Rattlebox Nature Center Ltd

Valerie and her critters came to visit our classroom today and it was such a great experience for our students who have intellectual disabilities. She took the time to introduce each bird, bunny, or turtle and explained each to our class. It was so much more beneficial for the students to be up close and personal with them in our classroom setting. Thank you, Valerie!

Valerie and Rattlebox have given my kids the opportunity to interact with animals of every sort. My children love to handle and care for all the animals, and they have learned a great deal from their time there. I'm grateful for what Valerie and Rattlebox do for our community.

In this increasingly computer driven world, Valerie does a wonderful job of connecting children with nature. This is so important for them and for the environment.

Rattlebox has added therapy, dogs Spot and Salty who delighted children at a special needs school!

"My granddaughter loves it at Rattlebox. She looks forward to her riding lesson each week. Ms Valerie...."

Rattlebox is a great place for kids and families, highly recommended.

My 11 year old son absolutely loves going to Rattlebox Nature Center every weekend to take care of the ponies, rabbits and all kinds of rescued animals. Ms. Valerie is wonderful with kids of all ages. Truly a blessing to have a place like this!!

What a wonderful place of learning! Valerie truly has the magic touch with both children and animals.

My son absolutely loves coming here. He talks about it all the time. He first went for summer camp when he was 8, then for his 9th birthday we took the family there. It is pretty much his favorite thing, other than baseball. And I love seeing my sometimes sassy son turn into the sweetest, kindest child around the animals.

This unique nature center allowed me to expose my granddaughter to a world far beyond her suburban princess environment, where she learned to love, appreciate, and respect animals. Children learn important life lessons by using the contact and care they acquire here, and by bringing it back into their own lives.

Good morning Val and Happy (belated) Mother’s Day!
I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the teachers and students that visited with you last week. Thanks so much for always giving our guys something positive and educational to remember!:)

My daughter attended Rattlebox Nature Center this summer and absolutely loved it. This was the one camp she couldn't stop talking about all summer and she is delighted to be able to attend on an off day from school. Valerie was extremely kind and compassionate about the love and care of her animals and she treated my daughter like her own. I was also impressed with the lovely crafts that were completed. This camp truly exceeded my expectations.

Many thanks Valerie. Our kids from CADES loved your presentation, your animals and you! it was a great event.
Sincerely,
The staff of Room 116

Valerie and Rattlebox Nature Center are the simply the best. The environment is incredibly kids friendly and fosters individual growth with a hands on experience while being committed to safety. There is a healthy emphasis on learning about nature and our environment and the kids love all the animals. The stories they come home with are worthy of a time capsule.

Sincerely,
Long time client

What a wonderful place for all those creatures to thrive. Sharing your endeavors with my daughter has been a blessing. Best wishes.

Valerie and her staff were wonderful. They taught my 3 year granddaughter how to ride and take care of the horses.Valerie has created a loving and caring environment where all the kids feel part of something and want to take part.

I took two of my 8 year old nieces to Rattlebox a few weeks ago because I hadn't seen them in a while and wanted to do something special with them. I decided to take them to Rattlebox Nature Center - what a great time we all had! They were able to hold and pet guinea pigs, turtles, rabbits, birds and dogs. Then we went outside to see and feed the ponies - what treat! The girls were so excited when we were leaving because they received a $5 credit to use in the gift shop . . . lots of choices, and they left with great mementos of the day. They can't wait to go back to ride the ponies, and are even asking that their next birthday be held there. Val, the owner, is such a sweet person who is excellent with kids. All of the animals are rescues, saved from a not-so-good fate (we won't get into that). What great work she is doing, and what a great message to impart to today's youth. Thanks, Val!!

We had an amazing experience with our one and a half year old daughter. It was both fun and informative. To our surprise she even loved riding one of the ponies, Nibble. Thank you for all that you do! What a gem!

My 5-year-old attended a week of summer camp at Rattlebox and loved it! He had no prior experience around ponies, but discovered that he really likes riding. Valerie made him feel right at home, and he had a great time with the other campers.

Such a wonderful place for learning little minds. My children love coming to Rattlebox Nature Center!

Ms. Valerie Gardner is a very kind and generous person. My daughter has been invited as a guest to her nature center summer camp many times. She is actually signed up for a week this July. Ms. Valeriehas also given my daughter2 baby guinea pigs and many accessories for it. She always calls to check how their doing even offered her help as needed. She really cares and her nature center is a wonderful place that shows the kids how to take care of many animals. I would recommend it to anyone. We feel very fortunate to have met her.

Valerie visited our in-school programs on several occasions. Twice she came with beautiful animals (turtles, a rabbit, guinea pig, and birds) and once she came with gorgeous flowers and taught our students how to arrange them in a vase. Our students range from 3 - 21 and all of them have varying levels of special needs. Valerie was able to adjust her presentation style seamlessly as she facilitated the interactions between the students and the animals. She made the information, and really the whole experience, meaningful for both students and staff alike. Her generous and kind nature shine through her presentations and many folks were asking when she would return. We are very luck to have her and her nature center in our community and we will continue to support Rattlebox (and Valerie) in any way we can so that more children may benefit from her work.

We recently had a Pony Party at Rattlebox for our daughter's Birthday. It was the most wonderful party and lots of great memories were made. All of the guests were knocked out with how unique and fun the day was. So great to have the kids outside and enjoying an active, educational, and most importantly FUN day! Thanks Valerie!

Valerie has such an incredible way with both children and adults. Her animals bring joy to all who get to know them. Please keep up the great work!

This is a wonderful nonprofit. Loved seeing the joy that these animal brought to the kinds.

Worked better with my older children as opposed to my younger.

What a wonderful place! My nieces love coming here! I highly recommend it, especially if you are looking for a summer camp!

We love coming to RattleBox Nature Center. My 7yo daughter loves spending time at the barn and adores the ponies. Valerie is very knowledgeable and passionate! She really gets the kids engaged! Highly recommend!

I work as a volunteer with the animals. It's a great place with a wonderful woods surrounding the property. I also help at special needs lessons which I benefit from greatly.

Rattle box is a highlight in our lives! My 7 year old daughters love caring for and riding the ponies and visiting with and learning about all the other animals. Valerie has made my girls' dream of "having a horse" come true. They're learning so much. Valerie and Rattlebox are treasures!

My girls had a great experience at Rattlebox Nature Center this summer. They loved the animals and loved that they had a responsibility in the care of the animals. Valerie does a great job of teaching them how to be safe and kind to the animals. We will definitely be back.

Rattlebox Nature Center is a true gem. Valerie (the owner) is the kind of person you just plain want to have in your kids' lives. She runs an amazing animal rescue and nature center that not only serves its furry, feathered and scaled friends well, but engages the children who visit deeply in animal care, activism, life-skills learning, and FUN! My children love to spend time with Valerie and I love to watch as her work with them imparts a sense of justice, kindness and responsibility in each of them. It is inspiring to watch her interact with her visitors and campers and to know that there are still people out there who try every day, with all of their heart, to make the world a better place!

I can't thank them enough for providing a truly caring and cooperative environment for my child.

Cannot say enough about how special Miss Valerie and Rattlebox have been to our daughter. Camp and lessons are always a treat. Best part -- Miss Valerie truly teaches the children to have compassion toward all the animals and critters, and she shows the children how special it is to care for them. The children are not at Rattlebox to simply observe or just play with the animals. Whether it be the ponies, bunnies, turtles, birds, hamsters, etc. -- the children are shown to look after and take care of all the animals and critters as part of the Rattlebox experience. Awesome.

My 5 yr old daughter loved Rattlebox Nature Center. She came home always asking if she could go the next day. Next year we will be signing up for more than one week.

My daughter spent time as a camper at Rattlebox Nature Center LTD. She learned how to work with animals, spent time helping younger children, and worked on arts and crafts and played games. She learned tangible skills but she also learned about working together, compassion, and empathy. She had a wonderful experience and keeps asking when she can come back.

"It was amazing and you got to play with animals. Valerie finds things from nature and helps you use them to make really fun and creative arts and crafts". - 9 year old camper

Rattlebox Nature Center is a wonderful place for the rescued animals as well as the children who are fortunate enough to attend summer camp; have a party hosted by the proprietor; attend an educational session; have a scouting program onsite or any of the other ways in which one may take advantage of the Center - all of which my family or friends have for over 10 years. We love it here & keep coming back!

Valerie has been providing a consistent, inclusive, educational natural science-based experience for at-risk youths for 15+years as well as summer animal care camp and CIT training for a growing community.

We love sending our daughter here. Valerie is wonderful and the horses are so gentle. I'd highly recommend rattlebox nature center.

Valerie visited my classroom of nine students, who each have multiple disabilities. She was exceptional with her interactions with the students, and she allowed each student to have plenty of time to look at and/or hold a variety of animals. The students were thoroughly engaged and they all listened attentively as Valerie explained facts about the animals. Wonderful experience!

Valerie and her son Shane brought some wonderful animals to my multiple disabilities support classroom. They were very engaging with the students and allowed each student opportunities to interact with each of the animals. Valerie had an interesting story about each animals background. The students let us know their favorite animals through their smiles and happy vocalizations.

It was such a pleasure to volunteer for Valerie. She is patient and kind to her campers, and she's great at teaching them the importance of caring for animals. Rattlebox is a fun and welcoming environment for everyone, and it is truly a sanctuary for the animals who live there.

Valerie is the heart and soul of this special place. She knows just what is needed for both the children and the animals.
The Nature Center is an inviting place for children of all ages to come an explore nature. This nature center allows children to interact with various animals and also learn in the process. All members of the center are warmhearted and give children exactly what they need ongoing. I have known of this center for years and try to bring my own grandchildren there whenever possible.
I support the concept for allowing young people opportunities to try new things and also take some guided risks in discovering the world of nature. II would recommend this nature center to family and friends and I am so pleased that we have a place like this for kids to come to learn responsibility and the love of animals large and small. Bonue is the love shown each and everyone who touches their feet at the Center. Thank you for your dedication and love!
Bonnie B. Steele

Valerie devotes all her time and energy to Rattlebox and has provided so many children in need of such a resource with life-enriching activities . She cares for all her children and animals with commitment and dedication. The school programs and programs for children with disabilities provide a hands-on learning experience and are a source of inspiration for all participants.

Rattlebox is more than a riding camp. Children learn firsthand the responsibilities of animal care. They are also educated about various species. While on a family canoe trip in VA, we spotted a turtle. The children had been swimming along side of the canoe and we were negotiating with them to keep them inside the boat for our upcoming portage. We warned them that the turtle could possibly be a snapping turtle. My 7 year old son matter-of-factly reported that it was safe to swim as it was a "Painted turtle" due to its markings, and that he guessed all those hours spent at Rattlebox had paid off!

Nate loves Rattlebox. We've gone there for weekend visits since discovering it about a year ago and this summer he went to camp. He really enjoyed the animals and opportunities for hands-on with the added bonus of making friends with other like-minded kids.

Thanks, Valerie, for Rattlebox - a great community resource.







Thanks, Valerie, for Rattlebox - a great community resource!

Rattlebox has been a great experience for my 10 year old daughter. This has been her second year attending camp. The first year she enjoyed meeting and taking care of all the animals. I like that Ms Valerie, the owner, teaches the children responsibility that goes along with having animals by letting them help with all the the chores, even cleaning out the stalls for the horses. They children are taught to respect the animals and treat them with love. This year my daughter asked to go back to camp. Because she is ten she was asked to be a CIT, counselor in training. She was able to enjoy the camp while teaching other children what she has learned from Rattlebox. I highly recommend Camp Rattlebox!

Rattlebox offers the types of experiences ALL children deserve to have: meeting animals, caring for them and learning their needs, feeling empowered by the experiences of riding ponies and providing animal care, spending time away from technology and immersed in a quiet outdoor space. My children love Rattlebox and beg me to sign them up. Cleaning cages, riding ponies, and petting bunnies, dogs, and guinea pigs never gets old for them. Valerie is a patient mentor who teaches the children all kinds of nature facts that they are eager to share at home. Rattlebox is just superb!

I have been volunteering at Valery's for over a year now and I really recommend her animal care 101 class she has every saturday. The kids get to learn the basics of how to take care of animals including how to take care of ponies! Its a lot of fun and a great environment for younger kids.

I highly recommend Rattlebox Nature Center. My daughters are attending camp there this summer and it has been an incredible experience for them. They have really enjoyed interacting with different types of animals and have gained a lot of confidence from this experience. Valerie is wonderful and Rattlebox Nature Center is a very unique and special place!

My four year old daughter attended summer camp at Rattlebox and had an absolutely amazing time. Not only did she enjoy riding the ponies, she enjoyed taking care of them and cleaning up after them. What am invaluable experience for a child. Thank you!!

My girls Milena and Eliya absolutely loved animal camp! They love to be around animals and taking care of them. Would recommend it to any parent.

My daughter Jordan is just finishing her second week at Rattlebox this summer. She said it was awesome. She raves about it and all the fun things they do each day. She loves the horses, and riding them. They learn about animals while interacting with them, in a small, personal group. Jordan can't wait for the day when she is old enough to be a counselor in tranning! Thank you Valerie for another great summer. Butch Eby

Dear Valerie,

I can't thank you enough for a wonderful camp experience for Janie last week. She is still RAVING about every single day she spent at the center, and telling all her friends about how special everything is at Rattlebox (so be on the watch for several calls from interested campers!). We hope to be able to come back to Rattlebox again before the end of the summer. Until then, take good care and keep up the fantastic work :-) Kind regards, Susan Padien

Rattlebox is a wonderful place. My son who has special needs has been going there since he was about 7 yrs old. It has been a truly amazing experience for him. He is now 12 and is a CIT. The experience so far has been great for him to be in a role of "working" and helping out.
Valerie is really great with the children and she is a wealth of information about animals. Her animals are given the best care. We have adopted two from Rattlebox so far. Im sure they will not be the last. This is a great place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went with my 4 year old daughter for the nature center visit before enrolling to the summer camp. It was an enormous pleasure for both of us, an amazing learning experience and just pure fun being able to see, to touch and to learn about the history of each animal. Valerie strikes as somebody unbelievably kind and compassionate to animals. My usually shy daughter enjoyed it and looking forward to going to summer camp!

My 6 year old son takes horseback riding lessons at rattlebox naure center, and just loves going there and seeing Valaire!!!! Valarie is truly a genuine kind person, there is nothing fake about her! She loves teaching the kids about the animals, and how to take care of them. I also love going out there because there is a sense of piece when you are there, that all is right with the world. Valarie has devoted her life to the animals and teaching the children about the animals, and hopefully with the work that Valarie does with this generation of kids we will have less animals abused in the world.

This is a personal review. I have know Va for years; her kindness towards animals and compassion for kids have found a perfect union in the Rattlebox Nature Center. All Kids seem to respond in a positive when they interact with animals, and Rattlebox gives the kids a chance to do this - and the animals a home. This is a wonderfully worthwhile venture!!

Rattlebox Nature Center consistently provides a healthy learning experience for young children. Valerie Gardner is dedicated and does a wonderful job teaching kids to appreciated nature and animals. They are all so lucky.

My 9 year old daughter has been attending Rattlebox regularly over the last year although we were introduced a couple of years ago. (She had a fabulous, fun and educational birthday party there!). She has a great affinity for animals, and LOVES going to Rattlebox. She not only is able to ride the horses but learns how to care for them, and all the animals there. Her passion for animals overrides any other interests that she has including sports, dance and instrumental lessons. Rattlebox allows her to experience caring for animals of all types, and teaches her the responsibility that goes along with pet ownership.

My 9-year-old daughter has been going to Rattlebox--the camps, weekly sessions, and even a birthday party or two--for a couple of years, and she (and we) absolutely love(s) it. Though many of my daughter's interests have waxed and waned as she has gotten older, her passion for animals has remained constant. I believe her experiences at Rattlebox have helped nurture this. At Rattlebox, she not only gets to see and learn about a variety of animals, she receives hands-on experience that has always matched her evolving level of responsibility and comfort. We especially like that she can enjoy the experience of riding and helping to care for horses without having to join the Main Line "horsey set." Valerie, who runs Rattlebox, is warm and patient with kids, but she is also honest and direct about what it means to take care of animals. As our daughter has worked her way through the inevitable "Can't I have a (bunny, hamster, pony, etc)" list, she has been particularly well informed about what these different potential pets require in terms of food, shelter, care, and play (which has made pulling off the stock parental deflections--"this kind of pet is a big responsibility..."--more challenging!). Happily, our daughter's ongoing experiences at Rattlebox have taken some of the urgency out of her pet requests, and we look forward to many more years of her enjoying animals with Valerie...

Wonderful little utopian moment tucked away in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

I love Rattlebox Nature Center!! My son got his very first pony ride there and loved it!

Such a great place for all kids. It is also excellent for children with issues such as gross or fine motor problems. A nice combination of animals and art!

Rattlebox Nature Center bridges that gap between children and nature and animals, giving them the opportunity to touch, feel, explore and understand and to see where they fit into the big picture.

my daughter has been visiting Camp Rattlebox for several years. First with the girl scouts, then as a camp member and finally a Councelor InTraining. A beautiful experience, run by a beautiful lady!!!

My daughter attended Rattlebox during spring break. She loved it! It's the perfect setting for a child who loves animals. You receive very personalized attention. We look forward to summer camp!

Both of my boys have attended the summer camp and pony lessons. They love learning about the animals, especially since it is all experiential and hands-on. Valerie does a wonderful job of handling my active, eager sons.

My three kids have all attended camps and/or taken riding lessons at Rattlebox Nature Center over the past 9 years or so. I love the camp, with its opportunities for both horseback riding, and also handling and learning about all the other animals. My oldest daughter has enjoyed many opportunities to work as a CIT at camp, and my youngest daughter has attended camp for many summers. My youngest also rides weekly, which she has been doing for several years. It is such a great place for a hands-on learning experience. Rattlebox Nature Center has been a big part of my kid's lives.

My sons, Adam and Daniel, attended Rattlebox Nature Center Summer Camp for a couple of years in a row, and loved the experience. Valerie gave them their first introduction to horses, turtles, and birds in a safe and caring environment.

Great place for children and adults to learn more about animals, their care and their welfare. Valerie, the owner , is very passionate about her animals and her nature center and does a wonderful job as guide, teacher and organizer of events. Fun pony rides, art classes and specialized parties available to the children. My teenage son volunteered to help out and he learned a lot about the responsibility of taking care of animals.

i take lessons their hi Valirie its me emily agosto summers i ride whoopi do and i love this website

Excellent camp in a wonderful setting with great staff! My daughter (age 9) loved it!

There are not many places where basic concern for animals and respect for nature is instilled in such a loving way.The Rattlebox Nature is one. Without discrimination, Valarie offers these learning experiences to all. Her unselfish spirit is extended across many fields. Whether it is re- homing animals, volunteering for "Hands Across The Sea", raising money for women's shelters, or giving a disabled child an opportunity of a lifetime, Val's unwavering positivity is a wonderful influence ~ for young and old alike !

My children have been to several day camps and birthday parties at the nature center and there is just nothing else like it. Feel blessed to have a place like this in our community for our children to learn and appreciate animals birds horses etc. Valerie is great with the kids and has a true love for nature. I have even taken my girl scout troop for horseback riding and she spent time and energy teaching the girls how the ponys and horses are cared for not just a ride. Thanks Valerie for all you offer to our children. You are one of a kind :-)

I became involved with Rattlebox because of my love for horses and began to help out when I realized how extraordinary Valerie was with the children and the animals. I have never met someone who kids were so willing to respond to and who could create learning experiences so successfully. It is a truly remarkable organization and I am pleased to have sent my grandchildren there to experience it. I hope to stay involved at Rattlebox for a long time to come!

My daughter has been attending Rattlebox off and on for a number of years. Valerie does a wonderful job on so many levels, and has a great personality. We feel so fortunate to have found a place for our daughter to learn about the care of animals large and small and ride horses. Rattlebox is a wonderful place.

This is a wonderful place. My children have loved it over many years, for camps and for lessons. I know that Valerie also serves children who have had serious hard ship in their life for free, allowing them to be near, touch, and learn about the animals. It is great fun and therapy at the same time.

We were introduced to Rattlebox by one of my son's preschool teachers for a class trip. Since then, my son has attended camp and taken individual pony lessons with Valerie. A very special and unique center, Rattlebox delights children (and adults) while both teaching children about the significance of animal caretaking and bolstering their confidence from being given responsibility for living creatures. Moreover, Valerie's commitment to introducing animals and nature to youth populations who otherwise would lack such rich experiences is unparalled.

Valerie and her team of beautiful animals and wonderful staff have taken part in an annual event at our school and all the children LOVE them! Her enthusiasm is infectious and her passion for her work is inspiring! The event typically welcomes around 300 children and families and Rattlebox is always one of the highlights of the day! Mary Schugsta

My son, a two year old boy, had a blast here with a guided pony ride through the woods, an introduction to a dozen different birds, and the opportunity to hold and pet rabbits, guinea pigs, and more. This a fantastic place! We didn't get to the art portion, but the facilities look great and I love their emphasis on recycling and repurposing everyday materials.

My daughter was an active participant at Rattlebox from the time she was quite small to when she graduated to bigger horses. She still participates as a CIT when she has the time. Rattlebox and Valerie were a big part in getting my shy daughter to come out of her shell. She had sensory issues and the calm and nurturing environment at Rattlebox helped her overcome them. My daughter and I think of Rattlebox as a little slice of heaven!

I had a party for my daugher at Rattlebox. What a wonderful experience! Not only did the children learn about animals and ride the horses, but it felt good to know the monies paid were going to help a good cause. What a wonderful thing Valerie is doing, not only for the kids that she sponsors for camp, but also for the animals that she often gets as rescues.

As someone who has donated to Rattlebox in the past I'm happy to report that it has been some of the best money I have ever spent. One can actually see in a very real and tangible way how your money effects positive change. Animals and children alike benefit on a daily basis from the work Rattlebox does and it's a wonderful feeling to help in any way possible!

I have visited Rattlebox many times over the years, and each time I am struck by Valerie's unwavering dedication to the welfare of all animals and the variety of unique opportunities she provides to individuals of all ages to interact positively with the animals in her care. The majority of these people might not otherwise hold an animal or a bird, play with a dog or cat, groom or ride a horse. At Rattlebox they do all of these things in a safe, cozy, relaxed environment under Valerie's complete supervision. She teaches and guides with compassion, wisdom, patience and humor. While most of her programs are designed for children, interacting with and helping care for her menagerie provides confidence, comfort and joy to children and adults alike. Riding any of her four horses, from miniature to full size depending on the rider's level of comfort and ability, gives every rider a lasting sense of accomplishment. Rattlebox programs encourage awareness, understanding and a sense of responsibility through direct, hands-on connections to animals and nature in a manageable, non-threatening setting, indoors and out. Where else might you see or maybe even ride a very small horse in the house?! Valerie is committed to sharing her extensive knowledge as well as her love, respect and concern for the animal kingdom by creating situations in which participants may have personal contact with each of the animals in her care. This promotes the well being of visitors and animals alike. All of the animals and birds at Rattlebox are gentle and receptive to guests. One of the best and most unique aspects of a visit to the Rattlebox Nature Center is Valerie's cheerful presentation of the wonderful, amusing personality of each of her animals and birds. Rattlebox is a friendly, inspiring, educational, and fun environment, ideal for young children whose eyes and hearts are open to the wonders of the natural world. In circumstances where a visit to Rattlebox is not possible, Valerie will do her best to bring one of her animal programs to you.

Rattlebox Nature Center is a great educational resource, camp, outreach, and animal fostering resource. Valerie is an extremely caring and patient individual who accommodates kids of all backgrounds and disabilities. My daughter loves Valerie's kind ways and loves attending to the large variety of animals Valerie fosters or owns.

Valerie is family, my cousin, actually, so I hope my endorsement won't be considered gratuitous, because Val and I know each other well enough to both trust our shared honesty. I recently took my 2 year old grandson to see his "Auntie Val" and all her wonderful animals. From holding bunny rabbits, to going for his very first pony ride, I have to say that the experience has marked him for life. The look on his face was worth a fortune. Val does such wonderful work with rescue animals, giving them a renewed chance on life and then introducing these precious animals to young minds and the wonders of nature. These children come away from Rattlebox Nature Center with an appreciation of life beyond their bedrooms, backyards, neighborhoods and schools, that hopefully will help save our planet as they grow and become the leaders of our future. Valerie's work is but a fundamental, but absolutely essential first step in the education of our children so that they will grow with an appreciation of just how precious and fragile our planet is. This simple little organization and others like it hold the keys to a healthier future for all of our children.

Rattlebox Nature Center does so much to help both animals in need, and children who could benefit from learning about them. Valerie teaches children responsibility, encourages their creativity and offers them rich learning experiences. Children who have the opportunity to attend camp at Rattlebox Nature Center benefit on so many different levels.

What a wonderful gem tucked away in the countryside of Delaware County. My daughter and my friends children have all had the opportunity to go to camp here. The hands on approach to horsemanship, animal handling and care have been a true gift that will last their lifetimes. I can't say enough about the atmosphere, the arts & crafts and the staff who welcomed us into their unique farm like setting. Rattlebox is truly a joyful childhood learning experience.

Rattlebox Nature Center is a hidden gem! My children loved their time spent with Valerie and the animals. From pony rides (and grooming) to learning about birds, turtles and much more! Valerie really takes the time to teach them about the animals and the care they need. I would highly recommend Rattlebox Nature Center to anyone looking for a fun and educational outing for your family or group! Perfect place to learn about so many different animals, how to care for and respect them.

My duaghter has enjoyed Rattlebox for years! She loves seeing so many types of animals, and cherishes her time with the horses!

Rattle box and Valerie are always wonderful and provide a fantastic service

Anyone can create their own 'Rattlebox', but how many of us, myself included, go the distance it takes to serve & care for the unpredictable needs of all living things encountered? To tout the endless ways that this establishment serves others is almost unneccessary because the bigger, more important, purpose-impact, would be missed. The purpose, intent & relentless energy of Rattlebox is sustainable and is always renewed/replenished - somehow. It is a gift to be able to give of oneself & material goods so willingly, so effortlessly, without judgment or bias or greed. People, like the founder of Rattlebox, are a rare breed, especially among the non-profit community. We can all partake in this gift by allowing ourselves to simply be affected by one another, animal or human, by taking the time to listen, observe & care and to realize that only through the release of our wants & materials, can any living thing on this earth, hope to discover & live as happiness/calm & peace...I feel this from being at Rattlebox, I willingly give, I receive what is given. It is food for the soul - and the the animals are really cute:)

Rattlebox Nature center has done fantastic work by introducing underprivileged children in our community to the wonders of the natural world. Valerie gives these children, who have no exposure to anything beyond their own difficult worlds an opportunity to see and feel a live animal. This exposure builds confidence, wonder and interest in these young minds. Thank you Valerie for opening up these children to a new world.

Rattlebox is a great place. They help so many animals as well as people. I try to tell as many people as i can about this terrific place.

Rattlebox Nature Center is just the thing for today's children who are often allowed to be too self-absorbed. It's a perfect location which puts them in touch with the wondrous creation around them and their responsibility to nurture and protect the environment of which they are a part. The benefits which redound to them are not easily quantified, but the enthusiastic response to the multifaceted activities at Rattlebox and the willingness of children and parents to both return and spread the word, speaks to the quality of the teaching there. Mrs Gardner's commitment to providing an excellent experience for all children regardless of their circumstances is exemplary. It is probably because of the Rattlebox Nature Center that I provided a home for an Irish Wolfhound and three cats!

My 3 preschool children and I spend one morning each week at Rattlebox Nature Center. We LOVE spending time with Valerie and the many animals for whom Rattlebox is home. We have learned how to care for many different kinds of animals, including ponies & horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, turtles, fish, snakes, and many more. Each week we participate in the care and feeding of the animals. My children have learned so much about animals and nature in general at Rattlebox. They have developed a love of, and compassion toward, animals that they will carry with them for their lives. Valerie is a wonderful teacher, and is able to relate to and teach children at their level of understanding. I believe my children's experience at Rattlebox will help them to become better citizens of the Earth, as they are now much more attuned to our connection with animals and nature in general. Rattlebox is a truly wonderful resource.

My two children Gigi10 and Robbie 9 spent three weeks last summer at Rattle Box camp. Both of our children love animals and have a great appreciation for nature. Sending them to Rattle Box was an experience they continue to talk about months after their time there. Rattle Box is not only beautifully in touch with nature but it a fantastic hands on learning experience for children of all ages and both genders.Gigi did the CITS program she loves the horses the most and really enjoyed the feeling of being resposible assistant. When I ask my son Robert what his favorite thing was about rattle Box his reply is "its all really fun and amazing. They will definatly be back there this summer.

Well, actually, I'm a customer and a donor and a fan! All of my kids have enjoyed the animals and riding lessons and craft projects at Rattlebox and their lives have all been enriched by knowing the children from the shelter who attend the summer camp and lessons free of charge. Miss Valerie is an angel who can calm skittish, traumatized children as lovingly as she gentles a horse. Thank you, Valerie, for changing this small corner of the world one precious child at a time.

The Rattlebox Nature Center is a wonderful Nonprofit because: (1) of its dedication to making its services available to all regardless of socioeconomic status, physical disabilities and for children who have activity restrictions due to illness; (2) of its devotion to animal rescue and animal adoption; (3) of its ongoing mission to promote exposure and an appreciation for nature and different types of animals; (4) children are educated about caring for animals through dialoguing with the staff and more importantly, by doing; and (5) my child absolutely loves going to the Rattlebox Nature Center and can’t wait to tell me about what she learned and did while she was there. She admires and speaks highly of Ms. Gardner, the proprietress and would go to the Center every single day if she could.

Rattlebox Nature Center is a wonderful place for everyone, especially children to learn about animals, our environment and how special we are. Our grandaughter,Emily has been taking horseback riding lessons and attented some day classes at Rattlebox and it has been so good for her mentally, emotionally and physically.

My son received a partial scholarship to summer camp. He had a great time learning about the horses and other animals and helping to care for them. He took great pride in learning to ride, as well as in creative art projects which repurposed a variety of materials, up to small pieces of furniture. Rattlebox is a nurturing, wonderful place for children and animals alike.

My children have been attending the camps at Rattlebox Nature Center for over 5 years and they absolutely love it. They look forward to going each time and they always come back home with new experiences. Valerie is such a caring and patient teacher.

FANTASTIC place! The best holiday present EVER for my three nieces -- for the last two years we've taken them out to Rattlebox for a real adventure. They ride ponies, help groom them, and enjoy a hands-on Meet 'n Greet with Valerie's incredible menagerie of sweet, interactive creatures: birds, turtles, bunnies, guinea pigs... The whole family has a blast. Already looking forward to December!

I have donated to Rattlebox and had the pleasure of getting to see my $ go directly work! Donating to Rattlebox has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. It is a great feeling to be a part of the daily good that Rattlebox does for not only children and animals but also the envirement!

This is a wonderful place. Valerie, the director, has a gift for connecting with children and animals. My daughter loves her time here, riding and learning about horses, and meeting all the other animals. The grounds are beautiful.

Rattlebox Nature Center is a wonderful place where children care for animals. Some of the animals experience a real change of luck. Abandoned or left to fend for themselves, Rattlebox takes them in and provides for them. Kids enjoy what they then learn about the animals in a hands-on environment, including tending, washing, safe handling, etc. Overall, it is a wonderful sanctuary for children and animals, and one of my daughter's favorite places.

Rattlebox Nature Center was conceived and created in response to an awareness that in our increasingly urban and technological society many children exist with little experience or appreciation of the animals with whom we share this planet and the natural world that surrounds us. The goal of Rattlebox Nature Center is to provide individuals of all ages and capabilities with hands-on experience that will better their understanding of the critical role that animals play in the health and welfare of our world and to dispel false stereotypes and myths regarding their behavior and characteristics. To accomplish these objectives Rattlebox Nature Center provides supervised contact with animals,horse care and introductory riding,nature focused workshops and art projects.During the summer months these activities are also presented through a day camp for children.Additionally, an animal presentation and educational program is available offsite at locations such as retirement facilities, schools, private homes, camps and shelters.