Cool Off Days provides the perfect environment to offer new and special activities for Banyan Community youth. During this 5-week summer program youth will take field trips to water parks, meet fire fighters, tie dye bandanas, learn new dance moves, and go canoeing, just to name a few activities. But perhaps the most memorable day this summer will be when the llamas came to visit. These huggable gentle giants were so transfixing, even the neighbors started to show up in the Banyan yard to say “hi.”

Youth sat for a lesson on llamas from farmer Rick Carlson and learned some interesting fun facts. For example, did you know that llamas only have lower teeth, and they use their split upper lips like fingers to grab food and rip grass. Youth were able to feed the llamas and watch this process in action. We also learned that llamas are a part of the camel family, so they don’t drink a lot of water and only give birth in the daytime and in good weather! Yes, the mothers can control when they give birth in order to better ensure the survival of their young from predators. Amazing!

Our six new furry friends hung out in the Banyan yard, ate the Banyan grass, enjoyed treats from the youth and mostly complied with walks around the yard. Occasionally, a youth had the pleasure of a llama kiss on the cheek or a sneeze in the face! Both occasions resulted in squealing. Everyone agreed that their trimmed fur was SO soft that it felt just like a luxe fleece blanket. There was even talk about some of the llamas staying behind to become pets.

Banyan Community expresses our deep appreciation to Carlson’s Llovable Llamas for dedicating the day. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all the donors whose generosity ensures Cool Off Days is both accessible and amazing.