With the assistance of our Master Naturalist, program staff and interns, we have developed unique science and nature curricula that excites and challenges young campers to be immersed in our natural environment. Groups use the various features and elements to stimulate teamwork and confidence-building, a sense of accomplishment and overcoming of fears, empathy, and connection. Children learn about nature first-hand from the wildlife viewing platform and a nature hike with our Master Naturalist. Nearby Lake Travis and our interactive water feature ChillVille, offer learning and respite.
Children that participate in the program generally range in age from 5 to 18. Candlelight Ranch partners with local nonprofits and schools to customize experiential programming that meets their needs and goals and includes any combination of the nature activities available. Many groups use the ropes courses to stimulate teamwork and confidence-building. Speeding down the zip lines and crossing the bridge 80 feet above the canyon floor results in broad and triumphant smiles, a sense of accomplishment, and overcoming of fears. The hands-on activities of EAGALA and the equine-assisted learning program provide the benefit of human-animal connection, empathic connections with others, and increased verbal and social skills. A hike along the nature trails with our Master Naturalist brings youth face to face with all manner of Texas Hill Country flora and fauna: geckos, racing lizards, butterflies, hummingbirds, deer and other native critters and plants.
We offer these multisensory programs because they are proven practices for teaching healthy ways to process emotions, build-self-esteem, reduce stress and promote physical and mental health. The empowered smiles and slightly sunburned noses at the end of the day are our reward as signs that children have conquered fears, engaged in multiple activities in a natural environment, and have met others with the same life challenges.
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Children & Nature: Learn and Explore Benefits At-Risk Children by Providing:
- Outstanding therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities to underserved children ages 5-18;
- A positive, natural and inclusive environment that allows all children to participate in outdoor programs otherwise inaccessible to them due to financial, emotional, behavioral or physical disadvantages;
- An opportunity for youth to participate in nature and the natural environment in active ways, testing their abilities and engaging in new activities constructed to challenge and support knowledge and awareness of themselves and their environment;
- and An opportunity for Central Texas schools and community organizations who engage in experiential education or therapy with special needs and at-risk children to participate in a nature environment.