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Foster Care Adventure Weekends | April 18-20, 2025
April 18 @ 4:00 pm - April 20 @ 3:00 pm
April 18 – 20, 2025
Check-in Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM (call for alternate arrangements)
Check-out Time: 3:00 PM on Sunday
Location: Meramec Ranch, 1203 Meramec Wilderness Lane, Steelville, MO 65565
Eligibility: Youth in foster care between ages 7-17. Up to 16 youth per weekend.
- Youth must be in the legal custody of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division and under the jurisdiction of a Missouri juvenile court.
- Youth may NOT be currently enrolled in a residential treatment facility.
- Application must be completed by the Case Worker.
Cost: Fully funded for eligible youth.
About Meramec Ranch
KVC’s Meramec Adventure Ranch is one of the most extensive high adventure bases in the Midwest and the adventure base for all KVC Programs. Ranch programs are committed to helping individuals and groups discover and capitalize on their strengths and inspire changes in their perspective. Using an experiential approach in conjunction with outdoor and adventure activities, the Ranch helps those it serves focus on keys that lead to the continued development of character, integrity, positive relationships and, ultimately, to making even a greater positive impact in the world around them.
What are Foster Care Adventure Weekends?
Foster Care Adventure Weekends run throughout the year are designed to give youth in foster care (ages 7-17) a chance to challenge themselves, grow, build strong relationships, share incredible experiences and create lasting memories. All this is done through the transformative power of an outdoor adventure environment that acts as catalyst to stimulate individual and sibling self-efficacy, connection and purpose.
During their time at the Ranch, campers will be part of a group of 8-10 campers. Each group is led by two or three professional Camp Staff/Guides who work with and facilitate the group through the daily routine. Campers stay in the Wilderness Lodge, learn basic camp skills, cook over an open fire and participate in a myriad of activities from climbing to boating to ropes courses, as well as evening bonfires and other activities. These experiences are designed to foster the development of belief in their capabilities, grit, purpose in serving others and to develop and strengthen healthy connections. Daily themes, competitions and special events led by the camp staff are conducted to add to the campers’ enjoyment of the experience.
Contact your Case Worker to get registered today!
Applications MUST be completed by the Case Worker.
Applicants’ Case Workers and Primary Contacts (Guardians) will receive an email from the Ranch confirming their enrollment.
Youth are not officially enrolled until the confirmation email is received.
For more information about the Ranch or this program, call the Ranch office at 573-775-5513 or email Brett Bailey at bbailey@kvc.org.