By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Big dreams, a love for agriculture and a passion for inclusivity drive Angie Carver’s mission to bring agriculture to special needs children.
For six years, the Kool Kidz “AG” Stravaganza has introduced special needs students across the South Plains to the world of agriculture.
Inspired by her three children, who grew up raising and showing cattle, Carver’s family wanted to share their experiences with others.
“We had a great turnout our first year with 25 students participating,” Carver said. “We had people coming up to us afterward asking us how they could get involved next year.”
Since then, the event has grown significantly, expanding to multiple school districts and special education programs.
“We have about eight or so school districts who have their SPED programs involved in the event, and we have volunteers from five different school districts who are running the rotations,” Carver said.
The event is for students ages 6-17 and immerses them in agriculture through engaging, hands-on activities.
The students participate in several rotations, including branding a cattle picture with paint, petting bunnies, showing goats, exploring sensory processing boards and more. A highlight among the students was decorating their own cowboy hats.
“They enjoy these kinds of activities because it’s something they physically get to make and take home to show their friends and family,” she said.
The event concludes with a barn dance and lunch—a fitting way to celebrate a day filled with learning, laughter and livestock.
“Teachers tell us their students look forward to this event every year,” Carver said. “The students leave here, worn out, but they smile and laugh the whole day and talk about their day on their way back to their classrooms. It’s a really rewarding feeling.”
The event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated volunteers from 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and local agricultural business. In addition, Texas Farm Bureau’s Clover Cash Grant Program plays a key role in ensuring the program’s success.
“We are so thankful for the Clover Cash grant because it helps us put on this event, support the kids and helps teach them about agriculture,” Carver said.
She encourages others to seek out resources like TFB’s Clover Cash Grant Program.
The grant program was established to fund hands-on activities that grow students’ knowledge of food, fiber and fuel. Programs funded by the Clover Cash grants also strive to help students understand the importance of agricultural advocacy.
Applications for the 2025 Clover Cash Grant Program will open later this summer.
For more information about the grant program, visit TFB’s Youth Opportunities webpage or contact youthactivities@txfb.org.
Leave A Comment