Kids Reconnect to Nature at Paradise Ranch in Wyoming

Buffalo, WY, October 22, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Kids are increasingly disconnected from nature. Paradise Ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming is striving to change this trend by offering programs that encourage children to get back to nature through hiking, fishing and horseback riding in the wilderness.

In today’s world, where computers are commonplace, grade-schoolers have their own cell phones, and video games often replace outdoor play, Paradise Ranch is a western retreat where families can come to unplug from electronics in a gorgeous wilderness setting in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming.

Clay and Leah Miller, owners of Paradise Ranch explain, “Paradise Ranch is well-known for having one of the best ranch programs for children in the country.” Four full-time employees are devoted to overseeing the daily activities.

Infants to teens have their own programs at Paradise Ranch, with age-appropriate activities supervised by specially trained kid wranglers. Babysitters are on hand to watch the youngest guests up to age 3 every day from 8:15 a.m. to noon, while kids over age 3 can participate in a full-day program (parents pick up their kids to accompany them to the dining hall for lunch).

Preschoolers have fun on pony rides, while children ages 6 and up can participate in the daily horseback-riding program. Of course, children can opt in or out of daily activities as needed, depending on family plans.

Here’s a sample Kids’ Program schedule for a typical weeklong stay:

Monday: Horse Day
Morning: Introductions and ice breakers, outdoor games, roping and pony rides for kids under 6.
Afternoon: Beaver Pond hike, arts & crafts, calf feeding.

Tuesday: Fishing Day
Morning: Arts & crafts, swimming, outdoor games.
Afternoon: Make fishing poles, fishing at the pond (parents are encouraged to attend), talent show practice.
Evening: Kids’ dinner and games.
Night: Teen Social (movie and ice cream).

Wednesday: Native American Day
Morning: Make dream catchers and headdresses, talent show practice.
Afternoon: Talent show practice, totem pole making, calf feeding.
Evening: Kids’ dinner and games.
Night: Talent show.

Thursday: Tie-Dyeing Day
Morning: Calf feeding, tie-dyeing.
Afternoon: Off.
Evening: Pack trips for teens; campouts for ages 3-12; dinner-time babysitting for babies and toddlers, so parents can enjoy Gourmet Night in the dining hall.

Friday: Nature Day
Morning: Hikes, outdoor games, pony rides.
Afternoon: Treasure hunt, rock painting, cookie making.
Evening: Chuckwagon Dinner.

Saturday: Rodeo Day
Morning: Chicken-chasing competition, swimming, outdoor games.
Afternoon: Bookmark and bird-feeder making, kids’ rodeo.

For additional information, visit paradiseranch.com

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