Learn about the  therapeutic, recreational and educational nature-based experiences 
that enrich the lives of at-risk youth and children with disabilities.
Summer 2018
Welcome to the Summer edition of our newsletter! We hope you enjoy!  

The Summer of Fun   
 
 
We are over half way through summer and we are having FUN!! Each day this summer the sounds of laughter and squeals of excitement echo off the canyon walls as campers hike, zip line, kayak and fish on Lake Travis!  2018 continues to be a successful year, serving over 900 special needs children and families through our Children in Nature & Families in Nature programs. We continue to strengthen our relationships with partner agencies while extending our network and impact to new children and youth. Our increased impact would not be possible without supporters like you! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the children and families that experience the ranch!

Camp Dreamcatcher, a creative and innovative three-day camp for children currently in or adopted from foster care, returned for it's fourth year at Candlelight Ranch! This camp provides children with the opportunity to experience summer camp in a safe and supported setting.  Campers participated in a combination of science, nature activities, ecotherapy and had the opportunity to sleep in the treehouse, make s'mores and experience the wonders of nature all while having fun!
 
 
Dance For Candlelight is happening on October 17th.
Tickets go ON SALE September 1st!

 
Event volunteers are busy lining up sponsors and finalizing details for our annual Dance For Candlelight presented by HEB Tournament of Champions! This year it will be held again at the beautiful Texas Federation of Women's Clubs in Austin. 
 
Get out your dancing shoes and dance the night away with live music, enjoy tasty bites from Austin's top restaurants, exciting live and silent auctions, all benefiting the lives the children and families we serve.   
 
Tickets go on sale September 1st and are $175 for VIP & $125 for General Admission. If you are interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities, visit our website or email us!

From Their Perspective

"Today I learned persistence, I learned that the harder I work the better the ending will be."
 
"This place is amazing. First time here and definitely would come back again."

  • "My favorite thing about our experience was all of the fun activities I was able to do with my family at NO COST. Canoeing, kayaking, sleeping in the tree house, fishing, bird hunt, practicing casting. There were a lot of volunteers who interacted with us and made us feel welcome. You fed us and watered us, you thought of everything. Thank you! As a military family we really appreciate this chance to enjoy time together and in nature. Thank you!"

"I know now I can do anything- today is life changing for me - I wish my parents could be here and see what I am capable of.

I was feeling desperation - won't ever tell myself I can't do anything anymore!"  
In the Words of Our Interns
 
Thank you to our wonderful and dedicated summer interns! Candlelight Ranch is lucky to have seven college interns from all over Texas share their summer with us.  These outstanding young adults are instrumental in helping deliver our exceptional programs to the special needs children, at-risk youth and families that visit us.  
 
 
MaDarius Tyler
MaDarius Tyler 'King Darius' - Student Intern, Prairie View A&M University   

"On my first day working at Candlelight Ranch, I met a wonderful group of hard working siblings who after poking fun at me for being new, appointed me the title King Darius, a name that has stuck with me all summer and has been my persona for the kids to feed off of.

This experience has been truly eye opening and I am beyond grateful to be a part of a program that changes the lives of these young men and women."

 
Kim Garcia
Kim Garcia-Student Intern, University of Texas

" Candlelight Ranch was the place I never knew I needed. What the ranch does for these kids and families is indescribable! Something as small as crawling across a canyon or zipping through the outdoors, can have a profound effect on an individual's life. Some groups come into the ranch as strangers and leave as friends.
 
You can never guess the journeys that will happen at Candlelight Ranch, but you always know that it will be a journey worth taking 
 
 
THANK YOU! 

We are so grateful for the support of the Candlelight community. Whether you donate your time and expertise as a volunteer, make a financial contribution, sponsor an event, donate items or services to an event auction, or spread the word about our organization, we are honored that you are part of our family. Thank you for all you do!

Candlelight Ranch provides therapeutic and educational nature-based experiences to enrich the lives of at-risk youth, children with disabilities and their families.

 

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