Lonesome Dove Ranch
Where Healing Happens
The Scale of the Need
Hundreds of thousands of children are waiting for safety, stability, and a family to call their own.
Children in U.S. foster care on the last day of the fiscal year
Source: AFCARS Report No. 30, U.S. Children's Bureau (FY 2022)
Children waiting to be adopted
Source: AFCARS Report No. 30, U.S. Children's Bureau (FY 2022)
Youth age out of foster care each year without a permanent family
Source: AFCARS, U.S. Children's Bureau (FY 2022)
Youth who age out become homeless almost immediately
Source: National Foster Youth Institute
Where Healing Happens
At Lonesome Dove Ranch, "Where Healing Happens" is more than a slogan — it is our mission. We provide a sanctuary for children in the foster care system, many of whom have endured severe trauma, abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and years of instability inside a system that struggles to meet their needs.
Nestled on 120 peaceful acres in Royse City, Texas — with plans to expand onto a recently donated 250-acre ranch — Lonesome Dove offers a nurturing environment where every child can rediscover safety, confidence, and hope. For 17 years, we have provided life-changing experiences through our camps and programs.
For these children — often overlooked and underserved — the ranch is more than a camp. It is a place where healing begins, where trust is rebuilt, and where transformation becomes possible.
Our Camps and Programs
Small camps, high adult ratios, and personalized care — by design.
Children served annually
7 camps each summer, capped at 50 children per camp for personalized care
Volunteers each year
A 2:1 — sometimes 3:1 — adult-to-child ratio for focused attention
Ages served
Camps for ages 6–12, with teen programming for ages 13–15 launched in 2025
Privately funded
Supported entirely by individual donors, local businesses, and churches — no government funding
Looking ahead, plans are underway to create a foster care village for long-term residential care.
How Healing Happens
Our programs offer foster children experiences that inspire healing and hope — many of which they have never known.
Therapeutic Riding
Horses with histories of abuse form powerful bonds with children, helping them feel valued, safe, and hopeful.
Adventure Activities
Crafts, woodworking, fishing, jet skiing, horseback riding, and water slides that foster joy, confidence, and connection.
Personalized Birthday Celebrations
Special parties that remind children they are loved and uniquely celebrated — often for the very first time.
Emotional Support
Helping children navigate their emotions, build resilience, and experience a lasting sense of stability.
Community and Care
Licensed counselors, caring volunteers, and a supportive camp environment ensure every child feels safe and loved.
Training Families
Preparing families for adoption and helping place children in secure, loving, permanent homes.
The Impact of Funding
Funding expands our programs so more children can experience life-changing healing and hope. Sustained support will:
Sponsor children to attend camp
Expand our reach to serve more children and families
Support the launch of a residential program for long-term care
Maintain the ranch as a sanctuary for healing
This support not only transforms lives, it strengthens the community by fostering local involvement and building a network of care.
Visit Lonesome Dove Ranch
Learn more about our camp programs, upcoming events, and ways to give or volunteer.