Laney, Finn, & Miles go trick-or-treating in Littleton this Halloween!
Laney, Finn, and Miles had a great Halloween as a Three Musketeers bar, a storm trooper, and a race car driver, respectively! The kids have just settled into a new home in Littleton, where they have plenty of space to grow and enjoy the company of their neighbors and friends. Here’s to a fun winter in town for everyone!
Seeing these great photos of the kids reminds me of the joy that everyone at Tumbling River gets to appreciate- the joy of seeing children exploring and playing in a remarkable environment. From my spot in the office, my favorite distractions were always the kids stopping by to say hi, ask questions, explore the office, and sneak off with a piece of candy. The kids bring so much laughter and excitement to each day at the Ranch.
Enjoying a ride in the rodeo on Saturday after a week of learning to steer, ride the trails, and lope in the arena.
For many, it is a dream come true to be riding, and they are thrilled to be there. They learn their horses’ names, and they steal carrots from the lunch buffet to feed to them before their afternoon ride. Some weeks, the kids are simply inspiring to everyone on the Ranch in their enthusiasm and diehard attitude towards riding. And we see remarkable results from this enthusiasm, with some of the kids this summer accomplishing longer and most challenging rides than they ever had before. Our teen groups especially are the driving force behind some of the hardest endurance rides the Ranch offers, like the overnight pack out trip to Geneva City and our High Camp.
For others, the transformation from being a non-rider to learning how to ride, steer and direct their horse, and tackle greater and greatest challenges is an amazing process as well. At the end of the week, they have a chance to show off their newly learned skills at the Rodeo. For all levels of riders and for all ages of children, Tumbling River offers a unique, immersive program in riding and camp activities.
Conversely, the kids are the life of Tumbling River. They bring and energy and spirit to the Ranch that leaves us all truly bereft when the season ends and they have to go back to school. If only we could just keep a few around- doesn’t any kid want an excuse to skip out of school? For any whose parents would be ok with that, I’m sure our wranglers can find some corrals that need mucking out!
The kids are the heart of TRR, bringing us all a new perspective on the enjoying the simple things in life- like a good s'more!
In all seriousness, though, the Ranch is a special place for kids, one where returning children always say that they cannot imagine a year without Tumbling River. It is a magical spot for them to explore, make friends, and enjoy the outdoors, well outside of their usual surroundings. And everyone at the Ranch, whether an office secretary, a wrangler, a cook, or a kids counselor, appreciates and values the joyousness and raucous enthusiasm that the kids groups bring to every moment of life on the Ranch.
