Summer Of Fun At The Ranch!
July 3, 2018
We are over half way through summer and we are having FUN!! Each day this summer the sounds of laughter and squeals of excitement echo off the canyon walls as campers hike, zip line, kayak and fish on Lake Travis! 2018 continues to be a successful year, serving over 900 special needs children and families through our Children in Nature & Families in Nature programs. We continue to strengthen our relationships with partner agencies while extending our network and impact to new children and youth. Our increased impact would not be possible without supporters like you! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the children and families that experience the ranch!
Camp Dreamcatcher, a creative and innovative three-day camp for children currently in or adopted from foster care, returned for it’s fourth year at Candlelight Ranch! This camp provides children with the opportunity to experience summer camp in a safe and supported setting. Campers participated in a combination of science, nature activities, ecotherapy and had the opportunity to sleep in the treehouse, make s’mores and experience the wonders of nature all while having fun!
In partnership with A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Candlelight Ranch welcomed back Camp Glimmer for another fun-filled summer. Camp Glimmer provides under-privileged youth the opportunity to experience a two-day immersive summer camp. Campers have the opportunity to hike, kayak, fish, participate in team building and zip lining, splash in Chillville, interact with our horses, all while having fun with their friends, building confidence and increasing their self-esteem. We welcomed campers from the following Austin-area nonprofits: I-ACT, Bliss Kid Yoga, Central Texas Tennis Association, YMCA, Leap for Joy, Roving Leaders, Hello Just, and Excellence and Advancement. Click here to read the 2018 Camp Glimmer Report.
Longtime partner, the Phoenix Center, returned for another wonderful summer of Camp Phoenix. Camp Phoenix sessions provide therapeutic day and overnight session that allow campers an uninterrupted opportunity for healing, expression and empowerment. Camp Phoenix campers participated in equine therapy, high and low challenge course activities, art therapy, yoga and team building.
In addition, Candlelight Ranch continues to enhance our nature programming through our relationships with our partners. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and Friends Flying for the Earth continue to be summer favorites! Each partner provides interactive, hands on programs about conservation and natural resources. Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center continues their great work assisting Candlelight Ranch on our Military and Special Needs Family Days with sensory touch tables, backyard bass and Native American cultural programs.
Finally, we would like to expend a very special thank you to our dedicated volunteers, incredible summer staff and interns who give so much to our mission of serving Summer 2018 such a huge success! If you are interested in volunteering or becoming an intern please email [email protected]