Who We Are
Philosophy
Why Wilderness?
Trainings/Certification
Who We Are
 Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch offers programs designed to develop young people of character and integrity and to build stronger relationships and communities through adventure and wilderness experiences.
Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch blends high adventure and wilderness activities with the chance to have fun and be a kid in a safe supportive environment. We use these “out-of-the-norm” experiences and relate them to real life situations, helping individuals find their way, not just in the woods, but in life. All activities are planned, executed and processed to accomplish therapeutic goals. These rigorous, yet exciting, activities help interrupt negative behavior patterns and provide the opportunity to adopt alternative behaviors and make better choices and leading to enhanced self-worth.
Therapeutic and staff support during the activities is vital to the success of the program. We emphasize low participant to staff ratios, and continuous therapeutic support.
Programs vary according to goals and needs, and range from intensive therapeutic wilderness expeditions to multi-day intervention programs, day trips, therapeutic summer camp programs and family camp experiences.
Situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the heart of the Ozarks, the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch offers three miles of riverfront, wooded hills, fields, streams, bluffs and caves, as well as state of the art recreational facilities. It offers a secluded haven perfect for the youth at Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and to meet any program’s needs.
Philosophy
 The Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch patterns their services after Boys & Girls Town of Missouri’s philosophy of “Kids First.” The ranch programs are committed through the variety of experiences and programs to help all children, families and groups discover their strengths. Using this strength-based and experiential approach, the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch helps those it serves focus on positive attitudes and behaviors that can lead to the development of character, integrity, and, ultimately, positive relationships with those around them.
The experiential process is a core value at Boys & Girls Town of Missouri -- a way of unlocking the door to healthy and more caring relationships. Simply put, we use experience, insight gained from the experience, and application of this insight in everyday life as the true agent of change for the better for those the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch serves. Whether for personal growth and enhancement, looking for new perspectives on handling relationships with those around us, the challenges life presents, or for more therapeutic purposes, the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is able to apply this process for a wide range of groups and purposes. This is accomplished through  the use of diverse and flexible Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch programs/tools such as traditional summer camp programs, family therapy outdoor/recreation experiences, day-long teambuilding trips, extended backpacking expeditions, wilderness-based adventure therapy, cooperative and initiative activities, ropes courses and rappelling. Through the incredible power of the experiential process and the great outdoors, we are helping children and their families improve and enhance their lives.
Why Wilderness?
 Since its beginning, Boys & Girls Town has successfully accessed the gifts of the outdoors to nourish the potential of children to lead positive, productive lives.
Every activity is designed to create experiences to help bring youth develop a greater understanding of themselves, where they are in life, and what they can and need to accomplish. By using a variety of techniques to allow the youth to consciously process the experiences, interactions and reactions that happen throughout each day, they are able to maximize the impact these experiences can have on their lives.
The wilderness provides the most incredible and effective venue in which to achieve these goals. It is not an escape from the daily grind. It is a reality where the self can surface – free of the walls and masks built up through time and experience.
Situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the heart of Missouri, Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is a secluded haven offering three miles of riverfront, wooded hills, streams, bluffs and caves. Our Learning Center features a central dining hall, meeting and conference area, and overnight accommodations. Several large campfire/bonfire rings and many established primitive campsites provide abundant opportunities for experiencing and enjoying the outdoors.
The wilderness…
… inspires behavioral change.
… teaches clearly that all actions have consequences.
… acts as a catalyst for developing and strengthening relationships.
… provides the ideal setting for teaching and counseling by example.
… teaches participants new methods of communication.
… builds team interdependence.
… strengthens self-awareness, self-confidence and internal strength.
 Trainings/Certification
By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Boys & Girls Town of Missouri has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™.
Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is an accredited member of and follows all standards of operation of the American Camp Association.
The program director is a certified top rope site manager by the American Mountain Guides Association.
Challenge courses are built, inspected and certified by Association of Challenge Course Technology professional vendors.
All activity staff are trained extensively and regularly to the highest standards using state of the art equipment and techniques. |
Columbia Region