Recreational Therapy at the Ranch

Recreational Therapy (2)

Recreational Therapy

At the Ranch, Recreational Therapy supports physical and emotional well-being through structured activities that reinforce treatment goals and everyday life skills—helping healing and resilience take shape.

How Recreational Therapy Supports Treatment

Recreation therapy provides opportunities to:

  • Practice teamwork and cooperation
  • Learn healthy ways to manage stress and navigate emotions
  • Build confidence through physical activity and skill development
  • Experience belonging in group settings
  • Develop habits that support long-term well-being

Each lodge has scheduled recreation therapy sessions that support treatment goals and ongoing progress.

Correct UC Center - Rec Therapy

The Uihlein Center

The Uihlein Center (UC) serves as a central hub for life at the Ranch. Amenities that support healing through movement include:

  • Full-court indoor gymnasium
  • Heated indoor swimming pool
  • Cardio and weight-lifting areas
  • Game room with pool tables, shuffleboard, foosball, air hockey, large-screen TV, and interactive gaming
  • Bowling alley
  • Outdoor athletic court for basketball and tennis
  • Athletic track
  • Baseball field
  • Soccer field
  • Experiential ropes course
  • Mini-golf course
  • Indoor arena and outdoor recreational horse riding

Activities and access vary based on clinical recommendations and safety considerations.

Recreational Therapy - seasonal activities (1)

Outdoor & Seasonal Programming

Outdoor experiences are a vital extension of our recreation therapy program.

Seasonal opportunities include:

  • Hiking and biking
  • Camping
  • Canoeing and fishing
  • Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

These experiences help kids step into challenges, build confidence, and practice communication and problem-solving in real-world settings. For some, it’s the first time discovering a love for the outdoors.

Youth Perspective

Recreation therapy is often where kids notice the most meaningful shifts in themselves:

“Helps me stay steady at school, calm down when I need to, release anger, and learn important outdoor skills. Being outside helps my stress.” — Former YBGR Youth

Preparing for Life Beyond the Ranch

Recreation therapy helps youth build body awareness, navigate emotions, and grow confidence—preparing them for life well beyond their time at the Ranch. They practice coping strategies in real time and carry those skills into daily life after leaving our care.

Learn More

Recreation therapy is one of many ways care comes to life at the Ranch. For more information about how we support youth at the Ranch in Billings, visit our Residential Care at the Ranch page or continue exploring our on-site therapeutic programming.