Schoolchildren’s tours are in full swing at Centennial Farm, according to Evy Edelo, education programs coordinator at the Farm.

Volunteer docents show kindergartners and first graders the four-acre Farm’s features, including the animals and the crops. The docents are all volunteers. When they are asked why they give up their time to show the 5- and 6-year-olds the animals and plants, the answer is that they are getting more from the experience and from the children than they are giving up in the two-hour stint.

Burly, bearded Philip Henderson, an Irvine leadership coach, puts the Farm’s oxen team, Bill and Bob, through their paces for the young visitors. He first saw the pair at the 2003 Fair “and I fell in love with them,” he said. He had no farm experience but learned how to be an ox driver.

“Children are amazing,” he said. “A child is not afraid to ask what adults won’t ask.”

Philip likes to show the children that by speaking softly and being gentle, he can make two massive animals obey him. “I learn from Bill and Bob how to help the people I deal with, by inspiring them,” he said.

Cheri Wall of Fountain Valley is a retired computer firm administrative assistant who has been a docent for a year, along with her husband Buck. She too was attracted to the Farm by the oxen.

“But I really became hooked one day when one of the kids in my tour said, ‘This is the best day of my life!’” The children also attend an illustrated talk on how chicks develop inside an egg and hatch. If they wish, children may hold a two- or three-day-old chick in their cupped hands.

The tour also involves a visit to the milking parlor inside Millennium Barn, and each child will plant radish seeds in a container that can be taken back to their classroom.

Over the years, more than 500,000 schoolchildren have participated in the Farm tours.

Guided tours begin at 9 and 11 a.m. The Farm is open to the public Monday - Fridays, 1-4 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Teachers wishing to schedule a tour should visit www.ocfair.com for information on available dates and how to make a reservation.

For information about volunteering at Centennial Farm call (714) 708-1619.