LOCAL YOUTH SPEND SPRING BREAK NETWORKING WITH NATURE

Thirty-two HACA youth recently participated in a two-day STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camp at Candlelight Ranch in Marble Falls during Spring Break.

Candlelight Ranch provides therapeutic and educational nature-based experiences to enrich the lives of at-risk youth, children with disabilities and their families.

Students from HACA’s Youth Educational Success (Y.E.S.) program participated in nature-based, outdoor activities like the Interactive Water Experience, the Sustainable Food Program, and the Nature Exploration & Learning Hiking Trail.

The kids learned the importance of water conservation, as well as the importance of respecting the environment. HACA students practiced their social skills, learned how to communicate clearly, and were encouraged to socialize.

From the guided nature hikes through the canyon, students received hands-on bug lessons, and were empowered to participate and notice nature’s “little lings.”

Learning about plants and wildlife, our students walked away from Candlelight Ranch with a renewed sense of stewardship about the land in which they live.

The one request all of the kids had was, "Can we do it again and make it an overnight trip?"

The Y.E.S. Program offers activities and programs to support children academically, socially and emotionally during school hours, after school and in the summer.

The Y.E.S. Program is a vital component in the effort to break the poverty cycle, as over half of HACA residents are under age 18.