Fostering Community and Connection in the Highland Lakes

November 14, 2024

At Candlelight Ranch, we feel incredibly fortunate to serve the wonderful communities of the Highland Lakes Area. Our mission is to provide educational and nature-based experiences for families and children of all abilities and needs to learn, explore and heal — and it’s through our meaningful partnerships that we’re able to extend our outreach and impact. Each year, we work alongside 35+ partner organizations and schools from across Central Texas, connecting with children, families, and individuals who can benefit from the transformative power of nature. These connections are at the heart of everything we do.

This fall, we’ve been thrilled to see the impact of our Outdoor Explorers and Children in Nature programs, especially in the Highland Lakes region. From Lago Vista to Marble Falls, Kingsland, and beyond, we’ve had the privilege of supporting children and families who face unique challenges in accessing outdoor recreation and resources. Through our work with local schools and organizations, we’ve been able to offer enriching, outdoor experiences that provide both joy, learning and the opportunity to connect with others in our local community.

Each week, we welcome students from Lago Vista High School’s Life Skills/Transition classroom and individuals with disabilities in the Highland Lakes area who have graduated from school-based services to Candlelight Ranch. For many of these participants, outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching are not always easily accessible. But at the Ranch, they’ve found a place to explore, learn, and connect, it’s more than the fun activities — it’s about creating a space where everyone belongs.

Our Outdoor Explorers program has become a place where friendships are built, confidence grows, and nature becomes a classroom. Whether it’s climbing the rock wall, learning about local wildlife, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk in the woods, the benefits are clear. But perhaps the most meaningful part is the sense of community that forms each week. These outdoor adventures bring people together in ways that nurture not just physical health, but emotional and social well-being too. As one parent shared, “My son looks forward to seeing his friends in Outdoor Explorers. Archery is a great sport for him. He takes a lot of pride in it and it has given him enough confidence to try new activities. This program provides two hours of guaranteed respite from my schedule; knowing my son is in a safe place with his friends allows peace of mind.”

For the families and caregivers, this program also offers a much-needed respite. It’s a chance for them to take a break, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and supportive space, making memories and forming bonds.

While our partnership with Lago Vista ISD is truly special, it’s just one part of the story. We’re also excited to be working with the Highland Lakes Boys and Girls Club, serving children from Marble Falls, Burnet, and Llano counties. Through this partnership, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming kids to the Ranch for hands-on nature experiences — everything from learning about local mammals to trying their hand at archery or zipping across the zipline. It’s been so rewarding to watch these children engage with nature in ways that are both educational and fun. For many of them, it’s a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the outdoors.

Over the years, we’ve also had the privilege of hosting students from Marble Falls ISD’s Special Education classrooms for field trips to the Ranch. These visits combine learning with outdoor exploration, providing students with the opportunity to experience the natural world in a way that’s accessible and engaging. The joy on their faces as they discover new things in nature is truly priceless, and we love being a part of that experience.

Another partnership that holds a special place in our hearts is with Operation Exfil, Inc., an organization that supports combat-injured veterans and their families. For over five years, we’ve had the honor of hosting Military Family Days and weekend campouts with this amazing group. These events provide veterans and their families with a chance to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories together. As one parent reflected: “This is the one place where I really don’t think of anything else. Just us.” Whether they’re soaring down the zipline, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the Ranch, these families find solace in nature, and we’re so grateful to be a part of their journey.

At Candlelight Ranch, we believe in the power of nature to bring people together, help them grow, and create memories that last a lifetime. Our programs — whether through Outdoor Explorers, Children in Nature, or Military Family Days — are about more than just getting outside. They’re about building relationships and providing a place where everyone can feel at home.

As the season shifts and the weather cools, we’re filled with excitement for the adventures that are still to come. There’s so much more to discover, and we are grateful to be on this journey with the children, families, and veterans of Lago Vista, Marble Falls, Kingsland, and the surrounding areas. We’re honored to share the beauty of nature with you all, and we look forward to many more moments of connection, joy, and growth.