Each session program will be as unique, fun and beautiful as there are unique, fun and beautiful kids. Every session will be a personalized experience for the child. Here is a list of the variety of components a session can hold:

Working with a Horse: Most of the children who come to Agape Ranch are drawn to the Ranch because of the horses. To ensure safety for both the kids and horses, everyone starts with the basics by learning how to correctly approach, halter, handle, groom, tack up, round pen and ride. As always, each session will be guided toward what the child and horse need on any given day. Our horse sessions will range from simply touching a horse for the first time, to advanced riding skills. All activities with horses will not be “performance” based, but rather focus on developing a kind relationship of clear communication between horse and rider.

Play: Our nation is becoming increasingly sedentary. Current statistics reveal that depression, anxiety and fear are all highly linked to lack of movement. With the awareness that the human body was meant to move at least five miles a day, we will offer opportunities for kids to simply be kids and physically play. Moving naturally releases stress and promotes a clearer mind to move through challenges. Through activities such as jump rope, hopscotch, racing in the yard or throwing a ball around we will highly encourage kids to have the chance to be kids through movement and play.

Arts and Crafts: For those who are more artistically inclined, the Ranch will assemble some wonderful arts and crafts for children and leaders to use. Kids will be welcome to paint on canvas or paper, draw, color through interactive coloring book or make jewelry that can be symbolic of their—or a loved one’s—journey of hope.

Gardening: Gardening is an ever-increasing valuable life skill that will be offered at the Ranch. The ability, expertise and awareness to grow food is truly a gift that gives not only to the gardener but also to those in need around them.

Ranch Tasks: Every child/leader pair will complete a 30-minute ranch task during their session. In part, this time is designed to teach the importance of serving others by giving through the work of your own hands. Often this opportunity will empower children to know how their efforts can make a loving difference to those around them.

Sessions can include any of the above components, the leader determines the best course of action for each child every time they are together. Our highest hope is for the heart of every child to be encouraged forward—in their own unique and beautiful way—towards hope and healing.