Hard Work and Hard Play

The program at Elk Ranch Academy is designed to include work and fun, as a therapy tool.  Giving boys the chance to learn the value of hard work is invaluable, however fun activities such as fishing, camping, hiking and outdoor cooking are loaded with valuable learning experiences that can help teach problems solving, self reliance and strengthen self esteem. 

Located on Jeffery Lake near Brady Nebraska, Elk Ranch Academy offers the ideal setting for boys to experience the best of the great outdoors.  As boys advance and earn benefits, afternoons and weekends can be spent participating in activities, such as the following:

CAMPING: From May to September our students will experience real outdoor camping.  Either along the shore of Jeffery Reservoir or up in the mountains the boys will have one to two night camp outs.  Learning valuable skills about the great outdoors.  These outings include fishing, hiking, outdoor cooking, water sports (for those that can swim) and nature projects.

FISHING: E.R.A. offers students a chance to fish the 3 miles of lakefront as well as taking weekend trips to other local fishing areas.  There are enough fishing opportunities in this area that students can earn the privilege to participate in evening fishing. This is a great chance for the boys to learn how to catch, clean and cook a fish.

SPORTS: Our expansive ranch provides a great opportunity for hiking, students will have the chance to view animals such as, Elk, Deer, Sheep, wild donkeys and exotic Goats.  Students will be able to play structured games, such as Basketball and Volleyball in our indoor multipurpose area.   Those boys that are interested may also learn to Rodeo and compete in local Youth Rodeos and of course there is always the impromptu baseball and football games that are bound to take place where ever Coach Bob and a group of boys find time and space.  These are just a very few of the sporting experiences that we can afford boys at E.R.A.

VOCATIONAL and SHOP SKILLS: Because Elk Ranch Academy is a working ranch boys will experience work activities such as construction, farming, calving, and gardening.  Students assist life coaches in planting gardens, laying cement, building fences, and maintaining animals.  The Ranch also features a fully stocked Wood Shop, where boys, with direct and constant supervision will learn about tools and how to properly use them.

WINTER ACTIVITIES:  Winters and summers are very different in Nebraska.  This allows Elk Ranch Academy to offer winter activities like; ice-skating, snow fort building, and sledding.

Elk Ranch Academy is a Christ-centered adolescent therapeutic boarding school dedicated to helping 7-17 yr old boys find the pathway back to happiness and family harmony