Building stronger, safer communities one child at a time.

Programs

Summer Session

Initially each child participates in a two week summer day camp at the Kids' Ranch located in Rock Springs.  Four sessions are held each year; one for the children residing in each of the following four school districts: Baraboo, Sauk Prairie, Reedsburg and Wisconsin Dells.  The staff and our dedicated volunteers integrate learning and fun into each session.  On the second day of each session, the children are tested in reading and spelling to determine which children are in need of our school year tutoring program. Session activities include tutoring, computer skill development, nature hikes, gardening, therapeutic horseback riding, feeling identification/resolution, interactive presentations, animal care & safety, conservation, arts & crafts, "Giving it Back" (the children become volunteers --they pick wildflowers at the Ranch, make cards for nursing home residents, visit with them and sing songs) and reading with "Reading Buddies" (volunteer junior counselors 13 years and older).  All activities are designed to help the children develop self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment.  See our "A Day at the Ranch" page for the summer session daily schedule.

Reunion Session

Children that have completed a session at the Ranch are invited to return the following year for a two day reunion.  This allows the children to reconnect with Kids' Ranch staff, volunteers, horses, and fellow participants and spend time at their beloved ranch.  Special fun activities are part of each reunion.

Tutoring Program

Each child identified as needing extra help learning to read, works one-on-one, twice weekly throughout the school year with a trained, caring volunteer Kids' Ranch tutor.  The commitment and dedication of the children, tutors and other volunteers is phenomenal.  Volunteers transport the children and offer them a nutritious snack.  A highly effective synthesizing phonics technique is utilized (for more information, go to www.rcinc.org). Volunteer tutors complete 10 hours of training and supervision by our Educational Coordinator in this technique. Children work with their tutors at their school, in their community, or at a Tutoring Center. There are three after school Centers, one each in Baraboo, Sauk Prairie and Reedsburg. Pre- and post- test results tracks the progress made by the children.

An exciting and beneficial addition to the tutoring program that truly encourages the children to learn to read are the visits from our two beloved certified therapy dog teams. The children anxiously await their turn to read to Moxie and his handler Arie or to Billett and his handler Artie. They are models of patience and compassion as they attentively listen to simple stories read by struggling readers. Their encouragement and positive attitudes makes a tremendous difference ---one child at a time. The lovable demeanor of the dogs and the jovial personalities of their handlers create a winning combination as they provide a wonderful literary experience for each individual child.

As an extra incentive, the children earn points for completed worksheets, reading books, and good behavior. When they have accumulated a certain number of points, children have the opportunity to select a book from the Scholastic catalog. For some children this is the first new book they have ever had! Points can also be used to "purchase" art supplies, notepads, gel pens, yo-yos, etc.

Results are in --- the combination of this unique learning technique and the devoted tutors shows that grades and self-esteem of the children in the tutoring program are soaring!