Sky Ranch Camp
Secluded in the East Texas piney woods, midway between Dallas and
Shreveport, Louisiana lies a wonderful place where parents are strengthening
their relationships with their children. Just outside the town of Van is a
children’s camp that has been around for nearly fifty years called Sky
Ranch. I recently went to check out a new type of program that is helping
families improve their relationships through spending quality time outdoors.
It is called the “Sky Ranch Outdoor Adventure Camp.” The Program Director is my long-time friend Jody Jackson. Jody is known as the “Kidfish” man. For more than a decade his Kidfish organization has helped introduce fishing to literally tens of thousands of youngsters. Kidfish has been a great way to get children who would never have the opportunity to fish some hands on experience of what fishing is really like.
This two day, one night program is totally inclusive with cafeteria-style meals and comfortable over-night lodging. “Parents and kids don’t get to spend too much time together these days. They fish, ride horses, swim, play volleyball and more. All the while they get closer together. But the most important thing they do here is simply spend time together and talk to each other. In the outdoors you will be able to really get to know more about each other,” Jackson said.
I don’t know of a better way for people to learn more about each other and to build stronger relationships. Being outdoors and experiencing things together, without any distractions helps bring people closer together. Little things are often taken for granted. But when you slow your life down long enough to spend some quality time outdoors with your child, you realize how truly important and special they are to you and the world. A bond is formed, lessons learned and mutual respect is elevated. Being with children outdoors, allows more time to explore the environment. We explore our surroundings and our personal feelings. It helps rekindle relationships that are truly important in life.
Sessions are conducted by outdoor professionals. In small groups, they share their knowledge of the outdoors. “We’ll even have professional bass fishermen take them fishing in our 90 acre lake,” said Jackson. Most campers are parents and their children. But there are even grandparents bringing their grandchildren. The total cost is $125 (for both parent and child) for this program. It is extremely reasonable and openings are very limited. Currently Jackson is booking for this fall. For more information contact Jody Jackson at 800-962-2267 or email jodyj@skyranch.org.
By the way, while checking out the lake, I saw a couple of young boys with a huge stringer of crappie. They struggled to hold it up for a photo and their smiles said it all. They were making memories they will never forget on their Outdoor Adventures weekend.