Daily recreational activities provide youth opportunities to improve their choices while developing self-confidence and self-esteem through planned and supervised positive play experiences. By enjoying full and active lives, youth develop more cognitively deliberate decision-making skills.
While at YBGR, youth participate with their Lodge in weekly Recreational Therapy sessions with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Additionally, they have the opportunity to be involved in individualized and outdoor recreation programs.
The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Recreational Therapy Department strives to enhance each youth's ability to:
- achieve therapeutic goals
- cooperate with others
- problem solve
- manage anger
- reduce stress
- improve coordination and physical well being
- learn teamwork and sportsmanship
Earned opportunities in the Outdoor Program include:
- Camping
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Canoeing and rafting
- Fishing
- Cross-country skiing
The Intramural Program includes:
YBGR's intramural and sports teams compete with area schools.
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Floor hockey
- Softball
- Soccer
YBGR sports teams include:
- Boys basketball
- Girls volleyball
- Coed soccer
Click here to view a video about our Recreational Therapy program.
YBGR's Pet Therapy Program through the Recreational Therapy Department has been developed to provide alternative avenues to help youth learn to express their feelings. Jake, our therapy dog, is often used by the Intake Department and Primary Therapists in the lodges.
In addition to on-campus activities, YBGR offers many opportunities to re-integrate back into the community by attending sporting events in Billings. The Mustangs, Bulls and Outlaws are semi-professional teams providing hours of excitement for the youth.
One of the highlights of the year is selecting youth whose treatment program would be augmented by attending a five-day trip to Irv Lozier's Dude Ranch in Cora, Wyoming. The Box R has generously donated time to teach our youth a different way of life. The youth participate in horseback riding, pack trips, fishing, hiking and learn what it takes to own and operate a working ranch.
