It is the Ranch’s mission to keep our children interested and engaged in activities that teach and heal. We strive to accomplish this throughout the year. During the summer, since the children are not attending school, HCYR’s recreation programs are expanded, along with programs in the arts, agriculture and outdoor education, providing the children with full days of enrichment.

HCYR’s acclaimed recreation programs include horseback riding, camping, hiking, field sports, basketball, volleyball, and swimming.

In recent years, the swimming program at the Ingram campus has become a favorite, thanks in large part to a creative team of teachers who take children from the basics to training in competitive and synchronized swimming.

Completed in 1995 in memory of Amelia Hopper of Kerrville, HCYR’s indoor swimming pool was the first step in establishing this program, and was originally used for casual enjoyment. Since then, it has evolved into much more. Thanks to HCYR staff and some very dedicated swimmers who volunteer their time to provide instruction, the pool has become a place to learn water safety, beginning or advanced swimming techniques, synchronized swimming, and Red Cross certified lifeguarding.

Doug Lanier, HCYR Recreation Director, is in charge of creating and scheduling activities for each child throughout the summer, and definitely has his hands full! Along with recreation assistant Trey Toothman, Doug must supervise activities for 70 children on the Ingram campus (the other 40 children live at the Big Springs campus) in five venues, both indoor and out.

Doug states that he couldn’t do all this without the help of others, and that he "has been blessed by the help of two special volunteers who care so much about the children and the quality of the swimming education they are receiving."

Doug is amazed, as we all are, at the amount of time, energy, and love these two bring to the children and the swimming program at the Ranch. The two people are Sue Smith and Jim Ernst, both volunteers who found their way to the Ranch and its children in different ways.

Six years ago, after attending a production of Broken Wings Can Fly in the Ranch’s theater, Sue "fell in love with the children at Hill Country Youth Ranch." She began to donate clothing, books, and assorted toys. She joined the mentoring program, and took a lead in enlisting area volunteers to visit and spend time with children. In 2003, she became a member of HCYR’s Board.

As a former competitive swimmer, and a Red Cross certified instructor, Sue soon lifted the pool program to an entirely different level. Working closely with Doug and Trey, Sue assisted in certifying the staff, and then, in developing a program for the children. Soon young swimmers were entertaining audiences invited to the pool.

Currently, HCYR has six Red Cross certified Life Guards and Water Safety Instructors who can award certificates to the children and staff members as they progress through the Red Cross "Learn to Swim Program – Levels 1-6." In addition, both Doug and Trey teach Waterfront Life Guarding, meaning they can certify staff to supervise water activities at the Ingram and Big Springs campuses.

In 2006, at the age of 59, Jim Ernst enrolled in the Red Cross Lifeguard Training course in Kerrville and followed it with the Water Safety Instructor course. He knew then that he "wanted to be involved with teaching swimming in some manner." His instructor told him that the HCYR might need volunteers at their pool.

"One visit was all it took. I was hooked," Jim explains. Last year was Jim’s first year to help at the pool, and he says, "as the summer progressed, I learned from Sue, Doug and Trey how to be patient, loving and to effectively communicate with the children." Jim continues, "I try to pattern myself after Sue. Her energy level is endless and the personal attention she gives each child is inspiring. She’s a hard act to follow."

Jim also began to give in ways other than his time. He has donated goggles, kick boards, bathing caps, lane dividers, time clocks, life jackets, diving toys, and other pool supplies, in order to make the children’s experiences fun, productive, and safe. He often brings his underwater camera to create video memories with a group.

According to HCYR Director Gary Priour, "Sue and Jim are such a blessing to the children, and a wonderful example of the finest volunteer family anywhere. The Ranch was launched and built by a community of volunteers in 1977. To this day, our volunteers and donors ensure an environment of excellence for children who benefit greatly from such quality – and need such love. May their reward be great."

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