Nearby recreational facilities — including a gymnasium, outdoor pool, indoor riding arena and more — are integral components of the recreational therapy program for residents. The 1,200 — acre Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch, located 20 miles from campus, offers therapeutic outdoor learning opportunities through backpacking trips, adventure activities such as climbing, caving and rappelling, wilderness trips, low and high ropes courses and camping.

Situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the Mark Twain National Forest, 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.

Our outdoor programs help children discover their strengths and focus on positive attitudes and behaviors that can lead to the development of character, integrity, and, ultimately, positive relationships with others.

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.

Trainings/Certification

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.