In 2007, with the help of some dedicated individuals, Big Springs Ranch started a small 4H program. It began with a few children raising lambs, goats, and pigs. Caring for an animal made a big difference in the lives of several Ranch children that first year, and it was easy to see that 4H would be a wonderful addition to activities at BSRC.

"You have to take care of your animal well because the animal depends on you for everything," said Jason, an eight-year resident. In 2007-08, he raised a lamb named Tula. He showed another lamb in both Leakey and Kerrville during the 2008-09 season.

Each day the children feed their animals, walk them for exercise and training, and clean the water. They learn important lessons about responsibility and ownership.

The program started with numerous challenges. The children cleaned out an old pen behind Oma Bell's house, a mile upriver from their residences, in the spot where Oma Bell used to keep her pig! With makeshift dividers in place, the children moved in four goats, three lambs, and three pigs.

"It was like we had our own little farm," said one. They all worked hard and, though only one animal placed that first year, they left with new confidence.

The program was obviously good for the children involved, so materials were scraped together to move the animals to a spot near the vocational shop, where the children built some temporary shelters.

By August word had spread and suddenly 25 children were interested in the program. Getting animals for all the children was a challenge. Generous friends of the Ranch donated six goats and six lambs. More were purchased with funds from other generous supporters, and we were able to accommodate 22 children. Those without animals helped the other children who had one. Next year, we hope to get one for every child.

For many of our children, this is the first time they have been close to an animal. Many of the children come from urban areas where livestock are not part of daily life.

"Having livestock on the Ranch gives the children exposure to a healthy rural lifestyle far away from the issues of gangs, crime, and drugs that permeate the urban street culture," said Brune High Instructional Director Tripp Davenport.

The stock show arrived in January, and all 22 children entered. Amanda received Reserve Champion for her buck rabbit. She got a trophy and a beautiful ribbon. Auquisha got a first place ribbon for her kid goat, and also received a first place trophy and a blue ribbon for her hard work.

The children also got the opportunity to sell their animals after the show for a premium. Each child led their animal through the auction ring, generous donors bid, and in a new twist this year, the child got to keep both the animal and the money. Each child received between $500 and $700 depending on how well their animal showed, and the proceeds were placed in their savings. These funds will go a long way toward helping them with expenses after graduation.

One of the residents, Gabe, showed a breeder goat given by Deep Creek Ranch of Uvalde. Gabe showed the goat on Thursday, and early Friday morning it gave birth to a healthy kid! Gabe asked the ranch owners if he could show the baby next year. The donors agreed, and Gabe will take over his new project in late summer.

Four of the students were selected this year to show in the Hill Country District stock show, and they will also go to the San Angelo show in late February. Plans are to expand next year to include the annual state-wide San Antonio livestock show. And a new ag teacher was hired at Brune High School to help with the expanding interest.

The biggest challenge now is to build a facility to house the animals, host vocational classes, and permit future growth. The pens are crowded and exposed. This year the children used water hoses to wash their animals while they were tethered to Mr. Davenport's pickup truck!

Plans for a first-class 4H facility are drawn and have been partially funded by the Stevens Foundation of Kerrville. Matching funds are needed to allow construction to begin. Meanwhile, the children will continue working with what they have, and are gathering scrap materials to add a few more outdoor shelters, while hoping for news of a new barn.