HORSES HELP HEAL THE HURT
Introducing:
MAS (Music and Art Support)
by
Program Director Bear Erickson
Sponsored by The Santa Barbara Youth Project
Grey Bear Erickson was featured in the Santa Barbara Independent by Cynthia Carbone Ward on April 30th, 2026. Here is a summary of her report, “A Visit with Great Bear Erickson, a Force for Good”. Grey Bear is a respected musician, teacher, producer, and community advocate whose work has had a positive impact on the Santa Ynez Valley. Through his popular open mic events, mentorship, and leadership of the developing nonprofit Más (Music and Art Support), he creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect through music and the arts. Born and raised in the Valley, Grey Bear is dedicated to strengthening community, encouraging creativity, and helping others feel seen and valued. Guided by a philosophy of listening, inclusion, and service, he continues to bring people together and inspire a stronger sense of belonging throughout the region.
Please join us for a the first of four Fundraiser Concerts, in the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Riverview Park, to raise money for this program.
All Donations (made payable to the Santa Barbara Youth Project if made by check), will go to support the MAS program and are Tax-Deductible.
(Please include an email to receive a donation receipt. If using VENMO, Please note MAS and email)
2026 Chumash Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) After School Program
Santa Ynez Valley Fútbol Club U-12 Girl’s Team 2025
The Santa Barbara Youth Project is so excited to support the Santa Ynez Valley Futbol Club U-12 Girl’s Team this 2025 season! These girls, coaches, and parents are working hard and we look forward to a great season ahead!
Education in Nature at Riverview Botanical Gardens
March 19-May 28 2025
In collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club, the Santa Barbara Youth Project enrolled students in the 10-week Garden Gnomes Program where they engaged in a variety of hands-on interactive stations around the botanical garden, learning and playing in the natural world. Thank you to The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation (SYVBG) for this incredible opportunity!
The end of our second club soccer year and a big thank you to all the coaches and parents for their enthusiastic support and dedication to the team!
Healthy Team Building for Youth
Sponsored by
Zaca Creek Ranch and
The Santa Barbara Youth Project
September 1 2024
Second Work to Play Event with SYV Fútbal Club
Absolutely an amazing concert! Thank you to all to all the musicians for their generous donation of time and talent, and to the audience for their support, energy and compliments afterwards. We are already looking forward to next year!
March 2024
First Work to Play Event with SYV Fútbal Club
Before
During
After
After
Benefit Concert
March 16th at 6:00 pm
Standing Sun Wines in Buellton
The Santa Barbara Youth Project is pleased to be supporting the Santa Ynez Valley U-11 Soccer Team, pictured below, for their first season ever. They are a wonderfully inclusive program, with enthusiastic coaches and players who are supported by a great group of parents!
Summer Program 2023Alex is recovering from brain inflammation (PANS) after a bad Covid infection. Spending time with the horses has become the highlight of his week. The horse therapy helped him overcome some fears he developed. Made him realize how much he has recovered, by inspiring him to push himself physically during the lesson. He is also figuring out how to stay calm to keep the horses calm and happy.
We were very happy to have Alex join our Summer Program, which just ended on August 1st. All five participants had a wonderful experience learning about horse care as well as horse back riding. This resulted in significant gains in their mental and emotional well-being, sense of competence and confidence, as well as appreciation for each other and the program facilitators. Especially Michelle & Liz from The Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides Program
“Thank you for horse riding! It helped me forget about my parents” …Hearts ~Rodrigo
“When I rode the horse all the problems went away because I was having so much fun. The horse are really sweet and calm.”
“I want to go again and see my favorite horse, Rocky. I want to go again. I learned a lot of stuff. I had a good time” ~ Alex
The Santa Barbara Youth Project is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3).
For twenty years we have been successfully organizing and creating summer horse camps for at risk children, working with other local agencies provide a uniquely healing and transformational experience for hundreds of these children.
We are a non profit organization that since 1998 has been dedicated to combining the healing power of horses and the kindness of strangers to help our most vulnerable children. More recently, we have added after school EFL (Equine Facilitated Learning) programs for these same children.
Summer Horse Camps
The children we serve need your help. They are part of our community, but their hurt is often not seen. The kindness of strangers and connection with a horse, help heal the hurt.
Summer horse camps are a collaborative event, reflecting the long standing commitment three Santa Barbara organizations to provide at-risk children with opportunities they otherwise might not have.
The Santa Barbara Youth Project partners with local, well-established and respected organizations such as C.A.L.M., Hearts Therapeutic Riding, Fighting Back and MISC in serving the community
Donate to SBYP
The Santa Barbara Youth project has been designated by the IRS as a non-profit organization.We are supported entirely by donations from the general public and private foundations. We’ve always collaborated with other non-profit agencies.
For non-fee donations a check may be made out to and mailed to:
SBYP
1851 Cougar Ridge Rd
Buellton, CA 93427
