We have a mission here...
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At the selected ranches we open our doors and host some of the most amazing and life changing camp and therapy organizations out there. It is our goal to offer our locations and services to these organizations for little to no cost. We feel if they are spending most of their raised contributions to rent a facility for camp, then we haven't done our job.
We make our facilities available to those that are in need of a new kind of therapy; horses, the outdoors, and the wildlife. Horses have been known to reach those that have PTSD, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, etc. Please see the video below for a true story of how horses help those in need. |
Hosting Children Camps...
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Unfortunately there are numerous children born into a life that is unimaginable and full of abuse, neglect and heartache. We want to reach as many children as we can. What happens within five days with these children is nothing short of a small, but everlasting, miracle. The Camps are to give them encouragement to know they are not alone and they are loved and not forgotten. The children learn about Jesus and find out who He is and leave knowing that He is always right beside them and He loves them no matter what their circumstance is. |
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Mentors are anxiously waiting to greet the children that are assigned to them. When most of the children come off the bus; they are scared, confused, and for some, their clothing packed in a plastic grocery bag. The life altering experience also effects the mentor and a mentor will leave camp with awareness and a greater appreciation and love for their own families.
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A typical day of camp on the ranch is waking up to a morning hike, if they choose to do so, and if they do lean on the adventurous side, they more than likely will come within sight distance of deer, eagles or fox. A homemade family style breakfast is served and after breakfast they get to enjoy Breakfast Club. At Breakfast Club they are given a Bible and get to learn bible songs and verses. After Club, they are taken to a variety of activities on the Ranch; archery, fishing, kayaking, crafts or horseback riding. By now these children are famished, we take them to the Ranch dining room and offer a homemade and well rounded lunch. After their lunch, they need a rest time before they head off to go swimming! After swimming, we all get to go to Chapel and this is where the kiddos get to share with their mentors the songs they have learned or participate in a play. The rest of the day is adventure time and closing with another homemade dinner. One day out of the week every single child gets to share in one great Birthday party! Some have no idea when their Birthday is and we make sure they are celebrated.
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We enable them to explore areas which they may have never believed they could prevail; swimming, hiking, caring for animals, canoeing, biking, volleyball, wiffle ball, basketball, crafts and most importantly find new friendships. These children get to experience what a joyful, loving and caring adult can be like.
Days one and two are difficult. The children still don't really understand the concept of 'camp'. They don't know their mentor and often are very skeptical. Days three and four you see the innocent child come out of the shell and express their smiles and share their laughter. They know their mentor and know they can trust him or her and are very excited to show what they have learned on the kayak, or the horses, or the crafts. Day five, they understand they are leaving and many are scared of what lies ahead for them, but as a mentor assures; they will never be forgotten and always prayed over. He or She will always love her or him. A scrap book, mostly crafted in the wee hours of the night while the children are sleeping, is given to be sure he or she can always look at the pictures, the heart notes and remember and have hope and courage for a positive future.
Days one and two are difficult. The children still don't really understand the concept of 'camp'. They don't know their mentor and often are very skeptical. Days three and four you see the innocent child come out of the shell and express their smiles and share their laughter. They know their mentor and know they can trust him or her and are very excited to show what they have learned on the kayak, or the horses, or the crafts. Day five, they understand they are leaving and many are scared of what lies ahead for them, but as a mentor assures; they will never be forgotten and always prayed over. He or She will always love her or him. A scrap book, mostly crafted in the wee hours of the night while the children are sleeping, is given to be sure he or she can always look at the pictures, the heart notes and remember and have hope and courage for a positive future.
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As shown on the right; these are two buddy campers turned into buddy counslers. A perfect example of a full circle and making a difference. |
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Please be a part of changing the statistics!
Below are videos of a national camp. It is our hope and desire to host children camps and similar organizations.
**We are not collecting donations for this camp.** The Ranch properties are designed to HOST camps such as this and our fundraising is in efforts to offer the facilities with little to no cost. We have been volunteers for this camp in the past and being part of what they are all about is how our dream has expanded and grown. Being a part of something much larger than yourself has a way of transforming what one thinks is a life priority. For us, it has changed us to want to be a part of making a difference.
**We are not collecting donations for this camp.** The Ranch properties are designed to HOST camps such as this and our fundraising is in efforts to offer the facilities with little to no cost. We have been volunteers for this camp in the past and being part of what they are all about is how our dream has expanded and grown. Being a part of something much larger than yourself has a way of transforming what one thinks is a life priority. For us, it has changed us to want to be a part of making a difference.
Healing Camps...
A fun and safe camp for grieving children from loss are camps which are designed to strengthen and guide them through their grieving process and provide the extra care, love and support.
A fun and safe camp for grieving children from loss are camps which are designed to strengthen and guide them through their grieving process and provide the extra care, love and support.
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The death of a parent, sibling or caregiver is undeniably one of the most traumatic events a child can experience; however, most parents, schools, friends and social programs lack the tools needed to help children address their grief. Instead of finding a supportive, understanding community in the wake of a parent or sibling death, most children find that friends can’t relate to their loss, family members are consumed with handling their own grief, and society rewards them for “soldiering on” or showing little-to-no reaction to such a life-altering event. We give them the confidence to break their silence as we allow them to go through their healing process. Confidence building experiences lead to breaking their own isolation.
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Inspiring learning camps...
We also love the story of Amberley Snyder, she is nothing short of being completely inspirational! She has such a life transforming story. 22-year-old Amberley Snyder's story is one of triumph over tragedy, and it all boils down to the fact that success comes once you determine that you'll never give up. Being paralyzed after a life threatening accident, Amberley picked herself up and was self-taught and self-inspired to continue her spirit of love for horses and rodeos. "I know who I am and I know what I stand for, but to have my entire life, I guess, turned upside down... I had to realize who I really was," Snyder said. Amberley is a nationwide figure and has helped many young girls learn to chase down and live their dreams. Time allowing, we trust to have Amberley as a regular visiting motivational teacher and inspire others with disabilities. With God and desire, dreams are always possible!
We also love the story of Amberley Snyder, she is nothing short of being completely inspirational! She has such a life transforming story. 22-year-old Amberley Snyder's story is one of triumph over tragedy, and it all boils down to the fact that success comes once you determine that you'll never give up. Being paralyzed after a life threatening accident, Amberley picked herself up and was self-taught and self-inspired to continue her spirit of love for horses and rodeos. "I know who I am and I know what I stand for, but to have my entire life, I guess, turned upside down... I had to realize who I really was," Snyder said. Amberley is a nationwide figure and has helped many young girls learn to chase down and live their dreams. Time allowing, we trust to have Amberley as a regular visiting motivational teacher and inspire others with disabilities. With God and desire, dreams are always possible!
Youth Camps...
Youth camps are designed to empower, develop leadership skills, team work, and independence with confidence. Our children, youth, and young adults are the future. We inspire to host local county and state students that are struggling and possibly at risk and allow them to learn the aspects of running a successful business. We bring back their confidence as they will have the opportunity to live on site for two weeks at a time which will enable a variety of ‘business related chores’. They will gain a variety of hands on experience of their chosen class; culinary skills, interaction with guests by checking them in and ensuring their stay is top class, early childhood education by volunteering with the kids camps, and will also enable students pursuing an Outdoor education. Other students wanting to venture in to animal wellness will have the opportunity to work with the horses; learn to groom, farrier techniques, train, etc., and small animal rescue. We would expect they would leave and wanting to grow and lead more fulfilling lives.
House of Hope...
A Christian residential program, it is the design of House of Hope to reach out to young women that want help. Serving young women from all socio-economic backgrounds, ages 13-28, who face a combination of life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. House of Hope also serves young women who have been physically and sexually abused, including victims of sex trafficking. Using proven methods, constant emotional support and counselors in a structured residential environment. House of Hope intends to help young women be restored to wholeness, find freedom from their issues and empower them to serve in their communities as productive citizens.
A Christian residential program, it is the design of House of Hope to reach out to young women that want help. Serving young women from all socio-economic backgrounds, ages 13-28, who face a combination of life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. House of Hope also serves young women who have been physically and sexually abused, including victims of sex trafficking. Using proven methods, constant emotional support and counselors in a structured residential environment. House of Hope intends to help young women be restored to wholeness, find freedom from their issues and empower them to serve in their communities as productive citizens.
With God, All Things Are Possible!
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Healing Waters…
"There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind." Washington Irving Fishing is an innovative method of therapeutic support for a wide variety of ailments and general health promotion. Fishing incorporates low-impact physical exercise with mental relaxation and social camaraderie. We provide opportunities for disabled active duty military and veterans to participate in fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. Outdoor activities are far more effective at relieving stress and improving mental outlook, creativity and cognitive function. Fly fishing therapy rebuilds shattered confidence, saves marriages and helps wounded warriors ease back into civilian life. |
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Judges 6:12
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” |
Horse Therapy...
Physical...
The patient improves his/her vertical and horizontal balance, muscle tone, improves motor coordination, experiences the independent movement of the pelvis and shoulders, which are essential for enable healthy walking habits. Riding provides the same upper body sensations as walking.
Psychological...
The patient feels a sense of general well-being, improved self-esteem and self-confidence. The therapy also helps to reduce feelings of insecurity and fear that in turn will help the patient gain more confidence in everyday life.
Educational..
Improves attention and concentration, essential qualities that any person should have for any area requiring educational skills. Overcoming the space-time domain presented by the therapy promotes thinking.
Social...
The therapy promotes the development of respect, responsibility, perseverance and loving toward animals. The positive attitude that the student acquires, improves family and social integration.
The patient improves his/her vertical and horizontal balance, muscle tone, improves motor coordination, experiences the independent movement of the pelvis and shoulders, which are essential for enable healthy walking habits. Riding provides the same upper body sensations as walking.
Psychological...
The patient feels a sense of general well-being, improved self-esteem and self-confidence. The therapy also helps to reduce feelings of insecurity and fear that in turn will help the patient gain more confidence in everyday life.
Educational..
Improves attention and concentration, essential qualities that any person should have for any area requiring educational skills. Overcoming the space-time domain presented by the therapy promotes thinking.
Social...
The therapy promotes the development of respect, responsibility, perseverance and loving toward animals. The positive attitude that the student acquires, improves family and social integration.
Job 39:19 "Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?"
Collaboration gets work done. Local lessons have community impact. Voluntary and incentive based programs create trust and breeds success. Sustainability is achieved by balancing ecology and economy.