BOYS RANCH
The Methodist Children's Home Boys Ranch is a working ranch located near Axtell, 10 miles northeast of Waco. The Ranch program helps boys who are beginning to behave in ways that are in conflict with the norms of society. About 50 boys, ages 12-18, live in one of six ranch homes with child care staff.

History	Extracurricular Activities
Purpose	Equestrian Program
Programs and Resources	Independent Living
Education

History
The Boys Ranch was founded in 1971 on land given to Methodist Children's Home by Mr. J. T. Stevens. The first home units opened in 1973 and the school building opened in 1979.

Purpose
Most boys entering the structured program are impulsive, angry, experiencing family problems or having difficulty in school. The Ranch program is designed to help boys develop character, identify strengths, and learn self-control, problem-solving and life skills.

Programs and Resources
The Ranch offers a variety of resources, including structured living, academic and vocational instruction, social and recreational activities, religious education, meaningful work, counseling and guided individual and group interaction.

Education
Education plays an important role in the Ranch program. Students attend an on-campus school designed to meet their individual needs. The school is supported by the Axtell ISD. In addition to basic classes, students are taught social and vocational skills.

Extracurricular Activities
Boys are encouraged to participate in a variety of after-school programs designed to teach leadership skills and enhance self-esteem. Activities include Future Farmers of America (FFA), student council, peer mediation, basketball, devotions, choir, peer mentoring and horsemanship. FFA continues to be a major component for the Ranch, with more than 90 percent of the boys involved in this program. Participants consistently earn awards at FFA events in Waco and across the state. The Boys Ranch basketball team recently won its first district title, and a member of the team became the first resident from Methodist Children's Home to be invited to play in the state all-star game. Boys also learn the importance of helping others through a variety of community service projects.
Click here to view recent event results.

Equestrian Program
The Ranch offers an equestrian program designed to help boys develop self-confidence, trust and effective communication skills by working with horses. Participants in the program compete in events throughout Texas.

For more information about the Boys Ranch, write or call:

Boys Ranch
Methodist Children's Home
1111 Herring Avenue
Waco, TX 76708
1-866-482-2624 or 254-799-2434
E-mail