American Essence

A Camp Hopes to Give Troubled Teens the Chance to Heal Inner Wounds out in Nature

A ranch in Maryland wants to help troubled teenage girls with an uncommon approach: through learning horse riding and survival skills.
A Camp Hopes to Give Troubled Teens the Chance to Heal Inner Wounds out in Nature
Refuge Mountain Ranch is surrounded by state forest land; nature is the backdrop for young teens participating in its retreat program. Courtesy of Refuge Mountain Ranch
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Surrounded by nature, engaging in equine therapy, and healing together through outdoor activities—this is what Maryland entrepreneur Ben Riegsecker imagined would help troubled teen girls find their way again.
Riegsecker’s vision for his faith-based nonprofit, Refuge Mountain Ranch, is one where those who need a new start can learn the tools to do so in a safe environment. Through divine inspiration—and some miracles along the way—he bought a 370-acre property that’s completely surrounded by state forest, and transformed it into a place where future program attendees can ride horses amid a scenic landscape.
Krista Thomas
Krista Thomas
Author
Krista Thomas is a publicist, writer, and consultant. A native of Texas and graduate of Texas A&M University, Thomas is married with three children, whom she homeschooled for 20 years. She resides in the Black Hills of South Dakota.