Recreational Therapy Program

A Path to Healing

Youth in our Campus-Based Residential Treatment Program at Buckhorn Children’s Center and Dessie Scott Children’s Home have the opportunity to participate in our Recreational Therapy Program. The program provides holistic treatment and recreation, while improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our clients.

Our goal is to teach youth how to cope with life’s problems and to overcome trauma and adversity.

Our Program

At BCFS, we believe that healing comes through unconditional love and support. Part of that support is giving our clients the tools they need to improve the quality of their lives and to help restore them to overall good health. Our program is designed to utilize recreation in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues arising from severe abuse and neglect, and, in the process, to teach our clients:

Coping Skills

Anger Management

Stress Management

Effective Communication Skills

Teamwork

Responsibility

Self-Confidence

Upon admission, the recreational therapist assesses each client. The therapist and client then set goals and develop an individual treatment plan. The client is given opportunities throughout the week to participate in recreational therapy groups as well as music class.

When a client is mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy, we believe it keeps the rest of their life on track and makes them better able to work through issues arising from traumatic life experiences.

Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
Buckhorn Children & Family Services
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Activities

Treatment in our program incorporates a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, leisure, education, music, community outings, and gardening.

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, youth are becoming less and less active. Our program not only gets them outside and exercising, but it also teaches them time management skills that are so important during treatment.

Sports, Games, and Exercise

Our clients have access to recreational facilities and spacious campus grounds, where they can participate in sports like basketball and volleyball, as well as yard games (e.g., Cornhole, KanJam, etc.), aerobics, yoga, and more.

Adventure

With our close proximity to Buckhorn Lake, Natural Bridge, and Red River Gorge, our clients also have opportunities to experience the beauty and adventure of the Appalachian Mountains through hiking, sightseeing, and when possible, rock climbing and kayaking.

Gardening

Gardening has become a popular therapeutic activity with our clients. Each of our cottages has a garden, which our clients tend and maintain every day. Youth learn how to grow their own produce and prepare it for meals, but more importantly, they are taught keys to a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and responsibility. In the future, we hope to help our kids grow enough produce to be able to share it with needy members of our communities.

The Arts

Youth may also participate in BCFS’s H2H Therapeutic Music Program, which allows them to learn how to play musical instruments, listen to forms of music that may be unfamiliar to them, and to interact with and receive instruction from local musicians. Occasionally, they may also have opportunities to learn ceramics, painting, spinning pottery, creative writing, and other forms of expressive arts. In these classes and special activities, youth often discover hidden talents and abilities.

Leisure

Managing one’s time wisely is an important component in individual treatment. Youth are encouraged to read, study, watch films or instructional dvds, and, if they so choose, to cultivate their spiritual lives in Bible studies or to engage in moral development classes.

Community Outings

When possible, groups may be allowed to participate in community events, including trips to festivals, local movie theaters, museums, state parks, sporting events, plays and other presentations of the arts.


At Buckhorn, treatment addresses the whole person. As youth learn new activities and skills, our hope is that they will feel inspired, rejuvenated, and refreshed, and will continue to make healthy decisions throughout the rest of their lives.

For more information about BCFS’s Recreational Therapy Program, contact:

Dakota Burrell

Recreational Therapy

Phone: 606-398-7000
Toll-Free: 1-800-472-3678
Email: dakota.burrell@buckhorn.org

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