Woodland Spring Lodge offers a unique feature in providing therapeutic outdoor recreation on the nearby Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch.  Situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the heart of Missouri, Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is a secluded haven offering three miles of riverfront, wooded hills, streams, bluffs and caves. 

We use these “out-of-the-norm” experiences and relate them to real life situations, helping individuals find their way, not just in the woods, but in life. All activities are planned, executed and processed to accomplish therapeutic goals.  These rigorous, yet exciting, activities help interrupt negative behavior patterns and provide the opportunity to adopt alternative behaviors and make better choices and leading to enhanced self-worth. 

Every activity is designed to create experiences to help youth develop a greater understanding of themselves, where they are in life, and what they can and need to accomplish. Therapeutic guidance helps your child or teen to consciously process the experiences, interactions and reactions that happen throughout each day, enabling them to maximize the impact these experiences can have on their lives. 

The outdoors provides an incredible and effective venue for achieving these goals.  It is a reality where the self can surface – free of the walls and masks built up through time and experience.

The outdoors…
… inspires behavioral change.
… teaches clearly that all actions have consequences.
… acts as a catalyst for developing and strengthening relationships.
… provides the ideal setting for teaching and counseling by example.
… teaches participants new methods of communication.
… builds team interdependence.
… strengthens self-awareness, self-confidence and internal strength.

For ranch experiences, our size ensures that each youth receives close, personal attention. Each trip and ranch activity is planned to challenge each individual to work past their fears, opening them up to new ways of reacting and working through difficult situations. They are able to do this in a small group that they both live and learn with, further building the trust needed to create positive relationships in 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.