Today we said so long and farewell to the Rocky Mountains with one final walk in the woods. In the afternoon we finished up our academics and soaked up the sun with some outdoor activities. Tonight will be bitter sweet. We are excited to go home but sad to leave this wonderful place behind. At least we know we have a family here if we ever need it!

Colorado got a healthy dose of rain today. It’s a good thing we were prepared for the weather! We brought some handy dandy trash bags with us out on our hike today to serve as ponchos. Despite the weather we still had an awesome time riding horses, exploring the Rocky Mountains, and checking out the awesome scenery. Not even rain can dampen our spirits!

After warming up by the fire we got ready for our evening activities.
I can’t believe our time at the ranch is almost over. Tomorrow is our last full day and we are all looking forward to what the ranch has in store for us!

Showing off that awesome poncho cape before the hike!

We’re so stylish!

Group shot!

I can’t believe we only have two full days left at the ranch! Today we did some more community service work projects and worked on our academics. In the afternoon we had some free time to hang out and play games with each other. The weather is a bit chilly, the food is incredible, and the time is going by so fast! Check back here tomorrow to see what new adventures we get up to!

Checkers is intense…

Some of us made a new friend today!

Say ‘cheese’!

Howdy friends and family! The past two days have been packed with fun and learning here at the ranch. Yesterday we finished off the weekend with some community service and even more friendship-building activities. Today we took a field trip and got our creative juices flowing. All in all, this trip is off to a great start! I hope you’re looking forward to tomorrow (I know I am!) See you then!

Whew! What a day! Here at the ranch we break off into smaller groups called Squads and Homebases for some of our activities. Today we met with those groups and played some games to get to know the other students. We’ve already met so many new people! We also spent some time at the barn. It was a beautifully warm and sunny Colorado day. We’re looking forward to soaking up the weather, making new friends, and having fun!

We’ve arrived! Everyone is safe and sound at the ranch after a long day of travel. Tonight we met some of the staff at the ranch and all the other students on the trip with us. We look forward to getting to know everyone better over the next seven days. Check back for some pictures and updates as the week continues.