Children’s Program

One of the more profound disturbances to a child’s early development happens when they are prematurely separated from a protective environment, such as their loss of home because of abuse, abandonment, or catastrophe. Only time, along with the experience of being nurtured, can dissipate fear and anger and allow a child to heal, learn, and grow.

Hill Country Youth Ranch’s team focuses on gaining an understanding of each child’s unique needs, finding opportunities for growth, and reaching out to the child to build mutual trust. We believe that a child needs to experience a relationship that lasts, through knowing someone who endures with them through every phase of life.

Our Services

HCYR, we offer programs and services tailored to each child's interests and needs to help them on the path of healing, while also training them with skills that can help them as they grow.

Residential Treatment (RTC)

Our RTC program features four family style cottages and two assessment centers where children participate in therapeutic services and structured routines to aid in their healing and growth. Children participate in campus-wide events, activities, and enrichment programs.

General Residential (GRO)

Our GRO is a program for children who can handle more responsibilities while learning new skills for the future. Traditional Family Care (GRO) includes four cottage style homes on our Ingram Campus, and eight homes at our Leakey Campus.

Private Placements

We also have availability for children in need of a private placement by parents, guardians, and placing agencies. Privately placed children receive the same programs, services, educational opportunities, and quality care from skilled and caring team.

Enrichment Programs

Fine Arts

From paintings, poetry, photography, wood working, and more, many of our children learn how to use their voice in a healing and productive way through our Fine Arts Program.
Horsemanship

One of our most loved programs that teaches how to effectively listen, learn, and nutrure. It also teaches responsibility, motor skills, and technical skills from trained instructors.
Chapel & Christian Education

We aim to teach our children about God and His love, and that in Him there is hope for the future. We provide weekly interactive chapel services to our Ranch Family so that we can heal and grow together.
Animal Care

On our Main Campus, we have a herd of chickens that the children have been excited to help raise! On our Leakey campus, we also have an award winning 4-H group who constantly show skill and attention to detail to caring for their animals.
Family Life

Some of our children have never had their birthday celebrated. Some have never had a Christmas without a fight or dangerous situation. Our children also go off-ranch to enjoy field trips and other activities! We go above and beyond to show our children that they are loved through our Family Life program.
Recreation

For children healing from trauma, it is vitally important to ensure that they are able to exert their energy in productive and safe ways. That’s why we provide opportunities for sports, nature activities like biking and fishing, and many more ways to run around and have fun!
Dance

Expression through movement is both healing and powerful. Through our trained instructor, our children create unique routines that share their stories. Often they work up the courage to share their creations through a Youth Ranch recital.
Summer Work Crew

Every summer, our children can participate in a voluntary Summer work crew program. They apply, interview, and earn their own money that goes into their own bank accounts. Many alumni continue to share with us that the program has created skills that have stayed with them into adulthood.
Horticulture

Our longest tradition as a Ranch family has been garden planting every year on Good Friday. Since then, our children have taken unique interest in the tranquility found in tending a garden. Each cabin has their own plot which supplies their cabin with garden-fresh vegetables!