Recreation
Recreation at the PATCH youth ranch addresses basic human needs for our active teens. It is integrated into the treatment program every day with extra activities over the weekends.
These activities contribute toward the residents learning to trust the others around them on the ranch.
"We did it!" screams a raft full of teens after successfully navigating four rapids by working as a team.
"Don't give up, we're nearly there!" says one teenager to another while on a strenuous backpacking trail in the Sawtooth Mountains.
"Isn't this brilliant sunset awesome?" Hear the smack of high-fives after a successful climb by two teens on the climbing wall.
"Here's what is really worrying me..." says one of the young people to a counselor, opening up during a quiet, relaxed game of pool.
These exchanges reflect progress in the lives of these teens.
Recreation is designed to address physical, mental, and emotional needs, not just to pass the time or provide entertainment. The benefits include emotional release, fitness, teamwork, building good relationships, and having fun. Emotional release through recreational activities is a healthy and appropriate way to handle frustration, stress, tension, and anger. When anger surfaces during an activity, the appropriate response can be taught. Often a game will be stopped, and group counseling will take place to resolve the problem. Fitness is an obvious benefit as young people learn sports and wholesome recreational skills.
The low ropes initiative course focuses on team building and problem solving for both residents and staff. The positive energy that occurs during recreation is a great stimulus for building good relationships. The elements of trust, sharing, and caring are dependent upon close relationships. Recreation equals fun - a time to laugh, run, jump, exercise the mind, and enjoy life at that moment.
The program includes active, passive, and some indoor components. Active recreation includes basketball, floor hockey, softball, hiking, swimming, and other sporting activities. Passive recreation includes chess, crafts, music, Foosball, and ping-pong. Each activity has purpose to focus the residents on healthy amusements and activities. Television, movies, and other technology-based entertainment are kept at a minimum.
