Work, Study, Play and Pray…Growing up the American Way!

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches has a four-fold philosophy of care. We believe if a child learns these four critical components they will be a healthy, productive adult. We teach these elements in all of our programs.

Work

We focus on building healthy, work-related skills and ethics in our boys and girls while helping them become productive, law-abiding members of our communities.

Many of the children living at the Youth Ranches have never been taught some of the basic work related values that translate into their eventual ability to earn a living. No matter what our minds can achieve, we must all learn to respect authority as we work for a supervisor, cooperate with a positive attitude and perform our job with quality. These basic concepts are woven into the work program at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Each child experiences an educational balance of work responsibilities and duties within the daily campus routine. From basic chores around the cottage to a job on campus, each step in the program is geared to prepare a youth for a productive future in the adult world.

Study

The children we serve often come to us behind in school. Many of them have a genuine desire to be on grade level in their academics. We strive to help them not only reach their appropriate grade level but to excel in their studies.

Two of our campuses have Learning Centers with small classes and one-to-one attention from the teachers. The boys and girls at the Youth Ranches also have an opportunity to study vocational subjects to help develop employable skills for the future. At home, each cottage has a study hall time so students can receive additional help with their academic work outside of the school setting.

We have found when a child improves academically, their self-esteem and confidence improves tremendously. A general education built with positive study habits is an integral part of preventing juvenile delinquency and developing lawful, productive citizens.

Play

Playing is an integral part of personal growth. Through play, we build personal relationships and explore our skills and abilities. Play means trusting others and yourself.

The children we serve often come to us lacking trust and many feel poorly about themselves. Through play, they make new friends and discover things about themselves they never knew. This discovery helps improve their confidence and self-esteem.

Part of the daily routine at the Youth Ranches includes free time when personal activities can be pursued whether it is art, music, sports or spending time with the animals. We want our boys and girls to develop positive, healthy ways to use their free time as they discover new interests and hobbies that will last a lifetime.

Pray

We use the word “pray” to encompass the overall moral and spiritual component of our teaching philosophy at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

The basic instruction our boys and girls receive helps every child look at their life choices and evaluate each one. We know that life is much more than a set of rules and regulations. As youngsters grow up, they must learn the difference between what is right and wrong. They must be able to logically make choices that will be good for them and their future. Youth also must know the consequences of their choices.

Each boy and girl is encouraged to develop a solid spiritual life through prayer, chapel attendance and personal devotion time. This foundation will aid each youth as they make decisions that will impact not only themselves but their communities and future families.