In this club, children learn many skills, such as cutting wool and taking care of animals.
"A lot of Lexington kids don't know anything about farm life," said Adria Meier,17, who has looked after goats (山羊) and sheep for three years. "There is so much to learn."
Children who take care of their goats and sheep at the little red barn must take a six-hour class before they get an animal of their own. They pay for their own animals but get special club programs for free, such as one that provides animal care.
Mahan lets the group use the barn for free. The kids spend up to three hours a day there during the summer.
There are valuable lessons learned along the way. For instance, don't cut the wool off your goats and sheep when there is wind. Sheep are social animals and they will cry loudly when they are separated.
"Looking after animals helps teach us responsibility. Unlike learning to swim or play soccer, caring for an animal isn't something you can simply abandon (遗弃),"said Carly Playforth.
