Girls Ranch is located southeast of Santa Fe on 117 Piñon-laden acres. Established in 1982, it houses up to 20 girls, ages 10 to 18. While the specific goals for each girl differ, the Girls Ranch experience offers each of them opportunities to develop the skills and qualities they’ll need as successful adults and members of the community.
Living Arrangements
Each girl lives in a cottage with nine other girls and a
married couple called Resident Advisors. This open family-style approach helps youth learn how
to function as family members, and develops responsibility and cooperation.
Program Goals
Although admission into the program is voluntary, there are specific
program expectations set for each resident by her parents, counselors and herself. While at the Ranch,
girls encounter circumstances that challenge them to learn to control their own behavior and build
positive life skills. Their daily behavior choices and goal achievements are measured on a level
system. Licensed counselors meet weekly or as needed with each girl to discuss her progress in the program.
School
Residents attend an on-site school that is an accredited extension of
the public school system. Classes are designed to help students who have fallen behind in school to
catch up with their peers. Computer and Internet skills are part of the curriculum, as are anger
management, conflict resolution and other important life skills. Attendance in public school is
considered for long-term residents who are doing well in the program.
4-H and Other Activities
4-H is an integral part of our Girls Ranch program
because of its strong emphasis on leadership, responsibility and social skills. Members of the
Girls Ranch Mustangs 4-H Club learn to care for animals like goats, rabbits and pigs, and learn
arts and crafts like photography and baking. Projects can be entered at the local county fair,
where many have won ribbons.
Structured activities designed to teach teamwork, responsibility and self-control are also a regular part of the program. A pool, tennis court, exercise equipment and horseback riding are available for girls living at the Ranch. Other group activities like camping, hiking and educational trips are planned when possible.
Church and Spiritual Life
Christian values like concern and respect for others,
honesty, and thankfulness are important to our program philosophy. The girls attend church services
in the community with Resident Advisors, and age-appropriate Bible studies are offered on a voluntary
basis. However, The Ranches is not affiliated with any church denomination, and residents make spiritual
decisions based on their own choices.
Family Visits
Contact with family members is encouraged (when possible) and
visits on campus are scheduled each month. Visits home are generally two weeks at Christmas and
two weeks in the summer. Thanksgiving and Spring break visits may also be arranged, and weekend v
isits home are scheduled prior to program completion. Special arrangements are made for children
who do not have family members they can visit.
