OUR PROGRAM
Arbinger Philosophy
Arbinger is a powerful relationship- building philosophy used by families, schools, Fortune 500 Companies, etc, to transform one's life from a place of anger, blame, unaccountably, and personal unhappiness to one of peace, free from guilt, finding happiness in fulfilling relationships with others. Arbinger is about taking accountability for one's own journey in life and teaches us how to work through relationship challenges in a healthy and productive way.
Therapeutic Boarding School
Every aspect of the ranch is geared toward building a young man of integrity. Men that are emotionally whole and morally complete. Like a giant jig-saw puzzle, each activity from ranch work to recreational play is structured to help the young man uncover his potential, understand the consequences his choices (past and future), and give him the tools to become a man of integrity.
Equine Therapy
Our program is based around the working relationship each boy has with his horse. Each boy is assigned his own horse to work with, care for, and form a meaningful relationship of trust with. Through the successful implementation of Arbinger principles and our unique equine therapy program, we witness a lasting change in our clients' abilities to relate to and work with their horse which translates to peers, parents and people around them.
THE ARIVACA WAY
Every aspect of the ranch is geared toward helping boys become young men of integrity. Men that are emotionally whole and morally complete. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, each activity from ranch work to recreational play is structured to help the young man uncover his potential, understand the consequences his choices (past and future), and discover his desire to become, and give him the tools to achieve the man of integrity.
Young men participate in daily activities that build upon the principles they are being taught during their stay at the ranch. Each young man participates in weekly seminars (Arbinger). The principles of each seminar are then built into the activities of the week. Wranglers (trained staff with the boys 24/7) help the boys see the principles in action during the day and then review those principles with the boys at the end of every day during “Trail Time.” Each young man keeps a journal to track his feelings and thoughts as he progresses through the experience. The journals are used during individual therapy to help set goals and follow each young man’s treatment plan. Cowboy church, group therapy, and work projects are all coordinated to help the principles taught that week take root and become part of their behavior. Simple activities such as making a rope halter for his horse, building a toolbox, participating in a round-ups, fixing a fence, welding a rack, or visiting a planetarium are all a part of the therapeutic puzzle. Each communicates life lessons and positive self-esteem building experiences. Young men learn to approach difficult tasks as challenges to be overcome and conquered instead of obstacles to escape. They learn to deal with failure, emotional struggles, frustration, and the challenges of life. They develop the tools to handle adversity and to “Cowboy Up!” Working with horses, they experience a new world of seeing themselves. It is more than riding and caring for a living creature. They struggle to communicate with the horse in structured activities. They face fear and learn to control their anger and emotions. They work with stubborn, obstinate horses that won’t listen or follow instructions, and even rebel. They learn to calm the creatures and to get them to pay attention and to respond to positive pressure. They learn to get the horse to willingly choose to follow. They learn about free will and choices. They learn about themselves! Horse sessions are debriefed and principles discussed.
The boys are encouraged to write the experiences.
Arivaca Boys Ranch is a complete program, a culture – it is a “Way of Being.”
Ten months of training, learning, trying, failing, succeeding,
working, eating, sleeping, playing, riding, walking, talking,
listening, crying, laughing, thinking, writing, reading, and
praying. The result: Men of Integrity!
What Makes Us Different
Therapy
Group Therapy with licensed therapists - 4 Times a week
Process Groups 2 times a week
Individual Therapy- Minimum once a week with licensed therapist
Family Therapy - Weekly
Equine Therapy - 90 minutes a day - 5 days a week
What We Treat
Reactive Attachment
ODD
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Substance Abuse
Rebellion
Lack of Motivation
Conduct Disorders
Behavioral Issues
MORE...
Programs
Arbinger Instruction - Once a week
Morals and Values Class Once a week
Cowboy Church - Optional
Parent Arbinger Instruction
Parents of Arivaca Boys Ranch
To all the staff at Arivaca,
Thank you so much for the wonderful weekend. I enjoyed myself tremendously and felt very happy to be there. I am sure it is not an easy task to have planned, prepared and carried out the whole event. My sincere gratitude goes to every person who made it possible.
Seeing Ian on this visit was like meeting a new person. His smile was the one I remember from when he was a little boy and had a true love of life. To watch Ian connect with the horses and really have a feeling of accomplishment was thrilling.
Hearing so many of the staff share with us that they genuinely love and care for our son was so comforting and awesome. I could tell it was true because Ian really loves all the staff out there too.
Thank you for showing us, as parents, how to be different with Ian when he returns. The time and effort you put into teaching us how to change our old behaviors with Ian, is what I believe will make it possible for Ian to continue to blossom after he returns home from Arivaca. What you have shown us has not only helped with our relationship with our son, it has changed the way we are in all our relationships.
Thank you again,
Cathy McLellan
If you have a troubled boys, this is the place to send him. The most incredible program I have ever seen! Total transformation changing boys into young men of integrity.
This is a wonderful program for troubled boys! The benefits are many and the spiritual environment enriching. I know Ron and his staff grow close to each young man who arrives at the ranch. If you need real help, this is the place to go. I highly recommend Arivaca Boys Ranch.
Steve B
We sent our son to the ranch hoping for a miracle, and guess what we received one. even though we had some struggles when he first returned home we are proud to say he is now 19 years old and runs his own business. We give give thanks to Ron and the staff for the hard work and dedication they put forth for our son, and other kids that were in need. I also thank my son as well because he accepted the changes that needed to be made in order to be successful in life.. Thank you Arivaca for everything, you truly are gift sent from above..
Dee C.
This is a GREAT program that really helped our son-- actually, our whole family-- at a time when we needed it most. The program doesn't change your son, it gives you back your son. It lets him be the great person he was (is!) in spite of recent troubles, be they (as in our case) drugs and behavioral issues, or many other problems. This is not a place where you just "park" your child for a year and forget about him; no, this is a place that works with the whole family to change the dynamics, which changes the relationships, which changes the family. I was a little unsure of the equine therapy part initially (this whole thing was new to me), but they know what they're doing and it works. If you're looking at these sorts of places, odds are you're in a dark place. You have my sympathy, as I've been there. I can't promise that Arivaca is right for you (because I don't know what's going on with you and your son), but I can say you should check it out, because it's a great program. My family is living proof! Can't say enough good things, thanks to all!
Mike