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As Most Kids Head Back to School, Some Are Going to Camp! Learn More at Aug. 18 Briefing on Central Texas Resources for Special Needs Children

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WHAT: A briefing on the changing face of today’s special needs children and the Central Texas organizations that support them. Hosted by Candlelight Ranch, the 100-plus acre nonprofit, nature camp on Lake Travis’ northern shore that provides year-round educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs for 700-plus special needs children and their family members annually.

WHEN/WHERE: August 18, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Mitte Carriage House, 1008 C West Avenue, Austin. (Located behind Mitte Foundation’s offices and accessible from 11th Street.)

WHY: Candlelight Ranch is one of Central Texas’ best-kept secrets but shouldn’t be because it is a unique facility that addresses an important, growing need in the region. This is a great opportunity for media to learn more about Candlelight Ranch (including the Oct. 20 benefit fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue), and also meet the region’s experts on special needs children – people who can be informative sources for highly visual and compelling coverage.

WHO: Speakers will include Candlelight Ranch leaders and campers and representatives from partner organizations. (See separate document for a complete list of partners.)

  • Candlelight Staff and Leaders
    • Jenn Hartner, LMSW, Program Director, Candlelight Ranch
    • Jennifer Miller, President, Candlelight Ranch
  • Candlelight Campers
    • Brandon, 10, who has been adopted from foster care and has ADHD.
    • Danielle, 12, a high functioning autistic girl
    • Jabe, 8, who was born with spin bifada
  • Candlelight Partner Organizations

BACKGROUND: Candlelight Ranch offers outdoor therapeutic and educational programs for children, ages 6-18, with physical, mental and emotional special needs. Campers include a wider array of youth than most people typically think of when they hear the phrase “special needs children.” In addition to kids with physical disabilities and/or who may be enrolled in Special Ed classes, Candlelight Ranch serves those who are: chronically or terminally ill; emotionally traumatized (e.g., due to loss of a parent) and at risk for problems such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, etc.; in foster care; victims of abuse; and/or from low-income backgrounds. The common thread: these children rarely, if ever, have access to a nature retreat and/or camping experience where they can safely challenge themselves, master skills, enjoy the thrill of physical achievement, build self-confidence and just have fun outdoors.

Click here to see photos of the facilities and activities which include: Reese's Treehouse, the region’s largest treehouse, nestled among century-old live oaks 19-feet above ground and featuring 500-square feet of play space, plus bunks for seven; a spectacular challenge course with three zip lines and Carolyn’s Canyon Crawl, spanning a 75-foot deep canyon; equine activities; yoga; swimming, kayaking, canoeing and water trampoline; hiking; natural science, botany and wildlife lessons; and art and music sessions.

CONTACTS: Jenn Hartner, 512.673.0558, jenn@candlelightranch.org or Susan Tull, 512.577.2956, susantull@aol.com.

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Candlelight Ranch Jenn Hartner Jennifer Miller Reeses Treehouse