Harvesting Joy: SOAR’s Adventure at Middleton Farms
By Tahasha Foxe
There’s something magical about autumn at Middleton Farms; the crisp air, the smell of hay, and the laughter that carries across the fields. This year, SOAR got to experience that magic all over again, and this time, with double the fun!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Blue Mountain Community Church, we didn’t just fill one van… we filled two! With 19 participants, three fantastic volunteer drivers, and a whole lot of excitement, our SOAR crew set off for a full day of fall adventure in Pasco.
Before we even arrived, the fun had begun. Each participant received an activity bag filled with games and coloring sheets for the drive, which later became totes full of farm-fresh keepsakes and memories to take home.
Our first stop at the farm? The Duck Races. Picture this: rubber duckies, hand pumps, and friendly competition at its finest. Participants raced their ducks down water troughs, cheering each other on with contagious enthusiasm. What stood out most wasn’t who won; it was how often someone paused to help a friend who was struggling or stuck. Teamwork and kindness stole the show.
Next came a new addition - the zip lines! Hearts raced (mine included!) as participants zoomed through the air, some shouting “Weeee!” while others bravely climbed the ramp to face their fears. Whether they soared or took the first step, courage was in the air.
From there, we bounced over to Barnyard Ball, tackled the giant jumping pillow, and tried our luck at gem mining, uncovering treasures like obsidian, emeralds, and quartz. The hay pyramid towered high, but our participants climbed it with determination and joy.
Refueled with a delicious lunch from Wild Bill’s Grill, we boarded the covered wagon for a tractor-pulled ride to Adventure Land, a highlight of the day. The low ropes course tested our balance and teamwork, while the Super Tube Slide and Petting Zoo brought smiles and thrills to everyone. A stop at the paintball range gave everyone a chance to take aim and show off their focus and skill.
Before heading home, we visited the souvenir shop, where participants picked out mementos to remember the day. And just when we thought it couldn’t get sweeter, our volunteers (and new friends), Tony and Dora, surprised everyone with ice cream and warm apple cider donuts. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
As the vans rolled home, laughter faded into quiet hums and snores, a sure sign of a day well spent.
We’re already counting down the days until next year’s trip to Middleton Farms. With each visit, we’re not just making memories - we’re building friendships, confidence, and community.
Here’s to more adventures, more courage, and more joy with SOAR!
