It was another busy day at the Ranch! We had work projects, one in the kitchen and another helping fix a fence at the barn. There was also time for some horseback riding!

Our weekend at the Ranch was great!

Friday some of us helped with animal feeding.

We had our morning check-ins.

Friday evening we took a trip to Denver.

Saturday we got sleep in and then spent the day playing games and having fun!

We are all in good spirits and looking forward to our last week here at the Ranch!

Yesterday was a beautiful day at the Ranch! We got to spend a lot of time outside enjoying the nice weather! We interacted more with the horses, had some academic time, and just got to hang out with each other! Hope you enjoy the photos from the day.

  

Weekday schedule began again today with work projects turning into hours for community service for our marvelous students. That requirement for graduation could not be met in an easier or more fun manner!

Doing some homework. It’s hard to see in the photos, but right out the window are beautiful pine covered mountains where weather frequently blows over from the other side. We love watching snow move in closer and closer until it is snowing all around us.

Bind folded team building/leadership activities are always fun!

Each group had a turn to act out different leadership styles! It was an afternoon full of laughter. We have some great actors and actresses in our students. The last activity before supper helped kick-start conversations on the importance of values for our students!

 

Students were able to get a little extra sleep. It was a relaxing morning with some students being able to ride horses and others playing games in the warm sunshine in the dining hall.

The students were able to experience an amazing beautiful hike!

Day 4:  RMPR (Rocky Mountain Pathway’s Ranch) Olympics!

Saturday = Sleeping in here at the ranch. The students enjoyed a later breakfast and played many board and card games while smaller groups went on horse back rides.

Team building!

On to the games! Get an article of clothing, bring it back to a team member, run back and get some more!

Capture the flag. Three teams. Lots of snow and sunshine!

Make your own pizza night!

Day three was an amazing day in the Rockies! We started out the day with a fresh breath of air before breakfast. The picture is of students attempting to find their group while closing their eyes by making an assigned animal noise. It was hilarious!

Mid-morning, the students went on a beautiful hike in nature. Smelling the Ponderosa Pine was fun since it actually smells rather like vanilla! The temperature was a balmy 40 degrees Fahrenheit meaning that the snow was just right for a snowball fight! As we continued hiking, the students noticed deer, horse, and mice tracks in the snow. In a beautiful meadow, we took a couple moments to spread out and have personal reflection/meditation time. Wind in the trees sounding like the ocean, sparkling snow, quietness, stillness, golden bits of grass poking through, small red rocks, and memories of home were all some of the things the students said that they had thought about and noticed during this peaceful activity.

 

The last activity of the day before supper were debates! The students had an hour to read information about their given topic, assign roles, prepare their statements, and then debate another team. Many of the students were very passionate about their topic and did very well!

Today was another beautiful day in the Colorado Rockies! This morning was the first day that the students had the choice of pre-breakfast activities. These started at 7:20 am which was no problem for our early riser students! They could choose Jamming with Jabba, a music option, or The Phantom Llama, feeding the animals. Those outside had a blast experiencing the early morning sunrise over the mountains.

This was followed by another amazing breakfast provided by our wonderful chefs. Again the students loved playing games afterwards which provides many bonding moments.

The group had a great day today! In between remembering to drink enough water to counter act the increased loss of water due to the altitude, the students spent the day doing team building activities. The chefs here treated us to an amazing breakfast of french toast, homemade apple sausage, and fresh fruit. After every meal, the students are able to play games. They learned about the different animals on the farm, worked on some of their packets, played amazing group games, and were able to participate in community service. Super excited for tomorrow!